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Two correctional officers at an Indiana prison, Martins Tochukwu Chidiobi and Lawrence Onyesonwu, were sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing personally identifiable information from at least five inmates and using their identities to open fraudulent bank accounts between 2015 and January 2019. The defendants received at least $331,282 in fraud proceeds through these accounts, primarily from romance scam victims, and withdrew most funds as cash or transferred them to Nigerian bank accounts. Both men were also ordered to pay $5,000 fines and serve two years of supervised release following their prison sentences.

Nathaniel Wills, a 34-year-old accountant and Director of Administration in Indiana, stole approximately $952,237 from his employer over 18 months (August 2020 to February 2022) by fraudulently transferring funds to his personal accounts and falsifying accounting records to conceal the theft. Wills used the stolen money to pay personal debts and fund online gambling, causing substantial financial hardship to his employer and employees. He was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison, three years supervised release, and ordered to pay $877,507 in restitution.

Christi Lee Dodd, 51, of Fishers, Indiana, was indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and forging a federal judge's signature after she allegedly created a fake bankruptcy discharge order in 2023 to fraudulently obtain a line of credit for her trucking business. Dodd forged a judge's signature on the fraudulent document by copying her legitimate 2015 Chapter 7 discharge order and falsely presenting it as proof of discharge from her 2019 Chapter 13 bankruptcy case, which had actually been dismissed without issuing a discharge. If convicted, Dodd faces up to 25 years in federal prison.

This article is not relevant to elder fraud research. It is a lifestyle/dating advice piece about cultural expectations when dating people from Indiana, and contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or financial exploitation. It does not belong in the Elderus database.

The Indianapolis FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association is hosting a free elder fraud awareness workshop on October 8, featuring forensic accountants and consumer protection officials to educate the community about fraud schemes. The event is being held in response to findings that Indiana seniors lost over $37.8 million to elder fraud in 2023, with Indiana ranking 25th among U.S. states and territories for elder fraud losses.

The Better Business Bureau warned of a "card declined" scam where fraudsters create fake retail websites that display false payment decline messages to trick shoppers into entering multiple credit card numbers, which the scammers then harvest for unauthorized charges. To protect yourself, verify website URLs and security features (https://), avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, research businesses before purchasing, use credit cards for extra fraud protection, and never retry payments with different cards on suspicious sites. The BBB recommends checking for legitimate business accreditation and monitoring your accounts for unauthorized charges.

**Summary:** Antranette Echols, a 57-year-old Indianapolis resident, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for wire fraud involving fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications. Echols prepared and submitted falsified loan applications on behalf of business borrowers in exchange for fees, resulting in losses of $373,690 to financial institutions and the Small Business Administration, which she was ordered to repay.

Bitcoin ATM scammers defrauded seniors of $110 million in the past year, a nearly tenfold increase from 2020, with Americans over 60 being more than three times as likely to fall victim than younger adults. The typical scheme involves fraudsters posing as customer service representatives or officials contacting victims about identity theft or account breaches, then directing them to scan QR codes and deposit money into bitcoin ATMs that flows directly to the perpetrators. One victim, a 76-year-old Indiana resident, lost $31,500 after being targeted by scammers impersonating Apple support, bank representatives, and government officials.

**Bitcoin ATM Fraud Surge Targeting Seniors** Reported losses from Bitcoin ATM scams rose nearly tenfold since 2020, totaling over $110 million in 2023, with consumers over 60 being more than three times as likely as younger adults to fall victim. Scammers impersonate customer service representatives, government officials, or tech company employees, directing victims to scan QR codes and deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs that converts their money to cryptocurrency immediately transferred to fraudsters. One 76-year-old Indiana woman lost $31,500 after receiving a fake security alert, highlighting how scammers exploit urgency and confusion about

Michele M. Rose, a 62-year-old Medical Staff Coordinator in Jasper, Indiana, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after pleading guilty to five counts of wire fraud for stealing $153,769 from a nonprofit healthcare organization's medical staff checking account between March 2011 and December 2020. Rose abused her position by writing fraudulent checks to herself, falsely claiming they were for legitimate business expenses, and concealing the thefts in monthly financial reports; the stolen funds were intended by contributing physicians to support community scholarships, food banks, and local student events. She was ordered to pay full restitution of $153,769 and must

Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket scams are proliferating on social media resale groups, with scammers targeting desperate fans willing to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for the limited remaining tour dates. One Missouri fan nearly fell victim after sending $200 via PayPal for a fake ticket to an Indianapolis show, but was protected by PayPal's goods and services feature, which automatically refunded her when fraudulent activity was detected. Cybersecurity experts recommend buyers use PayPal's goods and services option, meet sellers in person at safe public locations, or request venue verification to avoid these high-value ticket scams.

