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in General Elder Fraud
fdic.gov
· 2026-05-22
The FDIC is hosting a national event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to help older adults and their families protect themselves from common financial scams including imposter scams, romance scams, and phishing attacks. The program uses the free Money Smart for Older Adults curriculum to teach people how to recognize and avoid these schemes, and will provide updates on emerging fraud threats currently targeting seniors. Older adults, caregivers, and financial institutions can register online to participate in the webinar and learn practical fraud prevention strategies.
wbaltv.com
· 2026-05-22
A congressional committee is pressuring major telecommunications companies like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile to strengthen their defenses against scams, which cost Americans an estimated $200 billion in 2024. The lawmakers are concerned that consumers can't reliably distinguish legitimate messages from scams and want telecom companies to improve their data collection, monitoring, and enforcement efforts against scammers. While carriers blocked billions of scam texts and calls in 2024, unwanted messages continue to reach consumers in large numbers, prompting Congress to demand better protections beyond previous efforts like the 2019 TRACED Act.
eset.com
· 2026-05-22
Romance scams cost victims an average of $9,400 in 2025, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated AI tools including deepfake videos, AI-generated photos, and chatbots to impersonate fake profiles on dating apps. Anyone using online dating should watch for red flags such as requests to move conversations off the platform quickly, requests for money, or reluctance to meet in person. Understanding how these scams evolve and using the dating app's built-in safety features are key steps to protecting yourself from romance fraud.
nbcphiladelphia.com
· 2026-05-22
Five people were arrested in Philadelphia for an organized fraud scheme that targeted at least 35 seniors, stealing over $500,000 since June 2024, with investigators believing there may be more than 150 victims. The scammers posed as representatives from banks and utilities like PECO and the Water Department, convincing seniors to hand over their debit cards and PINs by claiming there were account problems that needed fixing. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited calls about account issues, never give out debit card information or PINs to unsolicited callers, and verify any claims by calling the official number on your billing statement directly.
kctv5.com
· 2026-05-22
A courier named Syed M. Makki was sentenced to 15½ years in prison for his role in a nationwide elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors aged 61-80, convincing them to liquidate their savings and retirement accounts to buy gold bars under the false pretense that their money was unsafe. The scammers used malware to place fake Microsoft and government agency phone numbers on victims' computers, impersonating officials to build trust before directing victims to purchase gold and hand it over for "safekeeping." So far, 12 victims have lost more than $6 million to the scheme, and seniors should be wary of unsolicited calls about compromised identities or unsafe bank accounts—especially those pressuring immediate purchases of physical assets like gold.
hinshawlaw.com
· 2026-05-22
AI companion systems deployed in senior care facilities are increasingly collecting sensitive personal data—including conversations, behavioral patterns, and emotional information—from vulnerable elderly residents, creating significant privacy and consumer protection risks. While these tools can help reduce loneliness, compliance experts warn that organizations using them must implement strict consent procedures, data limits, and oversight mechanisms rather than treating them as standard IT purchases. Care providers should establish clear governance frameworks that define what data these systems can access and retain, ensure residents (or their representatives) truly understand what they're agreeing to, and recognize their heightened legal responsibility to protect this vulnerable population.
oakbaynews.com
· 2026-05-22
A new documentary called "Beware Mysterious Mark" tells the true story of an elderly man who loses most of his assets, family relationships, and dignity to a charming newcomer over six to seven years, highlighting the serious problem of elder financial abuse. The documentary, produced by Radio Sidney with support from the New Horizons for Seniors grant, features experts including lawyers, doctors, and psychologists who provide practical advice on protecting seniors through legal safeguards like power of attorney, family transparency, and recognizing signs of predatory relationships. Viewers learn warning signs of elder financial abuse and actionable steps to take if they suspect someone is being exploited, including understanding cognitive vulnerabilities and knowing when to involve authorities.
