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A study ranking online dating safety across U.S. states identified Nevada, Alaska, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona as the five most dangerous states, based on rates of romance scams, identity theft, fraud, violent crime, and encounters with registered sex offenders. Georgia and Florida ranked among the least safe due to particularly high identity theft and fraud rates, while Arizona led the nation in romance scams specifically. The research demonstrates that geographic location significantly influences online dating risks for users.

A Privacy Journal study ranked Georgia as the third most dangerous state for online dating, scoring 43.16 based on six risk factors including romance scams, identity theft, fraud, registered sex offenders, STD prevalence, and violent crime. Georgia performed particularly poorly in identity theft and fraud cases, with 358 per 100,000 residents experiencing identity theft annually and 470 per 100,000 falling victim to other types of fraud, though it had the fourth-lowest rate of romance scams. Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire were identified as the safest states for online dating.

Scammers in Monroe County, Georgia have been targeting grieving families by impersonating funeral home employees and demanding payment for funeral services, threatening to cancel arrangements if payment isn't made. A recent victim lost thousands of dollars before realizing they had already paid the funeral home in full, with scammers exploiting families' vulnerability during their time of grief. Authorities recommend contacting your funeral home director directly before making phone payments and reporting suspicious calls to the Federal Trade Commission and local sheriff's office.

This article discusses online dating safety in Illinois, ranking the state 30th for safety among U.S. states, primarily due to high STD rates of 839.2 per 100,000 people annually. The piece mentions various online dating risks including romance scams, catfishing, and dishonest actors, while noting that Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire are the safest states for online dating, whereas Nevada, Alaska, and Georgia pose the greatest risks.

Georgia drivers have been targeted by a scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid Express Lane fees, with links designed to steal personal and financial information. The messages create urgency to pressure recipients into immediate payments, potentially leading to identity theft and financial loss. Victims should contact their banks, reset passwords, report to the FTC, and remember that the State Road and Tollway Authority never requests personal information via text or email.

A Georgia family of eight fell victim to a rental scam after paying $1,200 and signing a fake lease for a house they were told they could rent affordably; nine days after moving in, police informed them they were trespassing and the family lost their money and some belongings. Scammers typically locate vacant homes listed for sale, gain access through property showings, create fake leases, and collect deposits before disappearing. To protect yourself, meet landlords in person before paying anything, verify property ownership through public records, and never send money upfront for application fees or deposits.

The FBI arrested 24-year-old Indian national Shreyas Baldevbhai Chaudhary in Georgia for his role in a $4.8 million nationwide elder fraud scheme targeting at least six victims across multiple states using fake tech support scams. Chaudhary allegedly defrauded a 77-year-old Salem man of approximately $61,000 by convincing him his computer was hacked and pressuring him to send cash to couriers posing as Microsoft or financial institution representatives. The investigation, which also identified co-conspirator Trusha Chaudhary and is ongoing with additional arrests expected, revealed a sophisticated operation that victimized elderly Americans in Ohio, California

The FBI arrested 24-year-old Shreyas Baldevbhai Chaudhary in Georgia for his role in a $4.8 million nationwide elder fraud scheme targeting at least six victims across multiple states, including a 77-year-old Salem man who lost approximately $61,000. The scam involved fake tech support pop-ups claiming victims' computers were hacked, followed by pressure to send cash or gold to couriers posing as Microsoft or financial institution representatives. A co-conspirator, Trusha Chaudhary, was also apprehended, and authorities indicate the investigation is ongoing with additional arrests expected.

This article is about restaurant features across Europe and does not contain content related to scams, fraud, elder abuse, or elder fraud. It appears to be a food and dining feature piece covering restaurants in various European countries, including Portugal and Georgia. This material is outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database.

A 70-year-old Australian woman nearly fell victim to a romance scam when she attempted to withdraw funds from her Westpac Bank account to pay for her online "boyfriend's" overseas prison release. Alert bank teller Mariana Karbowski became suspicious during the transaction, conducted a reverse image search that revealed the man's photos were stolen identities, and guided the woman to report the fraud to police before any money was lost. The incident highlights the importance of bank employee training in recognizing and preventing elder financial exploitation.