Willie D. Watts, 42, of Clarksville, was sentenced to eighteen months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining $125,753.90 in federal benefits from 2014 to 2021 by falsely claiming her three children lived with her and were eligible for Section 8 housing vouchers, SNAP, Social Security Survivors benefits, and Medicaid. Watts also concealed ownership of a house and rental income, and had previously committed nearly identical fraud in Kentucky (2011-2013), stealing over $30,000 before continuing the scheme in Indiana despite her Kentucky conviction.

Indiana residents and the general public are warned about smishing scams impersonating the U.S. Postal Service, in which scammers send unsolicited text messages with malicious links claiming a package delivery requires action. These fraudulent messages aim to trick victims into clicking links and providing personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers, account passwords, and financial details, which are then used for identity theft and financial fraud. The USPS clarified that it only sends tracking text messages to customers who have initiated requests and these messages never contain links; victims should not click suspicious links and should report suspected smishing to [email protected] or forward the message to 7726.

The Indiana Attorney General's office held an educational seminar at Allisonville Meadows Assisted Living to inform seniors about common fraud schemes, including high-tech theft exploiting data breaches and the grandparent scam where callers impersonate grandchildren in distress to solicit money. The presentation emphasized that people over 60 are frequent targets of fraud and recommended verifying unexpected contacts directly with banks or institutions rather than responding to suspicious emails or calls. The attorney general's office accepts consumer fraud complaints through its website (in.gov/attorneygeneral) and in-person at Government Center South.

Indiana Michigan Power reported a significant surge in utility scams during the first half of 2024, receiving 240 reports by the end of June—125 more than all of 2023 combined. Scammers impersonated I&M using spoofed caller IDs and phone/text messages to demand immediate payment through various methods (prepaid cards, wire transfers, mobile apps) while threatening disconnection, requesting overpayment refunds, or claiming customers needed to pay for meter installations; some scammers also approached customers in person. The Better Business Bureau recommends verifying callers by hanging up and calling the official utility number on your actual bill, avoiding payment through prepaid cards or

Indiana Michigan Power reported 240 scam attempts targeting its customers through June of this year, an increase from the previous year, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs and claiming customers owe money requiring immediate payment. The company warns customers that legitimate I&M representatives will never demand payment via gift cards or third-party apps, will carry company ID and wear I&M logos, and the company always offers multiple payment notices and plan options before service disconnection. Customers should hang up on suspicious calls and report them to I&M or local police.

Barry Gallon, a 54-year-old Maintenance Manager at the Indianapolis USPS Processing and Distribution Center, pleaded guilty to stealing cash from mail and packages over a three-week period in August-September 2023, totaling no more than $6,500. He was sentenced to one year of probation for the felony offense of mail theft. The case highlights the vulnerability of mail in transit and demonstrates consequences for postal employees who exploit positions of trust.

American Senior Communities is hosting a free educational session in partnership with the Indiana Attorney General and U.S. Department of Justice to teach seniors how to recognize and avoid scams and fraud. The session covers common elder fraud tactics, including grandparent scams, romance scams, and fake investment schemes, which collectively cost seniors over $5.9 billion annually. The event takes place July 25 from 2-4 p.m. at Allisonville Meadows in Fishers, Indiana.

The Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC) is warning the public about smishing scams in which fraudsters send text messages falsely claiming users have unpaid tolls and directing them to click malicious links to avoid late fees. The ITRCC reminds customers that it does not send text messages requesting sensitive information and advises recipients of suspicious messages not to respond or click links, instead verifying messages through the legitimate customer service number (574-675-4010) or filing complaints with the IC3.

Sean Eberhart, a 58-year-old Indiana state representative, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for conspiracy to commit honest services fraud after pleading guilty to using his legislative position from January to May 2019 to advocate for gaming legislation that benefited Spectacle Entertainment in exchange for a promised $350,000 annual salary and equity stake. Eberhart's actions reduced a $100 million transfer fee to $20,000 and secured favorable tax provisions worth tens of millions for the company, betraying his constituents' trust in his public office. He was also ordered to pay $25,000 in fines and $60,000 in restitution.