6abc.com
· 2026-05-22
Police in Philadelphia arrested five suspects accused of defrauding at least 150 senior citizens—primarily Black women, some over 90 years old—of more than $500,000 since June 2024. The scammers impersonated employees from utility companies like PECO and the Philadelphia Water Department, calling victims to claim account problems and then stealing their bank information and money. If you or someone you know was targeted, contact the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Elder Justice Unit at 215-686-5710, as authorities are seeking additional victims and expect more arrests.
in.mashable.com
· 2026-05-22
The FBI shut down an Indian call center operation and secured guilty pleas from two U.S. executives who knowingly provided telecommunications services enabling tech support scams that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars. The scammers used fake virus warnings to trick victims into calling overseas centers, where they were charged for fake tech support and had their personal data stolen. Elderly Americans should be cautious of unsolicited pop-up warnings and avoid calling unfamiliar numbers, instead contacting their device manufacturer directly if they suspect a virus.
news.webindia123.com
· 2026-05-22
The FBI shut down a major call center scam operation based in India that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars through tech support fraud schemes. Two U.S. executives—Adam Young and Harrison Gevirtz—pleaded guilty to knowingly providing telecommunications services that enabled these scams, along with five India-based scammers who were convicted. The FBI urges people to check on elderly loved ones, report suspicious activity to law enforcement at 1-800-CALL-FBI, and remain vigilant against senior-targeted scams.
wwnytv.com
· 2026-05-21
A Gouverneur woman offering a $1,000 reward for her lost dog, Toby, became a target for scammers who sent text messages claiming to have the dog and demanding payment via Zelle or Apple Pay before revealing its location. The woman recognized the scams and did not send money, but local law enforcement warns that scammers often exploit people's emotions during vulnerable times. To protect yourself, ignore suspicious payment requests and never send money or gift cards to unknown people claiming to have information about lost pets—instead, contact local authorities directly.
vicnews.com
· 2026-05-21
A new documentary called "Beware Mysterious Mark," presented by Radio Sidney, tells the true story of an elderly man who loses most of his assets and his family relationships to a manipulative person who gradually gains his trust over several years. The film highlights the serious problem of elder financial abuse and features experts discussing warning signs, protective measures, and legal tools—such as power of attorney safeguards and transparent family communication—that seniors and their families can use to prevent such exploitation. Viewers are urged to watch for signs of chronic loneliness in older adults, maintain open family discussions about finances, and know when and how to report suspected elder abuse to authorities.
thebusinessjournal.com
· 2026-05-21
A Fresno County jury convicted Gina Abercrombie and Justin Teel of elder fraud for stealing over $700,000 through fraudulent business loans taken in the name of Abercrombie's late stepfather, who owned Sherwood Forest Golf Club. The couple exploited their access to the estate between 2017 and 2022, with both now facing up to five years and four months in prison. The case highlights the importance of monitoring financial accounts and legal documents when serving as an executor or trustee of someone's estate, and being cautious about who has access to sensitive financial information.
einpresswire.com
· 2026-05-21
Haselkorn & Thibaut, a nationwide investment fraud law firm, is offering free financial assessments to retirees who believe they have lost money due to advisor fraud or misconduct. The firm aims to help seniors identify whether they may be victims of investment fraud and explore potential legal remedies. If you're a retiree concerned about suspicious losses or advisor behavior, contacting the firm for a free evaluation is a risk-free way to determine if you have a potential case.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-21
Eight people across Ohio, including home health aides and counselors, have been indicted for stealing over $542,000 from Medicaid and elderly nursing home residents through billing schemes. The defendants allegedly billed Medicaid for services never provided—such as in-home care while traveling internationally, working other jobs, or when patients were hospitalized—with one woman accused of fraudulently billing over $412,000 alone. Vulnerable Ohioans receiving Medicaid benefits should review their statements for suspicious charges, and family members of elderly care recipients should verify that billed services were actually rendered.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-21
Over 101,000 seniors age 60 and older fall victim to scams annually, losing nearly $5 billion to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics including fake government agents, romance scams, and AI voice cloning. New AI-powered smart home systems are emerging as a defense mechanism by monitoring phone calls in real time to detect warning signs like urgency, threats, and emotional manipulation, then automatically alerting family members or emergency responders when suspicious activity is detected. For seniors living alone and their adult children, these integrated monitoring systems offer a proactive alternative to traditional education-based prevention by providing immediate alerts when a potential scam is in progress.
