Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
7,397 results
in Robocall / Phone Scam
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using automated voice messages impersonating banks to trick customers into revealing sensitive financial information like debit card and account numbers. Recent incidents in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio targeted customers of Wayne Bank, banks in Madison, and Brookville National Bank with fake security breach alerts designed to prompt account reactivation. The advisory warns customers never to provide financial information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls and to independently verify such requests by contacting their bank directly.
texarkanagazette.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Residents of Bowie County, Texas have been targeted by telephone scams using caller ID spoofing to impersonate the Bowie County Sheriff's Office by displaying the department's actual main number (903-798-3149). The scams exploit local trust by making calls appear to originate from an official law enforcement source.
clarksvilleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns military members and veterans to be alert for scams around Memorial Day, which typically include high-priced military loans with hidden fees, fake rental properties using stolen photos, misleading vehicle sales targeting deployed soldiers, and fraudulent charities mimicking legitimate nonprofits. The BBB recommends avoiding wire transfers, protecting computers from phishing, placing active duty alerts on credit reports, researching businesses and charities before engaging, and reporting suspected fraud through BBB.org/Scamtracker.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC identified the 10 companies most impersonated by scammers, including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, PayPal, and major banks, with scammers using phone calls, emails, and social media to contact victims and requesting payment via gift cards, bank transfers, or Zelle. Gift cards from Apple, Target, eBay, Walmart, and Amazon were the most common payment method used in 2023, with social media scams resulting in the highest financial losses despite email and phone being more frequent contact methods. The FTC recommends verifying requests independently, avoiding unfamiliar links and caller IDs, and refusing to send money through single payment methods, while also suggesting protective
en.etemaaddaily.com
· 2025-12-08
BRS working president KT Rama Rao alleged scams totaling over Rs. 1,100 crore involving the Telangana Congress government in paddy sales and rice purchases, claiming that global tenders were manipulated to benefit specific companies while extracting Rs. 700 crore from local rice millers through illegal levies and threats. The allegations include a Rs. 300 crore overpayment for fine rice procured for welfare hostels at Rs. 57 per kg instead of the Rs. 35 per kg available from local millers, with Rama Rao demanding central agency investigations and immediate cancellation of the tenders.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults, despite 88% using the internet, are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit fears and lack of technical knowledge to steal identities and money. The author, a 50-year finance professional, fell victim twice to tech support scams that tricked him into providing sensitive information including his Social Security number and credit card details. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints rose 14% recently with victims averaging losses of $33,915, and common scams targeting seniors include fake tech support calls, Medicare/health insurance fraud, internet pop-up viruses, and telemarketing schemes.
newschannel6now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers posing as contractors frequently target disaster victims following severe weather events, such as Memorial Day weekend storms in Texas. The BBB provides guidance including contacting your insurance company, researching contractors through BBB.org and local licensing agencies, avoiding high-pressure sales tactics, refusing to sign over insurance checks directly to contractors, and being cautious of door-to-door solicitors and offers to illegally waive insurance deductibles. Key protective measures include getting references, requesting contractor identification, paying contractors directly with credit cards, and avoiding allowing unknown contractors unsupervised access to hard-to-inspect areas of the home.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin Public Services warned customers of scam calls impersonating the utility company and falsely promising $50 refunds in exchange for credit card information. The scammers exploited knowledge of a company moratorium on service shutoffs, but WPS clarified that it never requires credit card information to issue refunds or credits, which are automatically applied to bills or mailed directly to customers. Customers with questions were urged to call WPS directly at 800-450-7260.
securelist.com
· 2025-12-08
Online marketplace scammers increasingly operate under a "Fraud-as-a-Service" model, targeting message board users through two main schemes: impersonating sellers to deceive buyers, or impersonating buyers to trick sellers into entering payment card details on phishing sites. Scammers strategically target sellers with promoted ads and mobile payment preferences, using convincing conversations to build trust before sending fake payment links that harvest financial information and drain bank accounts.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are making unsolicited calls claiming victims owe back taxes and offering enrollment in a fake "2024 zero tax owed program" through a fraudulent entity called "Tax Relief Advocate." The IRS communicates tax debt through official letters, not phone calls, and legitimate tax relief companies do not collect payments on behalf of the IRS, making these calls an attempt to extract personal information from victims.