This educational article explains how to identify fraudulent debt collector scams, which often use threatening calls or texts to alarm potential victims. Warning signs include calls outside legal hours (8 a.m.–9 p.m.), threats to disclose debt to family or coworkers, requests for untraceable payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards, and failure to provide required information such as the creditor name and amount owed. The article advises consumers to verify debts through their credit report and avoid sharing personal financial information with callers.

The Federal Trade Commission warns of two-stage government imposter scams in which initial callers claim to represent a company and report suspicious account activity, then transfer victims to accomplices posing as government officials who pressure them to withdraw cash or use gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps to "resolve" alleged criminal involvement. Red flags include requests to keep the call secret, fake caller IDs mimicking government agencies, and claims that legitimate government employees would never make—such as demanding immediate payment or asking victims to transfer funds to "protect" them.

The FBI reported that elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024, a $300 million increase over the same 2023 period, with tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation scams being the most prevalent. To protect themselves, seniors should verify unsolicited contacts through independent research, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sharing personal information or money with unverified sources, and monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity. Victims should document details of the scam and report it to their local FBI office or IC3.gov.

Elder fraud incidents rose 14% in 2023, with seniors over 60 losing over $724 million to scams in 2022—more than all other age groups combined. The article identifies five prevalent fraud types targeting seniors: impersonation scams (using AI voice technology), robocalls and phishing, the grandparent scam, sweepstakes scams (costing victims nearly $70 million in 2022), and investment/charity scams (causing $1.2 billion in losses in 2023). Key protective measures include verifying caller identity through alternative channels, hanging up on suspicious calls, confirming situations with family members, and researching

The FBI reported that scammers stole $3.4 billion from people over 60 in 2023, prompting a free educational workshop scheduled for June 10 in Indianapolis to teach seniors and caregivers about evolving fraud tactics, including how artificial intelligence is being exploited by scammers. The workshop, featuring FBI forensic accountants and Indiana's consumer protection director, will focus on top scams including tech scams, data breaches, and romance schemes.

Leslie Smith, a 63-year-old licensed attorney and office manager at an Indianapolis podiatry practice, was sentenced to five and a half years in federal prison and ordered to pay $2,341,655.08 in restitution after pleading guilty to healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Over several years, Smith submitted approximately 288 fraudulent Medicaid claims for oxygen monitoring devices totaling $1.75 million, fraudulently obtained COVID-19 mortgage assistance funds using a deceased relative's property, sold a jointly-owned home without consent by forging her co-owner's signature, and failed to file federal income tax returns from 2018-2

This article outlines six common PayPal scams affecting thousands of users in 2024, including fake payment confirmation emails, fraudulent invoices, accidental transfer schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, shipping address manipulation, and misuse of the "Friends and Family" payment option. The piece provides practical prevention advice for each scam type, emphasizing direct verification with PayPal, avoiding unsolicited links, and using secure payment categories for transactions with unknown parties.

**Summary:** Antranette Echols, 57, of Indianapolis pleaded guilty to wire fraud for preparing and submitting falsified COVID-19 relief loan applications on behalf of borrowers, including some in Pennsylvania, while collecting fees for her services. Sentencing is scheduled for August 16, 2024, with potential penalties of up to 40 years in prison and $1 million in fines.

American Senior Communities and the Indiana Attorney General's Office are hosting free educational sessions to help seniors recognize and avoid scams, with a session scheduled for May 9 in Indianapolis. The presentation will cover common fraud tactics (such as grandparent scams, romance fraud, and fake investment schemes) that cost seniors over $5.9 billion annually, and will provide guidance on identifying scams, recovery steps, and how to report fraud.

Indiana seniors over 60 reported $26.5 million in financial losses across approximately 1,170 fraud cases in 2023, driven primarily by investment schemes ($12 million), tech support fraud ($8.9 million), and romance scams. Nationally, seniors suffered over $3.4 billion in losses—an 11% increase from 2022—with tech support fraud being the most commonly reported crime type and investment scams proving the costliest. The FBI released this data to educate the public and prevent further victimization, noting that some victims have taken extreme measures such as remortgaging homes and depleting retirement accounts to cover losses.

