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Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Financial Crime
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.
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.
thecentersquare.com
· 2026-05-27
Democratic state attorneys general declined to attend a White House roundtable discussion on welfare fraud, citing that they received the invitation only late Friday for a Tuesday event—what California's Attorney General Rob Bonta called a "disingenuous last-minute invitation" that signaled they were either an afterthought or unwelcome. The Democratic AGs, representing states like California, New York, and New Jersey, argued that fraud is a bipartisan issue affecting all states, and they emphasized their own track record of recovering billions in taxpayer dollars rather than participating in what they characterized as politically motivated "staged stunts." The disagreement reflects broader partisan tensions over how to address fraud, with Democrats calling for genuine collaboration while questioning the administration's focus on blue states specifically.
grafa.com
· 2026-05-27
Crypto companies and banks are pushing Congress to modernize the 1970s Bank Secrecy Act, arguing that current anti-money laundering rules are outdated as AI-powered scams and digital assets have made financial crime harder to detect. Recent data shows AI scams surged 500% in the past year, North Korea stole $2 billion in crypto assets, and pig butchering scams extracted $35 billion from Americans, highlighting how quickly illicit funds can now move across borders. Lawmakers and experts are debating reforms ranging from raising reporting thresholds to fully repealing parts of the framework, with banking groups proposing streamlined rules and explicit approval for AI monitoring tools to combat these emerging threats.
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.
nigeriannewsdirect.com
· 2026-05-26
British and Nigerian authorities arrested 31 suspected cybercriminals in a coordinated operation targeting organized fraud networks that operated through messaging groups to conduct romance scams, impersonation schemes, and money laundering across both countries. Victims—including British residents who lost significant sums like £80,000—were psychologically manipulated and emotionally exploited by criminals operating sophisticated, transnational criminal enterprises rather than individual scammers. People should be cautious of online romantic relationships that move quickly, avoid sending money to people they've only met online, and report suspicious activity to local authorities and banking institutions.
odunews.com
· 2026-05-25
Thai police arrested six Nigerian nationals operating an AI-powered romance scam targeting older Thai women from a luxury Bangkok condominium, discovered after a drug trafficking investigation revealed their broader fraud operation. The scammers used fake profiles with AI-generated faces, posed as pilots and military officers, and manipulated victims into transferring money by claiming customs fees for fake packages, with police finding scripts designed to lower victims' defenses. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that move quickly to requests for money, verify the identity of people you meet online through independent means, and never send money to strangers claiming to have packages stuck in customs or similar emergencies.
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
· 2026-05-25
A California couple, Gina Abercrombie and Justin Teel, were convicted of identity theft and financial abuse after stealing over $800,000 from Abercrombie's stepfather, Randy Hansen, a golf course owner, between 2017 and 2022. The scheme involved the couple impersonating Hansen and fraudulently applying for business loans in his name, with the fraud escalating significantly over the five-year period. To protect yourself, be vigilant about monitoring your financial accounts and credit reports regularly, especially if you have family members with access to your personal information, and consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes if you suspect suspicious activity.
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.
religionunplugged.com
· 2026-05-24
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is suing four leaders of the Church of God in Christ—including a bishop and three pastors—alleging they orchestrated a $250 million fraud scheme from 2020 to 2025 by creating fake prescriptions for Trulicity (a diabetes medication) and submitting false rebate claims to the drug manufacturer. The defendants allegedly operated a fraudulent church-affiliated healthcare cost-sharing program that issued prescriptions for thousands of fictional patients, causing Lilly to issue hundreds of millions in rebates for medications that were never actually dispensed. While the lawsuit does not target the church itself (which has received grants from Lilly's philanthropic arm), consumers should be cautious of unsolicited healthcare programs claiming church affiliations and verify any cost-sharing assistance directly through official pharmaceutical or government channels.
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.
inkl.com
· 2026-05-24
Over 30 suspected fraudsters were arrested across the UK and Nigeria in a joint operation targeting romance scams and cyber fraud networks that caused significant financial losses to British victims. Romance scammers typically build trust with targets over months through dating apps before requesting money for emergencies, with one victim losing over £80,000 to this scheme. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn romantic, verify identities independently, and never transfer money to people you've only met online—especially for emergencies or business situations.
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.
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.
cryptobriefing.com
· 2026-05-23
Blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs testified before Congress that the 1970s-era Bank Secrecy Act is too slow to combat modern financial crime, particularly crypto fraud where criminals move stolen funds across networks in 24-48 hours. In 2025 alone, North Korean hackers stole $2 billion in digital assets, "pig butchering" investment scams cost Americans $35 billion, and AI-enabled fraud surged 500%—yet regulatory agencies rely on Suspicious Activity Reports that take 30+ days to process. TRM Labs urged Congress to modernize enforcement with real-time blockchain analytics and AI tools so regulators can keep pace with criminal activity instead of always playing catch-up.
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.
