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The Southwest Ohio Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, in partnership with the Kettering Police Department and Lathrem Senior Center, will host a free educational seminar on August 28, 2025, designed to help seniors recognize, report, and avoid consumer scams. The seminar will cover current scam trends and protection strategies, with in-person attendance at the Lathrem Senior Center and a virtual Zoom option available for remote participants.

The Ohio Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to be vigilant against scams, as the Federal Trade Commission reports consumers lost over $5 billion to investment scams in 2024. The article provides advice on protecting personal finances and keeping money secure from fraudulent schemes.

A Northeast Ohio resident nearly fell victim to a jury duty scam after receiving a spoofed call from someone claiming to be a Trumbull County deputy stating he had missed jury duty and had a warrant for his arrest. The scammer instructed him to post bail, and the victim was en route to a bail bondsman with cash when he realized the deception after about two hours on the phone. County authorities warn that this scam is prevalent in the region, with variations including fake websites collecting Social Security numbers and driver's licenses, with victims losing $8,500-$10,000, and advise that legitimate courts only contact residents via U.S. mail and law enforcement never calls about missed court appearances

This educational article warns older adults to recognize signs of financial exploitation by family members or caregivers, noting that the FBI reported nearly $4.9 billion stolen from seniors last year with investment scams causing the largest losses at $1.8 billion. The piece outlines warning signs of exploitation—such as sudden asset transfers, forged signatures, and unexplained disappearances of funds—and directs Ohio residents to report suspected elder abuse to Adult Protective Services at 330-296-2273. The article also provides information about the Summer Crisis Cooling Program to help seniors aged 60 and older pay electric bills if they meet income requirements.

In May, a 67-year-old Ohio man was targeted by scammers who falsely claimed his Apple ID was compromised with $27,000 in fraudulent charges, then sent an accomplice to his home to collect cash in person; the victim handed over money before becoming suspicious, leading to the arrest of 42-year-old Liwei Zhang on charges of theft, identity fraud, and telecommunications fraud. Similar in-person collection scams have targeted multiple elderly victims across the country, with perpetrators like Canadian citizen Jia Hua Liu collecting over $300,000 from vulnerable seniors. The article advises victims to verify suspicious texts independently using official phone numbers, never send money

Social Security scams employ three primary tactics: fake remote job offers that request personal information and upfront fees, phishing emails impersonating the Social Security Administration to direct victims to fraudulent websites, and in-person schemes where imposters posing as government officials convince victims to provide cash or valuables. Recent cases include a victim who gave $2 million in gold bars to someone claiming to be a CIA agent and an Ohio woman who liquidated $500,000 in retirement savings to purchase gold for phone scammers. Protect yourself by avoiding unsolicited job offers and payment requests, verifying emails end in ".gov," and reporting suspicious activity to the Social Security Administration or Office of the Inspector General.

Sinera Jones, 46, was sentenced to three years of probation with two months of home detention and ordered to pay $143,598.47 in restitution after pleading guilty to conspiring with Cleveland city councilman Basheer Jones to defraud local nonprofits between December 2018 and June 2021. The scheme involved false consulting invoices, fraudulent property transactions, and redirecting nonprofit funds intended for Ward 7 revitalization projects into accounts the conspirators controlled. The fraud defrauded multiple nonprofits of over $140,000 through wire fraud and honest services fraud.

In 2024, U.S. consumers lost $5.7 billion to investment scams—a 24% increase from 2023—prompting Ohio's Department of Commerce Division of Securities to issue warnings to state investors. Common tactics include promises of guaranteed high returns with minimal risk, pressure to act quickly, and recruitment through social media and online ads, with scammers often using fake success stories to deceive victims into investing in fraudulent or unregistered securities. The Division recommends verifying that promoters are licensed through FINRA, researching investments thoroughly, and consulting independent professionals before committing funds.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested in July after conducting a multi-state door-to-door scam targeting seniors across Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, and Tennessee, defrauding victims of an estimated $309,000 total. One Charlestown, Indiana resident was tricked into withdrawing $27,000 from his retirement accounts and handing it over in cash; three additional attempted scams in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were prevented by family members, potentially saving another $70,000 in losses. Liu was apprehended at Louisville airport while attempting to flee the country and faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, an

Romance scams cost Americans over $1.3 billion in 2022, with losses quadrupling over five years and affecting victims across all age groups, though those 50 and older account for approximately 60% of reported cases. Sarah, an Ohio woman, lost $45,000 to a romance scammer impersonating a successful oil rig worker named Marcus over three months before discovering the entire relationship was fabricated. These increasingly sophisticated, organized international schemes employ specialized teams that steal identities, build emotional connections through psychological manipulation, and exploit fundamental human needs for connection to extract money from victims.

