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Tennessee's Department of Disability and Aging and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have partnered to distribute scam-awareness materials to vulnerable older adults through meal delivery services, recognizing that homebound seniors are frequent targets for fraud and elder abuse. The initiative will place magnets and information cards about the SafeSeniorTN website—which offers guidance on technology, financial, and personal safety scams—directly into meal packages delivered to seniors across the state. Older adults receiving these services should review the materials provided and visit SafeSeniorTN to learn how to recognize and report scams targeting seniors.

Fourteen people in Ohio face charges for orchestrating fraud schemes that stole over $50 million from Medicaid, COVID relief funds, and dating sites, with one defendant accused of fraudulently billing Ohio's Medicaid program alone for $12 million worth of services never provided. The schemes affected both government programs and individual victims across the country, prompting authorities to suspend payments to 49 additional home health providers under investigation for suspicious billing patterns. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited health service offers, verify provider credentials through official Medicaid websites, and report suspicious billing or dating site activity to local authorities.

Seniors over 60 are increasingly targeted by identity theft and fraud, filing over 201,000 complaints in 2025 with average losses of $38,500—nearly double younger victims' losses—while total fraud costs to older adults range from $10 billion to $81 billion annually. Scammers exploit the fact that seniors have multiple financial accounts (banks, Medicare, Social Security, pensions) that can be breached using publicly available information like birthdates and Social Security numbers, and new AI voice-cloning technology makes impersonation easier than ever. Adult children can help protect aging parents by securing their personal information across all accounts and being cautious of unexpected calls, particularly those requesting verification details or claiming to be family members in distress.

Americans aged 60 and older lost $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025, with victims averaging losses of nearly $38,500—almost double younger victims' losses—making seniors the most defrauded age group according to FBI data. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because they typically have multiple financial and government accounts (banks, Medicare, Social Security, pensions) that scammers can exploit, and new threats like AI voice cloning now allow fraudsters to impersonate loved ones convincingly. To protect aging parents, adult children should help them implement credit freezes, secure their sensitive personal information (like Social Security numbers and birthdates) used for account verification, and remain vigilant about phone calls from grandchildren or others requesting money, especially when voice authenticity seems uncertain.

Seniors are losing a record $7.7 billion annually to financial scams that typically begin with unsolicited phone calls or text messages creating false urgency. Common scams include fake bank fraud alerts asking victims to verify account information, Medicare renewal schemes requesting personal details, and other schemes exploiting seniors' retirement savings and established credit. To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited messages asking for passwords or personal information, remember that legitimate banks and Medicare won't request sensitive data unexpectedly, and verify any suspicious communications by calling your institution directly using a number from their official website.

Medicare fraud costs the program an estimated $60 billion annually and has serious consequences for beneficiaries, including stress, identity theft, and potential health impacts. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is launching Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (around June 5) to educate seniors on how to protect themselves and their loved ones from fraud. To protect yourself, learn to recognize fraud warning signs, review your Medicare statements carefully, and contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-963-5337 with any concerns or suspicious activity.

Medicare fraud costs the program an estimated $60 billion annually and takes a serious toll on beneficiaries through stress, identity theft, and potential health complications. The Senior Medicare Patrol is offering free education during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 5) to help people protect themselves, detect fraud, and report suspicious activity. To learn prevention strategies, seniors can join a free Zoom class on June 1 or contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-800-963-5337 for questions and resources.

Senior Americans lost over $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025, representing a 59% increase from the previous year, with phishing, tech support scams, and investment fraud being the most common schemes reported. Those 60 and older should proactively plan for financial caregiving arrangements and stay vigilant by learning to recognize fraud through resources like the SEC's Investor.gov website, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's elder fraud prevention guides, and the FDIC's Money Smart curriculum. Families are encouraged to have conversations now about who will help manage finances and monitor accounts to prevent costly exploitation before a crisis occurs.