A 68-year-old South Sound woman lost nearly $140,000 to a Microsoft tech support scam after a remote access scammer convinced her to send two $69,000 cashier's checks to Georgia under false pretenses. The victim delayed reporting the fraud due to shame and fear of judgment, highlighting how cybercrime victims experience different treatment than victims of violent crime. According to the FBI, tech support scams are the top reported cybercrime among seniors aged 60+, with 18,000 victims losing $3.4 billion in the past year, and resources like AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline (877-908-3360) are available to provide

A 68-year-old South Sound woman lost nearly $140,000 to a Microsoft tech support scam in which a scammer gained remote access to her computer, faked an overpayment error, and instructed her to send two $69,000 cashier's checks to Georgia. According to the FBI, tech support scams are the number one reported cybercrime among seniors 60+, with 18,000 victims losing $3.4 billion last year, and victims often experience shame and hesitation to report the crime due to societal blame rather than receiving the empathy given to violent crime victims.

I appreciate you sharing this content, but what you've provided appears to be a website navigation menu and headline listings from a news station rather than an actual article about elder fraud or scams. To create an accurate summary for the Elderus database, I would need the full text of an article that discusses a specific scam, fraud case, or elder abuse incident. Could you please provide the complete article content about elder scams or fraud that you'd like summarized?

Calvin Darden Jr. was convicted of defrauding former NBA star Dwight Howard of $7 million and NBA forward Chandler Parsons of $1 million through fraudulent investment schemes involving the purchase of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and player development, respectively. Darden spent most of Howard's money on luxury items including vehicles, real estate, and jewelry, and prosecutors plan to seize his assets; he faces 11 to 14 years in prison at sentencing. This conviction comes eight years after Darden served prison time for impersonating his father in a failed attempt to purchase Maxim magazine.

Calvin Darden Jr. was convicted of defrauding former NBA star Dwight Howard of $7 million and former NBA forward Chandler Parsons of $1 million through bogus investment schemes involving the purchase of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and player development. Darden falsely convinced Howard and Parsons that their money would fund these legitimate ventures when he actually spent the funds on personal luxury items including cars, jewelry, art, and real estate. He faces 11-14 years in prison at sentencing and prosecutors plan to seize his assets including his Atlanta home and luxury goods.

**Summary:** Calvin Darden Jr., a Georgia businessman, was convicted of defrauding former NBA star Dwight Howard of $7 million and former NBA forward Chandler Parsons of $1 million through bogus investment schemes involving the purchase of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and development of NBA player James Wiseman. Darden spent at least $6.1 million of Howard's money on luxury items including cars, a piano, real estate, and art, and faces 11-14 years in prison at sentencing in early 2025. This conviction marks his second major fraud case, following a 2016 conviction for impersonating his father in an attempte

U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins warned the public about charity scams following Hurricane Helene's September 2024 landfall, noting that fraudsters exploit disasters by creating fake charities and phishing communications to solicit donations. The advisory recommends donating directly to verified organizations, avoiding unsolicited communications and suspicious links, paying by credit card or check rather than cash, and reporting fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or online.

A 37-year-old man from Georgia was arrested for financially exploiting an elderly Fairhope woman who lost over $100,000 after he gained access to her banking information, installed malicious software on her devices, and used fear tactics to pressure her into payments following a vehicle purchase. The case highlights how seniors are vulnerable to various online scams including tech support fraud, Medicare schemes, and grandparent scams, particularly during Medicare's open enrollment period. Resources like the Senior Medicare Patrol and Better Business Bureau can help verify legitimacy of communications and prevent elder fraud.

Nurse Stephanie Phillips-Siwiec was arrested in Roswell, Georgia on three counts each of elder abuse, robbery, and theft after allegedly stealing a $1,000 gold bracelet from a 95-year-old patient at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital on September 28. The investigation revealed at least two additional victims in her care, and the hospital placed her on administrative leave while cooperating with authorities.