abc13.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using search engine optimization and paid ads to create fake websites that rank at the top of search results, mimicking legitimate companies like PayPal, Quicken, and Lowe's to trick users into clicking and entering personal information. AI technology has made these fraudulent sites increasingly difficult to detect, with scammers using subtle misspellings and sophisticated design that closely resemble authentic pages. Consumers are advised to carefully verify website URLs, check for small visual discrepancies, and avoid clicking on sponsored results without confirming they link to the official company website.
heraldscotland.com
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2023 and March 2024, over £28.7 million was lost to courier fraud in the UK, with victims averaging £20,032 each; scammers impersonated police officers and bank officials to trick householders—particularly pensioners in their 80s (43% of victims)—into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards. People aged 60-90 accounted for 85% of victims (63% female), with the oldest victim aged 94, and police reported five arrests following a coordinated operation across England and Wales. Key prevention advice includes using call-blocking devices, verifying that legitimate police and banks never
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Virginia identifies three prevalent Medicare scams in 2024: false billing for unreceived diabetes treatments and devices, offers of free products (typically cheap or nonexistent) in exchange for Medicare numbers, and free genetic testing at health fairs designed to harvest Medicare information. Seniors are advised to scrutinize monthly Medicare statements, only share their Medicare number with legitimate healthcare providers, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Between 2021 and 2023, senior citizens comprised 6.4% of online scam victims in Malaysia but suffered disproportionate losses of RM552.5 million (20% of the RM2.7 billion total), with telecommunication scams accounting for 47.6% of senior citizen victimization. The trend has accelerated in 2024, with 990 senior citizens losing RM130.4 million as of mid-May, representing 27.7% of total online scam losses despite being only 8.3% of cases. Authorities attribute the vulnerability to seniors' lack of internet knowledge and recommend immediately hanging up on calls from unknown
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns about Memorial Day-period scams targeting military members and veterans. A Wisconsin small business owner lost $166,515 to a fraudster impersonating an MBDA procurement director who ordered laptops but never paid. The BBB identifies common military-targeted scams including predatory loans, fake rental properties, misleading vehicle sales, fraudulent benefits buyouts, and high-pressure life insurance sales, recommending victims verify businesses, avoid wire transfers, protect their computer information, and research charities thoroughly before donating.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2023 and March 2024, British courier fraud scams targeting elderly people resulted in £28.7 million in losses, with victims averaging £20,000 each. People in their 80s were most vulnerable, accounting for 43% of victims, with approximately 85% of all victims aged 60-90; fraudsters posed as police officers or bank officials to trick targets into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards by claiming to investigate account issues or fraudulent business activity. City of London Police conducted a joint operation across England and Wales in May, making five arrests and receiving over 100 referrals from 26 forces, while recommending call-
fronterasdesk.org
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is hosting an educational seminar in Tucson to help seniors recognize phone and internet scams, following reports that fraud targeting people 60 and older caused over $3 billion in losses nationwide last year—a 10% increase from 2022. Local church members prompted the event after experiencing spam calls and falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, including AI-generated voice impersonation and phishing emails. The free public seminar covers scam identification and prevention techniques.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Jeremy Wade Wilson, owner of Publishers Elite, pleaded guilty to operating a $4.8 million nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme from 2013-2019 that defrauded over 14,000 victims, including more than 200 in Minnesota, through fraudulent magazine subscription sales targeting elderly and vulnerable consumers. Wilson, the final of 64 defendants charged, faces sentencing in September 2024 after pleading guilty to six counts of wire fraud and SCAMS Act violations.
scamwatch.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Remote access scams involve criminals posing as representatives from banks or tech companies, convincing victims to download screen-sharing software that grants them control of devices to steal banking credentials and funds. Australians lost $15.5 million to these scams in 2023, with losses increasing 52% in early 2024, and seniors over 65 experiencing the greatest financial impact. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited calls requesting software downloads, never share passwords or security codes over the phone, and immediately contact your bank if you suspect fraud.