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.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-23
Scammers are sending convincing fake inheritance emails claiming recipients are entitled to unclaimed estates and demanding action within 48 hours to create urgency. The emails look professional with official language and formatting, but clicking the "Check My Unclaimed Inheritance" button leads to data theft. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected inheritance claims, never click links in unsolicited emails, and verify any legitimate claims by contacting financial institutions directly rather than through email links.
bendsource.com
· 2026-05-23
Scammers in Bend, Oregon have been impersonating law enforcement officials and calling residents claiming they have unpaid fines or arrest warrants, then demanding payment via Bitcoin ATMs or gift cards—with victims losing thousands of dollars in recent cases. The fraudsters use untraceable internet phone numbers that sometimes spoof legitimate law enforcement numbers and often possess personal information about victims to seem credible. To protect yourself, remember that real law enforcement will never call demanding immediate payment through Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.
chicagotribune.com
· 2026-05-22
A city employee in Aurora fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam on April 29, when a caller impersonating a bank representative used deceptive tactics to trick them into disclosing sensitive account information, resulting in the theft of nearly $1.1 million from city payroll accounts. The incident is being investigated by city officials, law enforcement, and cybersecurity experts, though there is currently no evidence that the city's network or resident data were compromised. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for account information, verify caller identities through official channels, and never share sensitive financial details over the phone even if the caller seems legitimate.
thepointsguy.com
· 2026-05-22
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated AI technology to impersonate legitimate companies like American Express and target travelers during summer vacation planning, attempting to steal identities, money, and travel rewards points. The article highlights a case where the author received a convincing but ultimately flawed AI-generated call claiming to be from American Express Security, demonstrating how criminals are using technology to make their schemes more believable. To protect yourself, verify unexpected calls by hanging up and calling the official company number directly, be suspicious of AI-generated voices with lag time or pronunciation difficulties, and never confirm personal information or card details during unsolicited calls.
fortune.com
· 2026-05-22
Aimee Bock, the former leader of Minnesota nonprofit Feeding Our Future, was sentenced to nearly 42 years in prison for orchestrating a $250 million COVID-19 fraud scheme—the largest in the country—where she falsely claimed to provide meals to children while actually enriching herself and co-conspirators through kickbacks, fake distribution sites, and luxury purchases. The case affected numerous people across Minnesota's communities and triggered a controversial federal immigration crackdown in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. To protect yourself, be cautious about charitable organizations, verify their legitimacy through official databases like Charity Navigator or GuideStar, and report suspected fraud to local authorities or the FBI.
fox35orlando.com
· 2026-05-22
A 19-year-old Florida woman was arrested after scamming a man out of $2,000 through a romance scam on Facebook Dating, where she falsely claimed to be a domestic violence victim needing money to escape her situation and even sent fake injury photos. The victim discovered the deception when he saw a pregnancy announcement on her Facebook profile, and when confronted, the suspect admitted to the scam and claimed she had been running this scheme since 2025. Authorities warn potential victims to be cautious of romance scams on social media, especially those involving urgent requests for money, and to verify claims through independent communication channels before sending funds.
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.
audacy.com
· 2026-05-22
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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.
ashlandcountypictures.com
· 2026-05-22
Eight people have been indicted in Ohio for Medicaid fraud and theft from nursing home residents, with five healthcare providers accused of stealing over $542,000 from the government program through schemes including billing for services while traveling abroad and charging for care when patients were hospitalized. Three additional defendants face charges for allegedly stealing money directly from vulnerable nursing home residents, including a man accused of taking funds from a relative with dementia. Vulnerable individuals should monitor their healthcare bills and account activity closely, and family members should regularly check on elderly relatives' finances and ensure proper oversight of their care and finances.
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.
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.
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.
streamlinefeed.co.ke
· 2026-05-21
Nigerian national Samuel Ugberaese has been extradited to the United States to face federal charges for operating a large-scale romance scam network that targeted elderly and vulnerable people internationally, convincing them to send money through fabricated emergencies and fake investment opportunities. Working with co-defendants, Ugberaese used fake online personas and emotional manipulation to systematically drain victims' life savings across borders. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly escalate, never send money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls before any financial transactions.
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.
nannews.ng
· 2026-05-21
A Nigerian man named Samuel Ugberaese has been extradited to the U.S. to face charges for running international romance scams, where he and accomplices used fake romantic stories to convince victims to send them money, then laundered the proceeds through bank accounts disguised as export companies. The scams targeted people in the U.S. and beyond, and Ugberaese faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted on charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly escalate or involve requests for money, and verify the identity of anyone you meet online before sending funds.