inkl.com
· 2026-05-21
Over 101,000 seniors age 60 and older fall victim to scams annually, losing nearly $5 billion collectively to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics like fake government calls, romance schemes, and AI voice cloning. New AI-powered monitoring systems are emerging as a defense mechanism, automatically detecting common scam tactics during phone calls and alerting family members or emergency responders in real time. For families concerned about aging parents, these integrated smart systems offer an additional layer of protection beyond traditional education-based prevention methods.
newtelegraphng.com
· 2026-05-21
A Nigerian man named Samuel Ugberaese was extradited to the United States and faces up to 40 years in prison for allegedly orchestrating romance scams that targeted elderly Americans, using fake identities to manipulate victims into sending money that was then laundered through U.S. bank accounts. Prosecutors say Ugberaese worked with a co-defendant to disguise the stolen funds by routing them through accounts registered to fake export companies. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send funds to someone you haven't met in person.
timesunion.com
· 2026-05-20
An elderly woman in Moreau nearly lost $20,000 to a sophisticated scam after receiving a fake PayPal email claiming fraudulent charges on her account. The scammer convinced her to download remote-access software and wire money to California, but a timely welfare check by a sheriff's deputy and Homeland Security agent interrupted the scheme and prevented the loss. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited emails asking you to verify account information, never grant remote access to your devices, and contact authorities immediately if you suspect you're being scammed.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI-powered deepfake technology to clone voices and create fake kidnapping scenarios, particularly targeting seniors through emotionally manipulative phone calls that sound like distressed family members demanding immediate payment. The FBI warns that criminals need only a few seconds of audio from social media to create convincing voice imitations, and they often use fabricated videos and photos as "proof" to pressure victims into sending money via cryptocurrency or wire transfers before they can verify the emergency. To protect yourself, pause before responding to urgent requests for money, independently verify any emergency by calling your family member directly, and be cautious about what personal information and audio you share online.
theregister.com
· 2026-05-20
Dutch police successfully identified 74 of their 100 most wanted scammers through an innovative "Game Over?!" campaign that publicly shamed fraudsters by releasing their blurred photos and threatening to unmask them within two weeks. The campaign, which targeted criminals who victimized elderly people, resulted in 34 suspects turning themselves in and led to the identification of 40 others after their faces were revealed on social media and public displays, with over 500 public tips contributing to the effort. The campaign demonstrates that public pressure and shame can be effective tools against cybercrime, though citizens should remain cautious of scams and report suspected fraud to local authorities.
sandmountainreporter.com
· 2026-05-20
A seminar at Guntersville Library educated seniors about fraud and scams, which are increasingly targeting this vulnerable population through tactics like imposter scams, fake urgency threats, and AI-generated voices. According to the Federal Trade Commission, reported losses jumped from $10 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion in 2024, with seniors being disproportionately preyed upon despite younger people reporting losses more frequently. The presentation recommended learning to recognize common scam tactics, verifying caller identities independently, and staying cautious of unsolicited contact that creates pressure or emotional appeals.
rockymountainvoice.com
· 2026-05-20
Older Americans, particularly those in Colorado, are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated financial scams that cost seniors nationwide an estimated $27 billion annually. Scammers use phishing emails, fake business and government imposter schemes to target seniors as digital banking and communication become more prevalent. To protect themselves, older adults should verify requests for personal information by contacting institutions directly through official phone numbers or websites, remain skeptical of unsolicited communications, and report suspected fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
arise.tv
· 2026-05-20
A Nigerian national, Samuel Ugberaese, has been extradited to the United States and arrested for operating an international romance scam that targeted elderly victims, defrauding them through fake emotional relationships and fabricated stories to extract money. Working with accomplices, Ugberaese allegedly laundered the stolen funds through bank accounts linked to fake export companies to conceal their origin. Elderly individuals should be cautious of online relationships with people claiming to need money urgently, verify the identities of new contacts through independent means, and never send money to strangers regardless of their story.
sudbury.ma.us
· 2026-05-19
Grandparent scams target elderly victims by impersonating a grandchild in distress, claiming they need money urgently due to arrests, accidents, or kidnapping, while a second scammer posing as law enforcement or an attorney pressures victims to send payment via gift cards or cash. Scammers research victims on social media to make their stories believable and use tactics like voice disguise and urgency to prevent victims from verifying the story with family members. To protect yourself, verify emergencies by calling family directly, be suspicious of requests for gift cards or cash, and never act on urgent requests before confirming with trusted family members.