Elderly residents across Southern California have become targets of increasingly sophisticated fraud and abuse schemes, including a $17 million identity theft and real estate loan ring that forged documents to steal home equity from seniors, unlicensed care facilities that neglected vulnerable residents, and deed theft that allowed homes to be sold without owners' knowledge. The article advises that the most effective protection involves proactive planning—such as creating durable powers of attorney, funded living trusts, and recording homeowner alerts at the County Recorder—rather than attempting to recover after fraud has occurred, which is significantly more difficult and expensive.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace has focused her work in Congress on protecting South Carolina seniors through legislation against fraud and exploitation, tax relief measures, and resolving over 1,000 constituent cases that recovered more than $1.5 million in benefits. Senior citizens affected by bureaucratic delays or benefit issues can contact their congressional representative's office for assistance in navigating federal agencies and recovering owed funds. The article emphasizes the importance of having responsive representation to address seniors' concerns and ensure they retain the benefits and tax advantages they've earned.

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.

Multnomah County is hosting a free document shredding event on May 30, 2026, to help protect community members—especially seniors and Medicare beneficiaries—from identity theft and fraud, which costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion annually and is the most common form of elder abuse. The event, held in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, allows residents to safely destroy sensitive documents that could be used for fraudulent purposes. To protect yourself, securely dispose of personal documents containing financial or health information, and learn more about Medicare fraud prevention resources in your community.

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.

A caretaker in Minnesota was indicted for Medicaid fraud after allegedly providing no services to an elderly man he was supposed to care for, who died neglected while the fraudster continued billing the government—a case Vice President JD Vance highlighted to demonstrate how fraud harms vulnerable populations, not just taxpayers. The federal government's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, created in March, is intensifying efforts to prosecute fraud cases across the country and has called for bipartisan cooperation among state attorneys general. Vulnerable Americans, particularly the elderly, should be aware of who is providing their care services and verify that providers are actually delivering promised assistance.

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.

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.

Indiana ranks 8th worst in the nation for scam calls and texts, though overall scam call volume has dropped in recent months as fraudsters shift tactics to use AI for more targeted, personalized attacks rather than mass calling campaigns. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence to research victims on social media and craft convincing scripts, while the FTC reports that social media scams—particularly fake job offers and investment schemes—caused the highest financial losses last year. To protect yourself, consider using call-blocking apps like Truecaller (free on Android, paid on iOS) or contacting your wireless carrier about available scam-blocking features.

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.

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.

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.

A St. Thomas woman named Henrietta Harlow was arrested for allegedly stealing nearly $134,000 from her elderly mother, who has advanced Alzheimer's dementia and was under her care. Using power of attorney, Harlow made unauthorized withdrawals and transfers from her mother's bank account, diverted Social Security benefits, and took control of her mother's rental property—actions that continued for years despite her mother's need for round-the-clock care and inability to manage her own finances. To protect vulnerable family members, people should monitor any relatives with power of attorney over elderly or disabled family members, review bank and financial statements regularly, and report suspected elder financial abuse to local authorities immediately.

San Diego County spent $26.8 million on air purifiers from Oransi LLC to help residents affected by pollution from the Tijuana River, but a competing company claims these purifiers will be ineffective at relieving the harmful hydrogen sulfide fumes residents are exposed to. Additionally, elder fraud cases have surged 84%, prompting local organizations to offer free workshops to help San Diego seniors protect themselves from becoming victims of scams targeting older adults.

Governor Tim Walz signed eleven bills into law that include new protections for renters and homeowners, expanded mental health services in prisons, and a statewide framework to protect older Minnesotans and vulnerable people from financial fraud and exploitation. Key housing reforms address submeter billing practices and homeowners association governance, particularly benefiting renters in shared-meter buildings and first-time Black homeowners who have faced surprise charges and hidden assessments. To protect themselves, renters should review their lease terms carefully regarding digital rent payments and submeter charges, while homeowners should scrutinize HOA documentation and request transparent governance disclosures before purchasing property.

Scammers are using artificial intelligence to spoof trusted phone numbers—including news stations and government agencies like Medicare—to trick people into revealing personal information, with a recent incident targeting a Tulsa-area woman. According to the FBI, AI-enabled fraud surged dramatically in 2025, generating $893 million in losses and hitting seniors particularly hard, with those 60 and older losing $7.7 billion that year. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling the organization's official number, and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask for sensitive data over the phone.