incrypted.com
· 2026-05-21
Telegram and the Tether stablecoin have become central to a massive global fraud operation estimated to cause $442 billion in losses by 2025, facilitating schemes like pig butchering scams, sextortion, and fake investments through escrow marketplaces. Criminal syndicates, particularly in Southeast Asia, operate these fraud networks from converted hotels and resorts, with an estimated 300,000 people being held captive and forced to participate under threat of violence. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, verify contacts independently, and use traditional payment methods rather than cryptocurrency for major transactions; if you suspect you're being scammed or coerced, contact local law enforcement immediately.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-21
A woman in Arizona lost nearly $10,000 after scammers impersonated law enforcement officials and convinced her she had missed jury duty and owed a fine. The fraudsters used real names of local judges and officers, created a false sense of urgency about potential arrest, and instructed her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin through an ATM to pay the supposed penalty. To protect yourself, be aware that legitimate courts never demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency or cash, and always verify official claims by independently contacting the actual government agency using publicly listed phone numbers rather than calling back the number provided by the caller.
bbc.com
· 2026-05-20
Dozens of romance scammers and fraud criminals operating across the UK and Nigeria have been arrested in a major police operation called Operation Seraphim, which involved 31 arrests across Europe and Africa. Romance scammers typically build fake relationships over months before convincing victims to send money—one victim, Kirsty Guest, lost £80,000 after being manipulated by a scammer posing as "Patrick" who claimed to need help during a business emergency. To protect yourself, be wary of new romantic contacts who rush to build intimacy, never send money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls before any financial involvement.
bangkokpost.com
· 2026-05-20
Nigerian romance scammers operating overseas lured Thai women into drug distribution networks by first romancing them online, then offering them money (30,000 baht per delivery) to smuggle heroin into Thailand. Police arrested one Nigerian man and two Thai women with 65.5 kilograms of heroin worth 200 million baht that was smuggled from Laos and being packaged for distribution to tourist areas. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic relationships that develop quickly online, especially with foreigners, and never agree to transport packages or goods for people you've only met digitally.
businessday.ng
· 2026-05-20
A Nigerian man named Samuel Ugberaese has been extradited to the United States to face up to 40 years in prison for operating an international romance scam that defrauded victims across multiple countries. The scheme involved creating fake online identities and fabricated relationships to manipulate victims into sending money, with a co-defendant helping to launder the proceeds through a network of bank accounts disguised as export companies. To protect yourself, be wary of online romantic partners who quickly build emotional connections, avoid sending money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls or in-person meetings before any financial transactions.
punchng.com
· 2026-05-20
A Nigerian man named Samuel Ugberaese has been extradited to the United States and faces up to 40 years in prison for operating a romance scam ring between 2014 and 2018 that targeted American women, primarily in North Carolina. The scam involved false promises and stories designed to trick victims into sending money, with accomplices using fake business accounts to launder the stolen funds. People should be wary of online romantic relationships involving requests for money or financial assistance from individuals they haven't met in person.
nbi.gov.ph
· 2026-05-20
The National Bureau of Investigation dismantled a major online scamming operation in Parañaque City that used fake romantic identities and cryptocurrency fraud to target foreign victims, primarily in the United States and Europe, resulting in 17 arrests including both Filipino and foreign nationals. The operation, which included a call center-like setup with computers and AI deepfake technology, used dating apps and messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to build false relationships and convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency schemes. People should be cautious of online romantic interests who eventually ask for money or investment opportunities, verify the identities of people they meet online through video calls, and never send money to unknown individuals or invest based on recommendations from online acquaintances.
abc30.com
· 2026-05-20
A jury convicted Gina Abercrombie and her fiancé Justin Teel of identity theft and elder financial abuse after they stole over $800,000 from Abercrombie's stepfather, Randy Hansen, a golf course owner, between 2017 and 2022. The couple fraudulently impersonated Hansen and took out business loans in his name in an escalating scheme that prosecutors described as deliberate and coordinated. The case serves as a cautionary reminder to monitor accounts and financial activity closely, especially for elderly relatives, and to be cautious about who has access to personal and financial information.
abc30.com
· 2026-05-20
A California couple, Gina Abercrombie and Justin Teel, were convicted of stealing over $800,000 from Abercrombie's elderly stepfather, Randy Hansen, through identity theft and financial abuse between 2017 and 2022—including fraudulently taking out business loans in his name. The five-year scheme targeted Hansen, who owned a Valley golf course and died in 2020, with prosecutors noting the fraud escalated significantly over time as the defendants grew bolder. To protect yourself, monitor your credit reports regularly, be cautious about who has access to your personal information, and consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes if you're an older adult or have vulnerable relatives.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-20
A couple, Gina Abercrombie and Justin Teel, were convicted of stealing over $800,000 from Abercrombie's stepfather, Randy Hansen, a golf course owner, through identity theft and financial abuse between 2017 and 2022—including fraudulently obtaining business loans in his name. The elaborate scheme escalated over five years and prosecutors plan to seek the maximum sentence of 5 years and 4 months in prison for both defendants. To protect yourself, monitor your financial accounts regularly, place fraud alerts on your credit report if you're concerned about identity theft, and be cautious about sharing personal information with family members or others who have access to your documents.