virginislandsdailynews.com
· 2026-05-19
A St. Thomas woman named Henrietta Harlow was arrested for allegedly stealing nearly $134,000 from her elderly mother, who has advanced Alzheimer's dementia and was under her care. Using power of attorney, Harlow made unauthorized withdrawals and transfers from her mother's bank account, diverted Social Security benefits, and took control of her mother's rental property—actions that continued for years despite her mother's need for round-the-clock care and inability to manage her own finances. To protect vulnerable family members, people should monitor any relatives with power of attorney over elderly or disabled family members, review bank and financial statements regularly, and report suspected elder financial abuse to local authorities immediately.
sandiegometro.com
· 2026-05-19
San Diego County spent $26.8 million on air purifiers from Oransi LLC to help residents affected by pollution from the Tijuana River, but a competing company claims these purifiers will be ineffective at relieving the harmful hydrogen sulfide fumes residents are exposed to. Additionally, elder fraud cases have surged 84%, prompting local organizations to offer free workshops to help San Diego seniors protect themselves from becoming victims of scams targeting older adults.
hometownstation.com
· 2026-05-19
Americans lost a record $21 billion to scams in 2025, with seniors, veterans, and vulnerable families particularly targeted through phone fraud, romance scams, and impersonation schemes that are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI technology. Rep. Whitesides and anti-scam advocates are pushing for stronger legislative action, including better enforcement from social media companies and financial institutions to combat these growing threats. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about unsolicited calls and messages, verify requests for money through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI.
insightnews.com
· 2026-05-19
Governor Tim Walz signed eleven bills into law that include new protections for renters and homeowners, expanded mental health services in prisons, and a statewide framework to protect older Minnesotans and vulnerable people from financial fraud and exploitation. Key housing reforms address submeter billing practices and homeowners association governance, particularly benefiting renters in shared-meter buildings and first-time Black homeowners who have faced surprise charges and hidden assessments. To protect themselves, renters should review their lease terms carefully regarding digital rent payments and submeter charges, while homeowners should scrutinize HOA documentation and request transparent governance disclosures before purchasing property.
unionleader.com
· 2026-05-19
A 41-year-old man was murdered in Derry, New Hampshire in May 2025 during what authorities believe was a coordinated theft operation linked to an international gift card fraud scheme. The victim, Gui Lin, was stabbed while unloading boxes of iPhones and Apple products purchased with stolen gift cards at a warehouse; three men have been arrested in connection with the killing, with the investigation revealing that multiple warehouses across Southern New Hampshire were being targeted for bulk electronics purchases made fraudulently. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited gift cards, monitor your accounts for unauthorized purchases, and report suspicious activity to your bank or payment provider immediately.
riponadvance.com
· 2026-05-19
U.S. Representatives Bryan Steil and Zach Nunn introduced a bipartisan bill to designate May 14 as National Scam Survivor Day, aimed at raising awareness and combating the stigma surrounding fraud victims. Americans lost over $195 billion to scams in 2024, with roughly 3 million fraud reports filed in 2025—affecting seniors, families, and people of all ages through schemes like romance scams and fake investments. The resolution encourages scam survivors to share their stories and calls for collaboration between government, private sector, and nonprofits to help victims access support and prevent future fraud.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-19
AI scammers are using voice-cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake emergency scenarios, with one in four adults experiencing or knowing someone affected by these scams, and 77% of victims losing money (ranging from $500 to $15,000). Criminals need only seconds of audio from social media posts, voicemails, or videos to create convincing voice replicas that exploit panic and emotional reactions, particularly targeting seniors. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through independent contact methods before sending money, be cautious about voice content you share online, and remember that legitimate contacts won't pressure you for immediate payment.
kjrh.com
· 2026-05-19
Scammers are using artificial intelligence to spoof trusted phone numbers—including news stations and government agencies like Medicare—to trick people into revealing personal information, with a recent incident targeting a Tulsa-area woman. According to the FBI, AI-enabled fraud surged dramatically in 2025, generating $893 million in losses and hitting seniors particularly hard, with those 60 and older losing $7.7 billion that year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling the organization's official number, and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask for sensitive data over the phone.