alligator.org
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Florida man nearly fell victim to a grandparent scam when someone impersonating his grandson called asking for $5,000 bail money, though the grandson was actually safe at university. Florida reported over 40,000 online scams in 2023 resulting in $874 million in losses, ranking third nationally, with adults 60 and older losing over $290 million—the highest of any age group—yet only 15% of offenses are reported due to shame and embarrassment among victims.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC released a report identifying the companies most commonly impersonated by scammers, with Best Buy's Geek Squad, Amazon, and PayPal being the most frequently mimicked brands, while Microsoft and Publishers Clearing House impersonation scams generate the highest financial losses. Scammers primarily use email and phone contact, though social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are increasingly being exploited, and emerging threats include text-message phishing ("smishing") targeting highway toll payment systems.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake scams utilizing generative AI have stolen millions from companies globally, with a Hong Kong finance worker defrauded of over $25 million after being deceived by digitally recreated colleagues on a video call. Cybersecurity experts warn that the accessibility of AI tools like ChatGPT has lowered barriers for criminals to execute increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes, including voice spoofing, phishing, and impersonation of company executives to authorize fraudulent transfers. Beyond direct theft, deepfakes pose broader risks including stock price manipulation, brand defamation, and misinformation campaigns.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities warned of a surge in remote access scams where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies like Microsoft, tricking victims into downloading screen-sharing software that grants access to bank accounts. Losses from these scams increased 52 percent in early 2024, with victims losing an average of $17,943 and seniors over 65 suffering the largest losses; Australians reported $15.5 million in total losses during 2023. The ACCC advises never downloading software when directed by phone callers and never sharing banking information, passwords, or two-factor codes.
washingtontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scammers impersonating Best Buy and Geek Squad generated the most reports (52,000) targeting consumers with fake renewal payment prompts, resulting in $15 million in losses, while Microsoft impersonators caused the largest financial damage at $60 million across 7,000+ reports using fake security warnings. Amazon imposters ranked second with 34,000 reports and $19 million in losses, and Publishers Clearing House scammers collected $49 million by falsely claiming prize winnings, with email and phone calls serving as the primary contact methods for all impersonation scams.
choice.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A CHOICE survey of 280 scam victims in Australia found that four out of five victims reported their banks failed to flag suspicious transactions before money was transferred to scammers, and about half received inadequate support afterward. Australians lost $2.7 billion to scams last year, with over half of initial contact occurring on websites or social media platforms, yet banks and tech companies face minimal consequences while victims often suffer shame and financial loss with little recourse for recovery.
khaleejtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A WhatsApp-based fake job scam has defrauded an estimated Dh400 million from thousands of victims globally, according to cybersecurity firm CloudSEK. The scheme lures victims with promises of easy money for simple tasks like rating restaurants on Google Maps, then requires increasingly larger upfront payments to complete higher-paying tasks, ultimately preventing withdrawals through additional fees or endless new tasks. A Dubai hotelier lost nearly her entire life savings of Dh66,000 to the scam after paying Dh46,000 in deposits and an additional Dh20,000 in fraudulent "taxes."
kmbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kansas City resident lost over $1 million to a pop-up scam that displays fake computer error messages claiming device malfunction, then directs victims to call a provided number and transfer funds to Bitcoin for supposed repairs. Multiple victims aged 65-80 in the Kansas City area fell for the scam, which sometimes includes an offer to send couriers to collect the funds. KCPD is collaborating with law enforcement agencies nationwide to locate the perpetrators and urges victims to report losses to local police.
herald-review.com
· 2025-12-08
A Mount Zion woman was charged with stealing over $100,000 in cash and property from an elderly female victim between May 2022 and July 2023. Ali L. Fisher, 31, faces two counts including financial exploitation of an elderly person and obtaining control of property through deception, with the alleged theft totaling more than $40,000 in additional cash. Fisher was arrested on May 14 and released on pretrial release pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 24 in Macon County Circuit Court.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
A Florida man, Jian Hua Ren, was arrested for attempting to defraud a Hicksville woman of $45,000 through an impersonation scam. The suspect posed as a Nassau Federal Credit Union fraud representative and convinced the victim her account was compromised, instructing her to withdraw the funds for safekeeping. The victim, who had fallen for a similar scam previously, recognized the scheme and called 911, leading to Ren's arrest and charge of Attempted Grand Larceny 3rd Degree.
pulse.ng
· 2025-12-08
The article outlines five common scams targeting online daters: romance scams/catfishing where fraudsters create fake personas to extract money or information; sugaring scams where fake "sugar daddies" defraud victims (one victim lost $19,500); fake bot profiles using stolen photos to gain trust; two-factor authentication scams where criminals request security codes; and promoter scams offering fake money or premium features. The article advises users to verify identities through reverse image searches, meet contacts in public, avoid sharing personal information early, and never provide two-factor authentication codes or click suspicious links.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A reformed romance scammer from Nigeria revealed the tactics used in romance fraud schemes, including targeting vulnerable women on dating apps with fake military or single-parent profiles, building trust through virtual gifts and affection, and gradually extracting money by claiming financial hardship abroad. The scammer personally defrauded victims of tens of thousands of dollars by juggling multiple women and requesting payments in installments, while Massachusetts alone saw $8.6 million in romance scam losses in 2023. Now working as an educator, he advises potential victims to request video calls from suspected scammers and never send money to people they haven't met in person.