An FBI report found that scammers stole $3.4 billion from people over 60 in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with tech scams, data breach scams, and romance/confidence scams being the most common. Key prevention strategies include ignoring suspicious fraud alerts and calling card numbers directly, verifying data breach notifications through official mail channels, freezing credit with major bureaus, and being alert to scams that create urgency or demand immediate action. Educating older adults about these tactics is critical to preventing them from losing retirement savings or Social Security benefits.

Christopher Markham, a 40-year-old SSA employee in Indiana, was charged with wire fraud for defrauding the Social Security Administration of approximately $49,256 between February 2019 and June 2022. While claiming to telework full-time for SSA, Markham actually performed home inspections for his personal business during work hours, enlisting his wife and mother to send emails making him appear online, and submitted 53 fraudulent time reports and falsified work logs to collect his full federal salary. He also fraudulently claimed Emergency Paid Leave and Family and Medical Leave Act benefits while conducting approximately 70 home inspections for his personal business.

Michael Jerome Wright and Cortney Lashea Young, both of Princeton, Indiana, were charged with mail theft and check forgery after law enforcement discovered they had stolen checks totaling over $1 million from USPS collection boxes using an unauthorized arrow key between October 2023 and April 2024. During a vehicle stop and subsequent apartment search, investigators recovered the arrow key, stolen mail including forged checks, and illegal firearms including a "ghost gun" equipped with a machinegun conversion device. Both defendants, who have prior felony convictions, face federal charges including identity theft, weapons violations, and mail theft.

American Senior Communities partnered with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Indiana to present free educational sessions on avoiding elder fraud, which costs seniors over $5.9 billion annually through scams involving impersonation, romance schemes, and fake investment opportunities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman will teach seniors how to identify common scams, recover from them, and report fraud to appropriate authorities. The series begins April 22 at The Commons on Meridian assisted living community in Indianapolis.

This article is not related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It covers Indiana state political appointments, utility rate decisions, and reproductive health policy matters. It does not contain content relevant to the Elderus elder fraud research database.

The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI are warning of a surge in sophisticated phone scams where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials, using real badge numbers, officer names, and spoofed government phone numbers to appear credible. Victims in the Northern District of Indiana and across the nation have been deceived into withdrawing cash, purchasing gift cards, and transferring funds under false claims that their identities were stolen or bank accounts compromised, with losses reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Authorities urge victims to report incidents to the FBI and FTC, and remind the public never to share financial information with unsolicited callers or send money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement.

Scammers impersonating U.S. Marshals Service officials and law enforcement are making phone calls claiming victims' identities have been stolen and bank accounts hacked, then instructing them to withdraw money and purchase gift cards under the false promise of opening new bank accounts and providing new social security numbers. The FBI and USMS warn that these fraudulent calls have been reported nationally and in northern Indiana, often targeting elderly victims who lose thousands of dollars; authorities urge recipients to hang up, report the calls to the FTC, and contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 if victimized.

Yolanda Brooks, a 52-year-old Medicaid Supervisor in Indianapolis, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for stealing approximately $920,148.51 in checks intended for healthcare reimbursements. Between March 2018 and July 2021, Brooks deposited roughly 486 checks into two personal bank accounts opened under her maiden name, falsely representing herself as authorized to negotiate them, and spent the stolen funds on personal expenses including shopping, gambling, and vacations. The court ordered Brooks to pay full restitution of $920,148.51 and serve three years of supervised release following her prison term.

Seniors on Medicare are being targeted by "phantom billing" scams in which fraudulent health care providers and medical equipment companies submit unauthorized charges—such as urinary catheters—to Medicare accounts. Cases documented include Ann Midkiff of Indianapolis who was billed over $3,000 for catheters she never requested, and the scam has grown dramatically, with catheter charges jumping from affecting 40,000 patients in 2021 to over 450,000 by 2023. Experts recommend seniors regularly review their Medicare statements and immediately report suspicious charges by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, as such fraud costs the Medicare system approximately $60 billion annually.