Scammers are targeting Medicare recipients with offers for "free" DNA or genetic testing through phone calls, door-to-door visits, and community events, potentially using stolen Medicare numbers to commit fraud or identity theft. Medicare only covers genetic testing when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor, so unsolicited offers should be treated with suspicion. To protect yourself, verify offers directly with Medicare, never share your Medicare number with unsolicited callers, and report suspected scams to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs at 1-800-963-5337 or through Operation Senior Shield.

Meta generated approximately $14.3 million in ad revenue during 2025 by hosting scam advertisements targeting seniors, particularly those aged 65 and older in Texas and Florida, according to a watchdog report. These fraudulent Medicare-related ads used false promises of free benefits, AI-generated celebrity deepfakes, and fake enrollment deadlines to deceive elderly users, reaching 215 million impressions across Facebook despite Meta's removal efforts. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited ads promising free Medicare benefits, verify any enrollment information directly through official Medicare channels, and report suspicious ads to Meta and the FTC.

# Summary Scammers are exploiting Facebook and Instagram by repeatedly purchasing ads that target seniors with fake Medicare offers, using deepfakes and images of celebrities like Trump and Oprah to lure victims into sharing personal data or enrolling in fraudulent programs. A report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate found that 30 active scam accounts generated 215 million ad impressions over the past year, with 73% reaching users over 65, and estimated scammers spent approximately $12.4-$14.3 million on these ads. Meta faces criticism and multiple lawsuits for inadequately removing scam ads and allowing near-identical ads to reappear after being taken down

Data brokers expose retirees to significant fraud risk even after they attempt to remove their personal information, because hundreds of data broker companies operate across the U.S. and opting out from one site like Spokeo doesn't remove your data from others. Retirees are particularly vulnerable because their decades of public records, property ownership, and family connections make them attractive targets, and many believe their manual opt-out efforts provide full protection when they only offer temporary coverage on limited sites. To stay safer, people should understand that data brokers continuously pull updated information from public records and will relist removed information within weeks or months, requiring ongoing, repeated opt-out efforts rather than one-time actions.

Data brokers operate hundreds of websites that compile and sell personal information like names, addresses, phone numbers, and estimated net worth—primarily targeting retirees with decades of public records. Many people mistakenly believe that opting out of one or two data broker sites like Spokeo or Whitepages fully protects them, but the hundreds of other data brokers still have their information, and even sites they've opted out of often relist data within weeks as public records refresh. To stay protected, retirees should opt out of multiple data broker sites and understand that removal is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix, to prevent their information from being used in scams that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Scammers are increasingly using fake QR codes—a tactic called "quishing"—to trick people into visiting malicious websites that steal personal and financial information, often by placing these codes in everyday locations like parking lots, restaurants, and utility bills. Seniors and smartphone users are particularly vulnerable because they tend to scan QR codes without questioning them, and the hidden destination cannot be seen before scanning. To protect yourself, experts recommend carefully inspecting QR codes before scanning, verifying they're from legitimate sources, and being especially cautious with unexpected codes in public spaces or unsolicited packages.

A Mesa teenager named Shilo Karakkattu developed ScamSafe, a free website tool that helps seniors and others quickly identify scam calls and fraudulent messages by analyzing suspicious content and explaining warning signs in plain language. The tool was inspired by his grandparents' experiences with IRS robocalls and fake Medicare texts, and addresses a serious problem—Americans over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona particularly affected. ScamSafe requires no login, stores no personal data, is available in six languages, and is designed specifically for users who may be uncomfortable with technology.

Mark Marriott, a former facilities manager at a Sharon-based healthcare nonprofit called Primary Health Network, was sentenced in federal court for his role in a multiyear fraud scheme where he and other executives diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars through fake invoices and kickback arrangements between 2015 and 2020. The stolen funds, which came from an organization meant to serve underserved populations, were used to pay for personal expenses and work on executives' private homes. To protect nonprofits you support or work for, monitor contractor bids carefully, require competitive bidding processes, and report suspicious invoicing or expense patterns to leadership or board oversight committees.