mississauga.com
· 2026-05-18
Canada has updated its travel advisory for Mexico to warn citizens about online romance scams and phishing emails—particularly targeting seniors—as well as serious safety risks including poor road conditions, infrequent traffic law enforcement, and common highway crime. Travellers planning to visit Mexico, especially those meeting someone they connected with online, should exercise extreme caution, avoid travelling alone, verify the identity of online contacts before meeting in person, and stay informed about which regions are under heightened "avoid non-essential travel" warnings due to violence and organized crime. The advisory recommends avoiding travel on highways at night and being aware that fatal accidents are frequent throughout the country.
advantagenews.com
· 2026-05-18
Illinois lawmakers are pushing legislation that would require banks to implement new safeguards to prevent fraud targeting elderly and disabled adults, who lost an estimated $4.9 billion in 2024 according to FBI data. The proposed bill would allow financial institutions to pause suspicious transactions and contact trusted representatives when exploitation is suspected, with reports sent to the Illinois Department on Aging. Despite support from victims' families and advocacy groups, banks are opposing the measure, though the article suggests the protections are needed as scams become increasingly sophisticated and devastating, with one example being an 83-year-old who lost $69,000 to a phone scam.
themirror.com
· 2026-05-18
Two California residents were arrested after attempting to scam a senior citizen twice using an elaborate con involving fake Apple Store charges and false claims about the victim's bank account being linked to illegal content. The scammers successfully stole money in their first con and then demanded an additional $50,000 during a second attempt, but were caught by police during their scheduled meeting with the victim. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages or calls claiming problems with your accounts, never withdraw cash based on urgent phone requests, and verify any fraud claims by contacting your bank directly using a number from your official bank materials.
themirror.com
· 2026-05-18
Two Los Angeles residents, Shaohua Sun and Yanwen Gu, were arrested after attempting to scam an elderly man out of thousands of dollars in a sophisticated con that initially succeeded in stealing $25,000. The scammers used fake text messages and phone calls impersonating Apple Store and bank fraud officials, convincing the victim his account was linked to illegal content and pressuring him to withdraw cash and hand it over to someone posing as an undercover officer. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited messages about account problems, verify requests directly with their bank using official phone numbers, and never withdraw large sums of cash based on phone instructions alone.
thehill.com
· 2026-05-17
Seniors across the United States lost approximately $27 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona, Delaware, and Colorado experiencing the highest rates of fraud targeting people over 60, according to a new analysis of Federal Trade Commission reports. Business impostor scams and government impostor scams are the most common types affecting older Americans, who are particularly vulnerable to fraudsters reaching them through phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media. To protect themselves, seniors should verify the identity of anyone contacting them, avoid sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited callers, and report suspected scams to the FTC.
pcmag.com
· 2026-05-17
During peak travel seasons, scammers target vacation planners through phishing text messages that impersonate toll services, claiming unpaid fees and urging you to click a link to avoid additional charges—but these fake websites steal your payment and personal information. To protect yourself, adopt healthy skepticism toward urgent messages from unfamiliar sources, verify toll charges directly through official carrier websites or phone numbers, and avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts. Taking time to verify requests before responding is your best defense against these scams.
wfmj.com
· 2026-05-17
The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library will host an FBI presentation on May 16, 2026, to help seniors protect themselves from fraud schemes that increasingly target older adults. The free event will cover common scams, prevention strategies, and resources available to victims. Interested attendees can register at the library located at 444 Mahoning Avenue NW in Warren.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-17
When you Google your name, scammers can easily access the personal information that appears in the top search results—including your address, social media profiles, phone number, and details about relatives—all without hacking or paid tools. This publicly available information helps fraudsters personalize their scams through calls, texts, and emails to make them seem more credible and trustworthy. To protect yourself, you should Google your own name to see what's publicly visible, run a personal data exposure scan to identify information already circulating online, and consider removing your details from people-search sites or requesting that search engines de-index pages containing your personal information.