Criminals in Ohio are attaching cell phones with magnets to vehicles to track owners to their homes, then attempting home invasions by falsely claiming the homeowner has their phone. The Kirtland Police Department warns residents to avoid opening doors to strangers and to call police immediately if they suspect they are being followed or tracked. Safety recommendations include driving to crowded areas or police stations, using personal safety apps to share location with trusted contacts, and checking devices for tracking notifications.

Financial scams targeting elderly residents in Shelby County, Ohio have become increasingly sophisticated, with people age 60 and over losing a combined $3.4 billion to fraud worldwide in 2023 alone. Scammers employ methods including Social Security imposter scams, grandparent schemes (enhanced by AI-generated voices and videos), and fake law enforcement threats to extract personal information and money from victims. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to accumulated wealth, health-related sensory impairments, and reluctance to report fraud due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence.

A 74-year-old Ohio woman with no criminal history, Ann Mayers, robbed a credit union at gunpoint in April 2024 after losing her life savings to an online scam in which a fraudster posing as a U.S. Customs official convinced her to send thousands of dollars; she also borrowed $65,000 from a friend to cover what she believed were legitimate fees. Mayers was arrested within two hours, confessed immediately, and was sentenced to 4–5.5 years in prison after pleading guilty, highlighting how financial fraud can drive vulnerable individuals to desperate and criminal actions.

Scammers are targeting travelers using sophisticated tactics that exploit emotions like panic and urgency. Michele Smolin, a frequent flyer and attorney, lost $285 after receiving a fake airline cancellation email with a fraudulent rebooking fee, and a travel agent paid $265 in a similar scam involving fake airline contact information. Key prevention methods include verifying URLs carefully, calling airlines directly using official numbers, and taking time to verify unexpected communications rather than acting in panic.

Older Americans are increasingly targeted by fraud schemes, with seniors losing over $3.4 billion in 2023—an average of $33,915 per victim—according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Many of these scams, including impersonation schemes and "pig butchering" cryptocurrency frauds, are allegedly coordinated or tolerated by the Chinese Communist Party, with recent indictments in Ohio and California involving Chinese nationals charged with defrauding elderly victims out of thousands to millions of dollars. Experts emphasize that only 10-15 percent of senior fraud victims report their losses, suggesting the actual problem is far larger than reported figures indicate

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport after police connected him to impersonation scams targeting seniors across multiple states including Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Liu allegedly defrauded victims of approximately $400,000 by posing as a Department of Treasury employee and convincing them to withdraw money from retirement accounts, with one documented victim losing $27,000. Police are continuing to identify additional victims and investigate co-conspirators believed to be in other countries.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Liu, was arrested on July 2 at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport for defrauding elderly people across multiple states. Liu targeted an elderly man in Charlestown who withdrew $27,000 from his retirement account in May, and investigators linked him to at least five additional victims in Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee, with total losses exceeding $309,000. Liu faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and authorities are seeking additional victims who may be in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

A 36-year-old Canadian citizen, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in July after a multi-state scam targeting elderly victims, with confirmed losses exceeding $309,000 across Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee. In the initial Charlestown, Kentucky case, an elderly resident was defrauded of $27,000 after being tricked into withdrawing funds from his retirement account; three additional elderly victims in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were nearly victimized for an additional $70,000 before family members intervened. Liu was charged with theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and police believe there are

The Heritage Club of Northeast Ohio will host a presentation by a Lake County Council on Aging social worker on July 10 at 7 p.m. in Mentor, covering protection against scams, fraud, elder abuse, emergency preparedness, and mental health resources. The educational session is designed to inform community members on recognizing scammers, responding to fraud victimization, and related elder safety topics.

Job scams targeting recent graduates have surged dramatically, with FTC reports showing losses increasing from $90 million to $501 million between 2020 and 2024. Common tactics include fake job postings impersonating trusted entities, unsolicited contact with unrealistic offers (high pay, no interview), requests for upfront payments for equipment, and phishing links designed to steal personal information. Job seekers should verify company websites, scrutinize sender email addresses, and report suspected scams to the FTC, BBB, or Ohio Attorney General.

Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber warns that phishing scams and other internet fraud schemes continue to cost Ohio taxpayers significant amounts, with fraudsters constantly developing new tactics to steal personal information. The auditor emphasizes that these scams are widespread and nearly unavoidable in modern life, urging residents not to fall victim to these evolving schemes.

This educational piece highlights that approximately 1 in 10 seniors experiences elder abuse, with Ohio alone receiving over 40,000 abuse referrals in the past year. The Franklin County Office of Aging director emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs to protect vulnerable seniors during World Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost convened a sold-out World Elder Abuse Awareness Month conference at Ohio State University to address emerging threats to older adults, including cryptocurrency scams, modern financial fraud, and AI-enabled schemes in the digital era. Yost announced a new partnership with the Ohio Pharmacists Association to train pharmacists in recognizing abuse warning signs and promoting the Elder Abuse Hotline (1-855-OHIO-APS), leveraging pharmacists' regular contact with seniors over 60. The state's Elder Justice Unit and newly expanded Electronic Fraud Investigations unit work to identify criminal operations targeting older adults, recover stolen funds, and support victims across all demographic backgrounds

The FBI has filed to seize nearly $680,000 in cryptocurrency from a sophisticated romance scam targeting professionals on LinkedIn and dating apps. Two victims—a Solon, Ohio resident who lost $500,000 and an Arizona woman who lost $63,000—were deceived into investing in cryptocurrency after scammers built trust through social media before moving conversations to encrypted platforms. Investigators traced the stolen funds across blockchain networks, identifying how criminals converted the stolen assets to Tether stablecoin, demonstrating law enforcement's growing ability to track cryptocurrency fraud despite the technology's irreversible transactions and pseudonymous nature.

Two men, Jinrong Shi (28) and Jiyang Zhong (27), were indicted on 10 counts for defrauding elderly victims in Northeast Ohio through "grandparent" and "tech support" scams in May-June 2024, stealing over $201,000 from residents in Cleveland Heights, Willoughby, Canton, and Warren. The defendants worked with a criminal network of "fraud callers" and "fraud couriers" who convinced victims to withdraw cash and used passwords to gain trust, then laundered proceeds across state lines and through cryptocurrency accounts in China. Both men face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Two men—Jinrong Shi, 28, of New York, and Jiyang Zhong, 27, a Chinese national—were indicted on federal charges for running "grandparent" and "tech support" scams targeting elderly victims in Northeast Ohio (Cleveland Heights, Willoughby, Canton, and Warren) in May and June 2024. The defendants, working with a network of co-conspirators using "fraud callers" and "fraud couriers," defrauded victims of over $201,000 by posing as law enforcement or tech support personnel and arranging cash pickups at victims' homes or directing victims to mail money. The laundered proceeds

Ghanaian businessman Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng and multiple associates have been charged in coordinated U.S. federal prosecutions for operating transnational romance and inheritance scams targeting elderly Americans between 2013 and 2024. Boateng allegedly led a decade-long scheme convincing seniors they could claim gold and jewels if they paid fabricated taxes and fees, while related defendants in Ohio and elsewhere defrauded elderly victims through fake romantic relationships and fraudulent business deals, laundering proceeds to Ghana and other countries. These cases represent part of a broader Department of Justice crackdown on international fraud networks preying on seniors, announced in conjunction with World Elder

A nationwide DMV scam involves cybercriminals texting people claiming they owe fines for traffic violations or unpaid tolls, threatening license revocation or vehicle registration suspension to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or paying money. These phishing scams, reported in Indiana, Ohio, Maine, Texas, and other states, use official-sounding language, fake ordinance codes, and threats of jail time or credit score damage to create urgency, but legitimate DMVs typically only send texts that users have opted into and never request payment or personal information via text.

Lawrence Hall from Columbus lost $149 after responding to a robocall scam promising a product he never received; the number became unlisted after he contacted them. Hall receives over 35 robocalls daily and is among millions of victims, with seniors identified as particularly vulnerable due to loneliness and phone-answering habits. The Ohio Attorney General's Office recommends not answering unfamiliar numbers, avoiding personal information disclosure, and reporting robocalls to authorities to prevent scammers from building profiles and selling victim data.