Scams targeting adults 55 and older have increased by 10% since 2023, with fraudsters using imposter tactics like fake jury duty calls and fake government agency contacts, according to the Better Business Bureau. Seniors are increasingly vulnerable because they're spending more time online, and scammers are becoming more aggressive, particularly with crypto kiosk schemes where victims deposit cash that's nearly impossible to recover. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls from government agencies, avoid cryptocurrency kiosks, and verify caller identity through official phone numbers rather than using information provided by the caller.

A Milwaukee woman has been charged with defrauding Wisconsin's Medicaid program of $2.2 million through her home health care company by billing for personal care services that never took place. She allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase businesses including a frozen custard shop and a car wash, as well as a luxury Mercedes-Benz. Her attorney claims the charges stem from clerical errors rather than intentional fraud, but she faces multiple felony charges including theft by fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

A BASIS Mesa high school student named Shilo Karakkattu created ScamSafe, a free website tool that helps people—especially seniors—detect scam calls and text messages by analyzing suspicious content and explaining potential threats in plain language. The tool was inspired by his grandparents' experiences with fraudulent IRS and Medicare scams, and addresses a critical problem: Americans over 60 lost nearly $5 billion to scams in 2024, with Arizona among the hardest-hit states. ScamSafe requires no login, stores no personal data, is available in multiple languages, and uses a simplified design to help users who may be uncomfortable with technology—making it easy for anyone to paste or screenshot a suspicious message and get immediate clarity on whether it's a scam.

TruVista representative Taja Strickland presented a program to the Rotary Club on April 28, 2026, educating seniors about common scams including love bombing, medical fraud, and AI-generated fake calls and images. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these schemes, which often aim to steal sensitive information or manipulate victims into sending money. To protect yourself, use reverse image searches to verify suspicious images, avoid sharing personal information, and contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360 or report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A Milwaukee woman named Debbie Long is accused of stealing nearly $2.2 million from Wisconsin Medicaid between 2017 and 2022 by submitting fake claims for in-home medical care she never provided, along with fraudulently obtaining a $219,000 pandemic relief loan. She allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase Kitt's Custard, a Mercedes-Benz, and an car wash, as well as to launder money through these businesses. Long faces charges of fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to appear in court in July.

Lawrence and Leasa Carter of Sun Valley, Nevada have been indicted on 69 felony charges for allegedly defrauding Nevada Medicaid of at least $2 million through a multi-year scheme involving fake companies, false service claims, and identity theft of vulnerable individuals including seniors. The couple, who had previously been terminated as Medicaid providers, used shell companies to conceal their involvement and submitted false billing for services never rendered. People concerned about Medicaid fraud or suspicious provider activity should report it to their state's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and seniors should monitor their medical records and benefits statements for unauthorized use.

Fraud losses hit a record $15.9 billion in 2025, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated fake websites, emails, and videos to target people on social media and through phishing attempts. Investment, romance, crypto, and impostor scams are the main culprits, with nearly 30% of victims reporting the scam started on social media. To protect yourself, question unsolicited offers, avoid clicking links in suspicious emails or texts, access financial accounts only through official websites or apps you type directly into your browser, and trust your instincts if something seems off.

A Sun Valley couple, Lawrence and Leasa Carter, has been indicted on 69 felony charges for allegedly defrauding Nevada Medicaid of at least $2 million through a scheme involving fake companies, false service claims, and stolen identities of vulnerable people and seniors. The fraud operated over several years using shell companies to hide ownership while submitting fraudulent claims for services never provided. To protect yourself: verify any Medicaid communications directly with the state, monitor healthcare statements for unauthorized services, and report suspicious activity to your state's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Oregon residents filed over 10,000 consumer complaints with the state Department of Justice last year and recovered nearly $1.6 million—a 27% increase from 2024—with fraud, imposter scams, auto industry issues, and telecom complaints being the most common problems. The state's Consumer Advocacy Complaint Program is resolving complaints faster and holding businesses accountable, though fraud and scams continue to rise across the state. If you suspect fraud or a scam, filing a complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice can help you recover money and protect other consumers.

Johnson County Park and Recreation District is offering free educational programs in June to help seniors and others recognize and protect themselves from scams, which are a common form of elder abuse. Two sessions—"Financial Prevention" and "Senior Medicare Patrol: Preventing Fraud and Protecting Yourself"—will teach participants how to spot warning signs of fraud, understand common scams targeting seniors, and learn practical steps to safeguard personal information and finances. Interested participants can register for the free programs by calling 913-831-3359 or visiting jcprd.com/50plus.