Rudy Giuliani's son Andrew is claiming ownership of four New York Yankees World Series rings that Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss seek to seize to collect on a $148 million defamation judgment against the elder Giuliani. Andrew filed court papers asserting his father gifted him the rings in 2018, providing a photo as evidence, while Freeman and Moss argue they should be able to take the rings and other assets to satisfy the judgment stemming from Giuliani's false claims that they committed ballot fraud in the 2020 election.

This article is not related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a sports news piece about the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team, focusing on linebacker Nolan Smith's improved performance, an upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and player injuries. This does not match the content scope for the Elderus fraud research database.

Three Georgia residents—Patrick Dallas, Stacey Robinson, and Owen Demoy Byfield—were charged with defrauding senior citizens across Rhode Island and other states out of at least $1 million through a fake Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scheme, where victims were tricked into believing they won millions and pressured to pay upfront fees or taxes. One 77-year-old Rhode Island victim alone lost over $143,000 in cash, wire transfers, and luxury watches before a FedEx employee intervened; the defendants allegedly laundered funds through controlled bank accounts. The charges include conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering, with authorities noting that over 100,000

Three Georgia residents have been charged with operating a multi-state Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scam that defrauded seniors in at least ten states of over $1 million. The defendants allegedly convinced elderly victims they had won significant lottery prizes and directed them to send upfront fees, gift cards, watches, and checks to collect their winnings; one 77-year-old Rhode Island victim lost over $172,000 before a FedEx employee intervened. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering, with proceeds allegedly used to purchase property through fraudulent mortgage applications.

Three Georgia residents—Patrick Dallas, Stacey Robinson, and Owen Demoy Byfield—were charged in federal court for operating a sweepstakes fraud scheme targeting seniors across at least ten states, including Rhode Island, stealing at least $1 million. The fraudsters impersonated Publishers Clearing House representatives, convincing victims they had won large prizes and pressuring them to pay upfront fees via cash, gift cards, or valuable items; one 77-year-old Rhode Island victim nearly lost $163,000 before a FedEx employee's intervention alerted him to the scam. The defendants face charges for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as money laundering

A 78-year-old man in Peachtree City, Georgia lost approximately $500,000 to fraud after spending $32,900 on gift cards in three weeks, obtaining a $150,000 home equity line of credit, and sending wire transfers to scammers. The Peachtree City Police Department is investigating the case and highlights common elder fraud schemes including romance, tech support, grandparent, government impersonation, sweepstakes, home repair, and family caregiver scams. Protective measures include establishing family passwords, resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited contact, and never sharing personal information or funds with unverified sources.

**Article Type:** Educational/Awareness Georgia's elder fraud investigators identified three dominant scam methods targeting seniors in 2024: Romance Scams (exploiting loneliness and shame), Bank Examiner Scams (impersonating government officials to trick victims into transferring funds), and Sweepstakes Scams (convincing victims they've won lotteries and must pay upfront fees). These scams persist because seniors are reluctant to report them due to embarrassment or fear of admitting vulnerability, and scammers target victims through social media and public information about their wealth and lifestyles.

A Georgia man, Emmitt Ryan Wells, was indicted on nine felonies for his role in a four-person interstate fraud scheme targeting elderly people and registered sex offenders between January and May 2024. The defendants impersonated law enforcement electronically to coerce approximately $1,582 in payments, with Wells currently held on a $300,000 bond and co-defendants facing trial dates in January 2025.

Georgia ranks first nationally for fraud cases, with 1,564 fraud reports per 100,000 residents and the highest identity theft rate at 457 reports per 100,000 residents, with credit card fraud being the most common form. In 2023, Georgia seniors lost $38,989 per 1,000 residents to fraud. Prevention strategies include staying educated on common scams, creating strong passwords, taking time before decisions, verifying information, and reporting fraud to authorities.

Georgia ranks third nationally for senior scamming, with seniors losing an average of $38,989 per 1,000 residents to fraud in 2023, according to a Retirement Living report analyzing FTC data. The report recommends seniors protect themselves by staying educated on common scams, creating strong passwords, taking time before acting, verifying information, and reporting fraud promptly.