Bethany Olmsted, a 43-year-old controller in Kokomo, Indiana, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for stealing $413,531 from her employer and five investment companies between November 2018 and September 2021. Olmsted wrote approximately 520 fraudulent checks to herself and falsely categorized them as payments to legitimate vendors while transferring funds between accounts to conceal the thefts; she used the stolen money for personal expenses including spa treatments, jewelry, and high-end dining. The court ordered her to pay full restitution of $413,531.98 and serve 2 years of supervised release

Following devastating storms in Delaware and Randolph County, the Better Business Bureau warned donors to verify charities before contributing, as scammers frequently exploit natural disasters through door-to-door solicitation, social media fundraisers, and pressure tactics. Red flags include vague descriptions of how funds will be used, demands for immediate donations, and charity names designed to confuse donors. The BBB recommends researching organizations through their websites, verifying nonprofit status (501c3), checking state attorney general registries, and using Give.org to confirm BBB accreditation before donating.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warns residents to watch for storm repair scams where fraudsters pose as contractors, promise immediate repairs, collect down payments, and disappear with the money. The alert advises Hoosiers to verify contractor credentials and insurance, obtain multiple written estimates, avoid upfront full payment, and never use wire transfers or cash, while warning that legitimate FEMA assistance never requires application fees. Those who suspect scams can contact the AG's office at 800-382-5516.

**Summary:** On July 30, 2023, a casino supervisor at Four Winds Casino in Hartford, Michigan fell for an impersonation scam when someone posing as the tribal chairperson requested urgent funds, resulting in the supervisor delivering $700,000 in cash to unknown individuals at an Indiana gas station. Jesus Gaytan-Garcia was arrested months later after investigators matched him to one of the recipients, with physical evidence including a cash bundle bearing the casino's name found at his residence. This case reflects a rising trend of telephone scams targeting tribal and commercial gaming operations nationwide.

Kidnapping scams are increasingly targeting families across the U.S., with scammers using photos from social media of children traveling overseas to fabricate abduction scenarios and demand ransom payments via wire transfer. The Indiana Attorney General's Office advises recipients to stay calm, verify the child's safety through alternative contact methods or social media, and request direct communication with the alleged victim to buy time while contacting local police.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued a warning to local families about cyber kidnapping scams that exploit relatives' social media accounts to defraud victims. The alert provided guidance on what to do if targeted by such scams. The article includes a quick tip resource for residents on how to respond to this type of fraud.

Scammers in the Michiana region are impersonating court officials, claiming targets have missed jury duty and are in contempt of court, using personal information like names, phone numbers, and addresses to appear credible. The fraudsters use urgency-based language and request payment via gift cards or prepaid cards, which makes the money irretrievable once compromised. Indiana State Police advise that legitimate law enforcement will not call about warrants and recommend contacting the actual police agency if you receive such calls to verify their authenticity.

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Kentucky and South Central Indiana identified 10 prevalent scams in February, including romance scams, wage garnishment schemes, fake business listings, impersonation of law enforcement, fraudulent surveys, reshipping employment schemes, fake government benefits calls, Facebook account deactivation phishing, solar panel fraud, and government grant scams. The BBB advised consumers to verify companies before transactions, never pay with gift cards or wire transfers, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and refrain from providing personal information to unverified callers or unsolicited online contacts. Consumers are encouraged to check bbb.org before making purchases and to recognize that legitimate agencies never demand payment by phone.

Dekoda Scott Clark, a 32-year-old bank employee in Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 2.5 years in federal prison for stealing approximately $158,208.53 from customer accounts between January 2023 and March 2024. Clark exploited his position as a Relationship Banker to make unauthorized cash withdrawals totaling $142,500 from three individuals and create fraudulent debit cards linked to seven victims' accounts, using them to purchase high-value technology items and other goods. He must pay full restitution of $158,208.53 to the bank.

Eight defendants, all Indian nationals except one Ohio resident, were prosecuted for operating a transnational money laundering conspiracy that defrauded victims across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana of their life savings between May and November 2023. The scheme involved "phantom hacker" scams where fraudsters falsely claimed victims' accounts were compromised, then impersonated law enforcement to pressure victims into transferring funds for supposed "protection," resulting in nearly $4 million in restitution ordered and prison sentences ranging from 2 to 6 years. The last defendant, Kishan Vinayak Patel, 26, received a 46-month sentence after conviction on money

Eight individuals were sentenced to federal prison for operating an international "phantom hacker" scam that defrauded victims across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana of tens of millions of dollars between May and November 2023. The conspirators posed as company officials and law enforcement agents to convince victims their financial accounts were compromised, then persuaded them to withdraw cash or gold bars for alleged safekeeping, which was then distributed among the scammers. The defendants were ordered to pay nearly $4 million in restitution, with sentences ranging from 24 to 72 months in prison.