Senior Veterans Administration Services (SVAS) founder Richard Rompala and four employees were indicted for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs of approximately $20 million by falsifying documentation to make ineligible elderly veterans appear qualified for benefits, then withholding or demanding payment from the benefits they obtained. The scheme involved SVAS contacting veterans, falsely claiming they were eligible for free assistance, submitting fraudulent documents to the VA, and then either demanding direct payment or a large percentage of the benefits before releasing funds to the veterans. The case was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General, Ohio Attorney General's Office, and Ohio Department of Commerce as part of Operation No VA

Lawrence Hall of Columbus lost $149 after responding to a robocall scam in which he ordered an item over the phone but never received it or a refund. The Ohio Attorney General's Office advises residents to avoid answering calls from unfamiliar numbers, not to share personal information with callers, and to report robocalls online, noting that seniors are particularly vulnerable to these scams due to isolation and their tendency to answer phones.

Elderly adults worldwide are increasingly targeted by sophisticated digital scams using AI, voice cloning, and psychological manipulation, with Americans over 60 losing $4.8 billion in 2024 and India projecting ₹1.2 lakh crore in losses for 2025. Scammers exploit cognitive vulnerabilities, cultural conditioning, and loneliness among seniors—exemplified by cases like a Delhi woman losing ₹5 lakh to an impersonated telecom provider and a 72-year-old Ohio man defrauded in a romance scam. Experts call for urgent systemic interventions including tailored security measures, platform accountability, digital literacy programs

A 72-year-old Ohio surgeon lost $1 billion to a romance scam involving a fake Ukrainian model within one month of his wife's death, while in New Delhi, a woman lost Rs 5 lakh ($6,000) when scammers impersonated her phone service provider during a family medical crisis. Globally, seniors lost $4.8 billion to cyber fraud in 2024 (US), with India projected to lose Rs 1.2 lakh crore ($14.4 billion) in 2025, driven by psychological manipulation that exploits neurobiological changes in aging brains, cultural conditioning toward authority and politeness, and widesprea

Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the FBI issued a public reminder about elder fraud, which caused $4.885 billion in losses across 147,127 complaints in 2024—a 46% increase from 2023. In Ohio specifically, seniors over 60 lost more than $95 million in 2024, with significant losses in investment scams ($31 million), romance scams ($11 million), and tech support scams ($10 million). The FBI emphasizes that scammers target elderly Americans because they are perceived as trusting and financially stable, and advises seniors to verify unknown contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, and report suspecte

The Ohio Attorney General's office held an educational conference in Warren addressing growing scam threats targeting seniors, including cryptocurrency scams, lottery fraud, and online relationship schemes aimed at stealing life savings and personal identity information. Experts advised older adults to be cautious with online links and downloads, research before acting, and consider freezing their credit with the three major credit reporting agencies. Resources for assistance include Pro Seniors' free legal hotline at (513) 345-4160 and local adult protective services.

Scam text messages claiming recipients owe money to the "Ohio Department of Vehicles" (actually called the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles) are being sent nationwide, threatening suspension of car registration, driver's license loss, credit score damage, and legal charges to pressure victims into clicking malicious links. State Registrar Charlie Norman identified this as a phishing scam with a low cost-to-reward ratio for criminals, recommending that recipients verify claims directly with the BMV, avoid clicking links in unsolicited urgent messages, and report suspicious texts to the Federal Trade Commission.

Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik announced that the Northern District of Ohio is committed to combating financial fraud targeting seniors during Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, noting that scammers use unsolicited communications and impersonation tactics to steal victims' life savings. The office highlighted common scams affecting older adults, including cryptocurrency schemes, lottery scams, grandparent scams, romance scams, government impersonation schemes, money mule operations, and tech support frauds, and urged seniors to remain vigilant while offering FBI and Department of Justice resources for reporting elder financial abuse.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles warned residents of a phishing text scam in which scammers impersonate the BMV and claim recipients have unpaid traffic tickets, demanding immediate payment to avoid license suspension. The scam, reported by drivers nationwide, is designed to steal personal or financial information, and the BMV emphasized it never sends text messages demanding payment or requesting personal data. Victims are advised to report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and contact local law enforcement if they believe they've been compromised.

Scammers in Ohio are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating state agencies, including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ohio Turnpike, and Department of Taxation. Ohio residents are advised that legitimate state agencies never contact citizens via unsolicited text messages and should report suspected scams to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik issued a press release for Elder Abuse Awareness Month highlighting the prevalence of financial scams targeting seniors in the Northern District of Ohio, including cryptocurrency, lottery, grandparent, romance, government impersonation, money mule, and tech support schemes. The statement emphasized that scammers use unsolicited communications and fraudulent tactics to exploit seniors' savings, with some victims losing their entire life savings, and urged vigilance and reporting through the FBI and Department of Justice resources.