A Chinese national, Xiao Kun Cheung, was arrested and charged for his role in a scam that defrauded elderly people across the U.S. of $1.2 million through fake pop-ups and phone calls claiming computer or financial account compromises. Cheung and his co-conspirators convinced victims to withdraw money to purchase gift cards and gold bars, which were then collected by conspirators posing as government agents; victims in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee were affected. Cheung faces up to 20 years in prison and was charged with wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and drug possession charges.

Chinese national Xiao Kun Cheung was federally indicted for operating a scheme targeting senior citizens in Savannah and Pooler, Georgia; he was arrested while attempting to pick up approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler.

Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, a Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that targeted seniors up to age 92 across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee, swindling over $1 million through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming compromised accounts, then persuading victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars. Cheung was arrested in March 2024 while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia, and faces charges including wire fraud and extortion with potential penalties up to 20 years in prison. The case

A Chinese national was indicted for operating an elder fraud scheme targeting victims in Savannah and Pooler. The indictment indicates a coordinated fraud operation that specifically preyed on elderly residents in the Georgia area, though specific dollar amounts and detailed scheme methods were not provided in the available headline information.

Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was formally charged with wire fraud, conspiracy, extortion proceeds receipt, and drug possession for orchestrating a multi-state elder fraud scheme targeting seniors aged up to 92 in Savannah, Pooler, Naples, and Cleveland. The scam involved phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming victims' computers or accounts were compromised, then persuading them to withdraw cash, buy gift cards, or purchase gold bars under the guise of government safekeeping; Cheung was arrested in March attempting to collect over $130,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison

Xiao Kun Cheung, a 58-year-old Chinese national, was indicted for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy that defrauded senior citizens (up to age 92) of over $1 million across Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. The scheme involved contacting victims by phone or pop-up messages claiming their computers or accounts were compromised, then convincing them to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars; Cheung was arrested in March while attempting to collect approximately $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia. He faces charges including wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud, carrying up to 20 years in federal

Xiao Kun Cheung, 58, was charged in Georgia for operating a multi-state elder fraud scheme that extorted over $1 million from seniors up to 92 years old through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming their accounts were compromised. Cheung convinced victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, and buy gold bars under the pretense of government safekeeping, and was arrested attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from one victim. The case highlights the broader crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 suffering $3.5 billion in losses in 2023, including $92 million in Georgia alone.

An 85-year-old Brooklyn artist was defrauded of $135,000 after being contacted on LinkedIn by a scammer posing as an art dealer who directed him to a fake NFT marketplace resembling OpenSea, promising $300,000 in profits but then demanding a "fee" to access funds. The Brooklyn District Attorney's office shut down 40 fraudulent NFT websites connected to the scheme, which targeted artists and was traced to Nigeria, with investigators identifying at least two other victims in Georgia and California.

A 58-year-old man, Xiao Kun Cheung, was indicted for his role in a multi-state scheme that defrauded elderly victims out of more than $1 million, targeting seniors in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee through phone calls and pop-up messages falsely claiming their computers or financial accounts were compromised. Cheung convinced victims to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars for "safekeeping," and was arrested in March attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia. He faces up to 20 years in prison and financial penalties upon conviction, reflecting a broader crisis where seniors lost over $3

**Summary:** Xiao Kun Cheung, a 58-year-old deported Chinese national, was indicted in September for his role in a multi-state elder fraud conspiracy targeting seniors in Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee. The scheme involved fraudsters contacting elderly victims via phone or pop-up messages claiming their accounts were compromised, then convincing them to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, or buy gold bars for "safekeeping"; Cheung was arrested in March attempting to collect $132,000 in gold bars from a victim in Pooler, Georgia. According to the FBI, seniors lost over $3.5 billion to fraud in 2023, with Georgia victims alone losing

The Brooklyn District Attorney's office launched an investigation into fraudulent NFT platforms after an 85-year-old artist lost his life savings to a fake OpenSea website, uncovering 40 similar phishing sites targeting artists across the country. Scammers accessed victims' digital assets and laundered stolen funds through Nigeria, affecting at least three artists from New York, Georgia, and California. The DA's office shut down the fraudulent websites and advised NFT artists to verify site legitimacy and protect their crypto wallet seed phrases to prevent asset theft.