dailypress.net
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers increasingly use spoofing and phishing tactics to deceive victims by impersonating legitimate businesses through fraudulent emails and websites designed to steal personal and financial information. According to the FTC, social media scams caused the highest total losses at $1.4 billion in recent years, while phone-based scams resulted in the highest per-person losses averaging $1,480; notably, older adults who fell victim to scams lost significantly more money than younger adults. Law enforcement officials emphasize that these scams are preventable and encourage community members to monitor vulnerable elderly individuals.
wbko.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns residents affected by severe storms to be cautious of storm-chasing scammers who exploit disaster victims for repair work. Key fraud tactics include unlicensed contractors demanding upfront payments, roof inspectors creating damage to justify work, FEMA imposters, and utility company impersonators. The BBB recommends verifying contractor licenses, obtaining multiple quotes, paying by credit card, getting written contracts with insurance documentation, and reporting suspected price gouging or fraud to authorities.
techxplore.com
· 2025-12-08
Researchers analyzed 67,991 SMS phishing messages collected over 396 days and identified 600 distinct phishing operations using 35,128 unique campaigns. The study found that SMS phishers operate using mainstream infrastructure and services rather than hidden networks, with bulk messaging services openly advertising on platforms like LinkedIn. The research provides law enforcement with new techniques to identify and track phishing operations, addressing a significant gap in data since telecommunications companies have been reluctant to share private message information.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Based on 2023 FTC data, the five most-impersonated brands in scams are Best Buy's Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, Microsoft, and Publishers Clearing House, with Microsoft impersonation scams causing the highest financial losses at $60 million and Publishers Clearing House scams at $49 million. Common scams include fake tech support pop-ups claiming to be from Microsoft that trick victims into calling scammers, and fraudulent calls impersonating Publishers Clearing House claiming victims have won prizes and must pay upfront fees or taxes; some victims have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to these schemes.
prweb.com
· 2025-12-08
According to an FBI report, Americans over 60 experienced elder fraud crimes at record levels, with victims losing an estimated $3.4 billion in reported losses. Common scams targeting seniors include the grandparent scam (impersonating grandchildren claiming arrest), sweepstakes fraud requiring upfront payment, gift card serial number schemes, and government imposter fraud. Elderwerks, a Palatine, Illinois nonprofit, is hosting free educational presentations on scam prevention and identity theft protection to help seniors and caregivers recognize and avoid these crimes.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Jackson resident agreed to a civil court order permanently prohibiting her from participating in romance scams after acting as a money transmitter for an international fraud ring. Holly Locke received packages of money from multiple victims and forwarded the funds to her online romantic partner, unknowingly facilitating fraud against people who believed they were helping their own romantic partners. This civil consent decree marks the first of its kind in the Eastern District of Michigan and is part of a broader Department of Justice effort to disrupt international romance scam operations targeting U.S. citizens.
kfoxtv.com
· 2025-12-08
El Paso police reported a rise in identity theft scams targeting elderly residents over the past two years, with victims particularly vulnerable to text and phone scams due to high trust levels and limited awareness of technology capabilities. Sgt. Cristina Mendoza of the Financial Crime Unit identified key warning signs including unsolicited contact, pressure to pay in specific ways, and inability to verify the other party's identity.
goldendalesentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
From 2022 to 2023, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network reported approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder financial exploitation, with 80% of all suspicious activity reported by banks involving elder scams. Common scams targeting seniors include government impersonator scams, fake prizes/sweepstakes, computer tech support scams, and grandparent scams, perpetrated by strangers, family members, friends, or caregivers. Prevention strategies include protecting sensitive documents, monitoring financial accounts, avoiding unsolicited requests for personal information, consulting financial advisors before making decisions, and building relationships with trusted financial institutions.
cgsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center increased 14 percent in 2023, with victims aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion total and an average of $33,915 per victim. Tech support scams were the most commonly reported type of elder fraud, while investment scams proved the costliest, exceeding $1.2 billion in losses, with over 12,000 victims also targeted through cryptocurrency schemes. Oregon specifically saw elderly residents lose $44 million in 2023, with scammers exploiting older Americans' relative lack of technological proficiency.
menafn.com
· 2025-12-08
A Dubai hotelier lost her entire life savings of nearly Dh66,000 to a fake task-completion job scam that operates via WhatsApp, promising easy money for rating restaurants and completing online shopping orders. The scam uses a "trust-building" model: victims complete initial low-value tasks that pay out, then are progressively asked to pay larger top-up fees to unlock higher commissions before finally being prevented from withdrawing their funds through invented tax demands or endless new task requirements. This particular scam has defrauded thousands globally of an estimated Dh400 million according to cybersecurity firms.