Ohio seniors reported 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in losses according to FBI data. Romance scams targeting older adults have grown significantly, with perpetrators using dating apps to build relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fraudulent exchanges. Investigators advise seniors to verify any claims about compromised accounts directly with financial institutions, avoid secrecy in relationships, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities at 614-644-7381.

Ohio seniors filed 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in elder fraud losses in 2023 alone. The most prevalent scam targeting older Ohioans is the romance scam, where international criminals use dating apps to build relationships and eventually persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fictitious platforms. Investigators urge seniors to report suspicious propositions to trusted contacts, verify financial institution communications independently, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities.

Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging are using June's World Elder Abuse Awareness Month to encourage residents to recognize signs of elder abuse and learn reporting procedures. The awareness initiative aims to help protect seniors by increasing community vigilance and knowledge about how to identify and report suspected abuse.

Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June 2025, highlighting that local agencies receive over 100 adult protective services referrals daily and that one in 10 seniors nationally experience some form of elder abuse. The state provided information on recognizing warning signs of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse as well as financial exploitation and neglect, with resources including an awareness campaign and a hotline (1-855-OHIO-APS) for reporting suspected abuse.

In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, Ohio's Department of Commerce Division of Securities and Department of Aging are addressing a significant financial exploitation crisis affecting older Ohioans, who lost over $64 million in 2024 with fraud complaints up 22% year-over-year. The state highlights common warning signs of elder financial abuse—including unexplained withdrawals, suspicious account changes, and unpaid bills—and notes that seniors are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, tech support impersonation, and grandparent scams that exploit loneliness and lack of technological familiarity. Multiple state resources are available for reporting suspected fraud and obtaining assistance, including the Division of Securities' hotline and Adult

A 67-year-old Ohio woman was victimized by a cryptocurrency scam where she was instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM via QR code—one of hundreds of similar cases targeting seniors in Ohio in 2024, often impersonating companies like Amazon, FedEx, or federal agencies. Americans aged 60+ lost nearly $4.89 billion to internet fraud in 2024 (a 46% increase from 2023), with cryptocurrency scams being particularly difficult to reverse once funds are transferred through digital wallets and mixers that obscure transaction origins. Law enforcement emphasizes that quick reporting is critical to recovering funds, and legitimate companies never request payments

This educational piece announces a June 10th elder fraud awareness event in Galion, Ohio, highlighting the evolving tactics used to scam seniors. Rather than distant phone scammers, the real danger comes from local perpetrators impersonating authority figures (sheriffs, tax officials) or loved ones to pressure victims into handing over cash or medications in untraceable transactions. The key prevention strategy is education and awareness to help seniors and their families recognize and resist these schemes before falling victim.

A new scam targeting drivers claims they owe money for unpaid traffic tickets via text message, threatening suspension of driving privileges if payment is not made immediately. Motor vehicle departments across multiple states, including Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey, have issued warnings that they never send unsolicited texts demanding payment for tolls or tickets. Consumers are advised to delete such messages without clicking links and to contact state agencies directly using official phone numbers if they need to verify any legitimate traffic violations.

Ohio officials report that elder fraud complaints among older residents increased 20% in 2024, with over 300 cases filed, as scammers continue to target seniors through emails, texts, and phone calls to obtain fraudulent payments or account information. The state's Division of Securities urges affected individuals to report suspected financial scams immediately to law enforcement or the Division at 614-644-7381, and provides multiple resources including an investor protection hotline, Adult Protective Services, and an Elder Justice Unit to assist victims.

A cryptocurrency investment scam targeting two victims resulted in approximately $563,000 in stolen funds, which the U.S. Attorney's Office for Northern District of Ohio is seeking to forfeit as 679,981.22 USDT tokens. A victim in Solon, Ohio lost roughly $500,000 after being contacted by someone posing as "Kristina Tian" on LinkedIn who gained his trust and directed him to transfer cryptocurrency to a fraudulent investment platform; an Arizona woman lost $63,000 (including $15,000 from her 401(k) and $48,000 from a home equity loan her daughter obtained) through a similar scheme initiated on a