The Mequon Police Department issued a warning about a spike in fraud cases in its community, noting that scams have become increasingly sophisticated and are targeting vulnerable populations through various methods including phishing, impersonation, tech support fraud, investment schemes, and cryptocurrency-related scams. Victims often lose thousands of dollars through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency with little chance of recovery, and emotional distress frequently prevents reporting. The department recommends residents remain vigilant, verify unsolicited offers, protect personal information, and anticipate that scams will continue to evolve with advancing technology, including AI-driven schemes.

Georgia Power is warning customers about escalating scams as tax season and new year bills arrive, including fake calls, emails, and door-to-door visits impersonating utility representatives demanding immediate payment or personal financial information. The utility also flagged fraudulent Cash App accounts, cryptocurrency payment demands, and fake websites mimicking Georgia Power's official site to steal billing and credit information. Customers should verify any communication by calling Georgia Power's official customer service line at 888-660-5890 and use only legitimate payment methods through the company's official website at www.GeorgiaPower.com.

**Summary:** Georgia Power warned customers in January 2025 about increasing scams during post-holiday and tax season periods, including threats of power disconnection and requests to update billing information. The utility highlighted evolving tech scams such as fraudulent payment requests through Cash App using fake company logos and fake digital ads directing customers to non-company websites to steal personal information. Georgia Power provided guidance to customers on legitimate payment methods, verification procedures, and reporting mechanisms to protect against scammers impersonating company representatives.

A 93-year-old Georgia resident lost $109,000 after a scammer gained remote computer access by posing as an old friend, convincing him he needed to return an accidentally deposited $100,000. While Georgia's 2023 SPEAR Act allows the state to delay suspicious transactions for up to 25 days and has been used over 550 times, most banks remain under federal regulation and are not required to implement similar protections, leaving seniors vulnerable as Congress debates stronger federal safeguards.

Miranda Rachel Briggs, 34, of Georgia pleaded guilty to wire fraud after falsely claiming to be the surviving spouse of a deceased U.S. Army veteran to fraudulently obtain approximately $129,000 in VA benefits and medical care. Briggs had divorced the veteran before his death in 2018 but subsequently filed false claims with the VA and Civilian Health and Medical Program, and even had herself named administrator of his estate by misrepresenting her marital status. She faces up to 20 years in prison plus restitution and financial penalties upon sentencing.

Joe Gavalis, a retired federal law enforcement investigator and prominent elder abuse advocate, has died at age 77. Gavalis founded the North Georgia Task Force on Elder Abuse and served on multiple boards including the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force, earning the Georgia Council on Aging's Distinguished Older Georgian award in 2021 for his decades of work combating elder fraud, exploitation, and abuse through law enforcement training and public education. He also led the unsuccessful East Cobb Cityhood movement from 2018-2022 and continued speaking to seniors about scam prevention into 2022.

A 91-year-old Georgia man lost over $109,000 after a scammer posing as an old friend gained remote access to his computer and convinced him the scammer had accidentally sent him $100,000, leading him to wire cash to an unknown address in New York. The FBI reported that seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with hundreds of similar cases occurring across the country, including an 85-year-old woman who lost $1.4 million to fraudsters impersonating JPMorgan and the U.S. government, and a woman whose father was tricked into sending €7,000 through a "Hi

This educational piece provides identity theft prevention tips from the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia for the new year. Key recommendations include checking credit reports weekly (available free from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), joining the "do not call" registry to avoid telemarketer calls, researching online retailers before purchases and using secure checkout options, and avoiding sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN. The article advises reporting any suspected identity theft or fraudulent activity to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

A Georgia man ordered a drill and pressure washer from AliExpress but received a photo of the drill and a screw bit instead, losing approximately $40. The incident highlights a common online marketplace scam where buyers receive incorrect or worthless items instead of their purchases, prompting the victim to warn others about the fraudulent practice.

**Summary:** Jason Thomas has been appointed as a wealth director at Fiduciary Trust International in Atlanta, bringing over 20 years of experience advising ultra-high net worth individuals and institutional clients. Thomas co-founded myFloc in 2019, an expense management platform designed to prevent elder fraud and financial exploitation.