Hospice fraud is costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, with scammers using stolen identities and fake names to bill Medicare for end-of-life care services that patients don't receive. A Capitol Hill hearing exposed the widespread problem, including a case where a doctor's Medicare claims were fraudulently spread across 126 different hospice providers, and even a Medicare beneficiary whose identity was stolen to enroll her in unnecessary hospice care. Lawmakers from both parties are calling for stronger accountability measures and enforcement to crack down on the fraud and protect the Medicare hospice program.

Elder financial fraud in Maryland has surged dramatically, with one in 20 older adults reporting financial abuse in 2024 and losing a combined $47 million—nearly five times more than in 2020, according to state officials. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including impersonating police officers and grandchildren, and leveraging artificial intelligence to sound convincing; one Montgomery County resident lost $10,000 after a fake police officer convinced her to transfer cash to a cryptocurrency kiosk. State leaders recommend verifying caller identities by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, and emphasize that there is no shame in being targeted, as older adults are often deliberately chosen by scammers.

Maryland officials and non-profits launched "PROTECT Week," a statewide campaign to combat financial exploitation of older adults, which has become one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse. Seniors are being targeted at alarming rates—reports show one in 20 older adults experience financial abuse, with victims over 60 losing $4.885 billion in 2024 alone, a 43 percent increase from the previous year. To protect yourself, experts advise: if someone tells you to keep money transfers secret or claims authority and urgency, slow down and tell a trusted friend or family member before acting, and take advantage of free community resources like webinars and workshops being offered during PROTECT Week to learn how to spot and prevent fraud.

The San Antonio Police Department warns that online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using AI-generated content, spoofed phone numbers, and high-pressure tactics to impersonate authorities and trick victims into sending money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. San Antonio seniors are particularly targeted, with 330 crimes reported in 2025, and impostor fraud—where scammers pose as police or government officials—being the most common scheme. To protect yourself, authorities recommend hanging up on suspicious calls and verifying claims directly with official agencies, avoiding unfamiliar numbers, being skeptical of urgency or secrecy demands, and consulting trusted contacts before sending money.

Senior citizens are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated scams, including the "phantom hacker/courier scheme" that costs Americans over $500 million annually, exemplified by a 76-year-old New Jersey man who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars after calling a number in a fake Norton antivirus email. These scams take various forms—from Medicare fraud and "grandparent" schemes to romance and IRS impersonation scams—and often go unreported because victims are embarrassed, making the true financial impact likely far greater than estimated. Banks and businesses need to take responsibility for enabling these schemes, and seniors should be cautious about unsolicited emails and calls requesting personal information or urgent wire transfers.

California hospice providers have been systematically defrauding Medicare and vulnerable elderly patients by billing for end-of-life care for people who weren't actually terminally ill, a problem that was exposed in 2020 but has persisted despite promised reforms and a licensing moratorium. Despite years of pledges to strengthen oversight and enact new regulations, state officials have failed to implement meaningful protections, allowing the scams to continue and allegedly costing taxpayers over $260 million. Patients and their families should be cautious about hospice recommendations, verify a patient's actual medical condition before enrollment, and report suspicious billing practices to state health authorities or Medicare.

A mother and daughter who ran a nonprofit after-school program in Silver City pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud, agreeing to pay $6 million in restitution and serve over 10 years in prison combined. They submitted false claims to Medicaid for services never provided, illegally used the Social Security and Medicaid numbers of children and adults, and fabricated psychological disorders—affecting 31 victims, mostly children. To protect yourself, monitor your Medicaid statements for unauthorized charges, check your credit reports regularly, and immediately report any suspicious use of your Social Security number to authorities.

California authorities charged 21 people and arrested 5 in connection with a $250 million hospice fraud scheme that involved using stolen identities from out-of-state residents to file false hospice claims against government insurance programs. The scheme drained resources meant for vulnerable and sick Californians, prompting officials to warn that such fraud undermines trust in critical care programs. Residents should monitor their personal information and be cautious of unsolicited hospice-related communications, as identity theft was a key component of this scam.