wfmd.com
· 2026-05-17
When you Google your name, scammers can easily access the same public information that appears in search results—including your address, LinkedIn profile, photos, and relatives' names—without needing any hacking skills or paid tools. This readily available personal data becomes a "seed" that scammers use to target you with precision, researching details about your location, employer, and family to craft convincing fraud schemes. To protect yourself, Google your own name to see what's publicly visible, consider using personal data exposure scans to identify information already circulating online, and be cautious about what personal details you share on social media and public platforms.
lamilano.it
· 2026-05-17
A 44-year-old man was arrested in Italy after defrauding an elderly pensioner through a common scam where he impersonated a police officer, claiming the victim's daughter was in a serious accident and demanding €5,000 in compensation. An accomplice then visited the victim's home, stealing his debit card and using it to withdraw cash and make purchases totaling approximately €2,000 in damages. Investigators used video surveillance footage to identify the suspect, and authorities warn elderly residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be officials requesting money or personal financial information.
poststar.com
· 2026-05-17
A Queens man was arrested for stealing over $3,000 from an elderly Saratoga County resident by instructing them to mail cash to a Bronx address under the pretense of it being "evidence" in a fraud investigation. The scam is part of a broader pattern of elder fraud targeting seniors in the region. Elderly residents should be cautious of unsolicited calls or requests for cash, and should verify any claims directly with official agencies before sending money.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2026-05-17
A 17-year-old Texas teen named Tejasvi Manoj, honored as Time magazine's Kid of the Year, is teaching seniors how to protect themselves from cyber scams after her own grandfather nearly fell victim to a scammer impersonating a family member. Seniors lose billions annually to scams—$4.8 billion in one year alone from 860,000 reported incidents—because scammers target them as perceived wealthy targets who are less familiar with technology and tend to be trusting. To protect yourself, learn about common scams through the Federal Trade Commission website (ftc.gov) and consider resources like Manoj's Shield Seniors program.
gna.org.gh
· 2026-05-17
Two Ghanaian brothers and a U.S.-based woman have been indicted for operating romance scams that targeted elderly Americans through dating websites and social media between July 2024 and April 2026, deceiving victims into sending money via wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspiracy members. The defendants used fake identities to build fake romantic relationships with victims and funneled stolen funds to co-conspirators in Ghana and other locations. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic interests you meet online—especially if they quickly ask for money, avoid video calls, or have inconsistent personal details—and verify identities through independent means before sending any funds.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-17
A retired local news anchor in Hawaii lost nearly $70,000 of her retirement savings to a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scam, where she was tricked into paying taxes and fees for a fake $5.5 million prize. The scam, which the FBI reports cost Americans close to $200 million last year, uses convincing fake documents and kind-sounding scammers to prey on victims of all ages, though older adults tend to lose larger amounts. Experts advise being skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications and remembering that legitimate lotteries never ask winners to pay upfront fees or taxes before claiming winnings.
theguardian.com
· 2026-05-16
Scammers are increasingly targeting wealthy athletes through sophisticated schemes ranging from phishing and AI-enabled cyberattacks to fraud by trusted advisers, making sports fraud a billion-dollar criminal enterprise. Notable cases include Shohei Ohtani's interpreter stealing $17 million for gambling debts and an investment adviser defrauding NBA players of $5 million through unauthorized transfers and inflated insurance sales. Athletes and fans attending major sporting events are advised to be cautious with ticket purchases, verify communications from trusted contacts independently, and carefully vet financial advisers and inner-circle members handling their money.
outlooknewspapers.com
· 2026-05-16
Seniors across the country are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated fraud schemes, with losses reported by adults 60 and over skyrocketing from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, according to the FTC. Scammers use tactics like fake dating profiles, romance scams, and "pig butchering" schemes (where they build trust over months before tricking victims into depositing money into fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms) to exploit vulnerable older adults. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited messages on dating apps and social media, avoid sharing financial information with online contacts you haven't met in person, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before sending money.
bbc.com
· 2026-05-16
Nine Ghanaians have been jailed for up to 50 years for romance fraud and money laundering schemes targeting older Americans through dating websites and social media, with three additional suspects including two brothers recently arrested in Virginia. The scammers used fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims and trick them into sending money via wire transfers, with funds directed to bank accounts in Ghana and elsewhere. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romance prospects who quickly ask for money, avoid wire transfers to people you haven't met in person, and verify identities through video calls before sending any funds.