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Lincoln businesses lost a combined $9,310 to phone scams targeting their employees: one employee purchased $6,000 in Sephora gift cards after communicating with a scammer via text, while another employee bought $3,310 in Bitcoin after receiving fraudulent calls and texts claiming to be from their supervisor. The Lincoln Police Department advises verifying caller identity by independently contacting the person they claim to be, and recommends filing a police report if scammed.
wlos.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article addresses the rising trend of financial scams targeting elderly people and emphasizes that knowledge and community vigilance are key defenses. It recommends that seniors protect themselves by exercising caution with unsolicited communications, utilizing security software, maintaining strong passwords, monitoring financial statements regularly, and reporting suspected fraud to the FTC and local authorities. The article also encourages families and communities to stay informed about common scams through trusted resources like the FBI and National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11).
foxcarolina.com
· 2025-12-08
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Secret Service are investigating a surge of "missed jury duty" scams in which callers impersonating law enforcement demand payment via Bitcoin to avoid arrest, with recent victims losing $30,200 and $7,200 respectively. Scammers operating overseas use authentic-sounding details like case and badge numbers to convince victims, though legitimate law enforcement never demands cryptocurrency payment. Spartanburg County residents lost $1.4 million to scams in 2024, and authorities advise refusing calls from unknown numbers and never sharing banking or personal information over the phone.
news-leader.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating toll collection services with phishing text messages claiming recipients owe small amounts (typically $12) with threats of large late fees ($50), directing them to fake payment links to steal personal and financial information. The Better Business Bureau received multiple reports of this scam in spring 2024, including cases targeting travelers in Illinois and Missouri, where scammers falsely claimed to represent toll agencies in states without toll roads or services. Consumers should verify toll balances directly through official agency websites or phone numbers rather than clicking unsolicited text links, and should report suspicious messages to BBB Scam Tracker or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman's Facebook account was compromised, and the hacker used it to post fraudulent Taylor Swift ticket ads, defrauding a buyer out of $1,000 who then showed up at the victim's home seeking the tickets. After Facebook failed to assist and the victim's bank initially refused to help, NBC 5 Responds' intervention led Chase Bank to reopen the case and refund the scam victim, though the hacker continues posting from the compromised account. The article recommends using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and updating security contact information to prevent similar social media hacks.
autisticadvocacy.org
· 2025-12-08
A scam using the Autism Society of America Network's (ASAN's) name and logo on a fraudulent Facebook account ("Madison Daniels") falsely recruits copywriters for a fake autism conference, sends counterfeit contracts, and then requests victims wire money to pay a supposed second contractor, promising overpayment via fake check. ASAN clarifies it has no upcoming conferences, does not recruit copywriters, and never asks contractors to pay other contractors; the organization has reported the account to Facebook and urges the public to verify any employment opportunities directly with ASAN.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
Since January, cybercriminals have targeted college students and faculty with an advance fee scam offering free pianos, sending at least 125,000 messages claiming pianos were available due to circumstances like deaths in the family. When victims respond, scammers direct them to fake shipping company emails that request upfront payment via cryptocurrency or money transfer apps; once payment is sent, contact ceases. One Bitcoin wallet connected to the campaign contained over $900,000 in transactions, with researchers tracing at least one IP address to Nigeria.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
Unpaid toll text message scams are rapidly increasing, targeting drivers across the country by falsely claiming outstanding toll balances and directing recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal credit card and personal information. To protect themselves, recipients should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll accounts directly through official state websites, and freeze credit with all three bureaus if compromised. The Identity Theft Resource Center and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center track these incidents, which can result in identity theft and financial fraud.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonated major companies like Best Buy, Amazon, PayPal, and Microsoft to steal at least $660 million last year, with victims losing particularly large sums to Microsoft impersonators—including one couple who lost over $170,000 after being tricked into moving their savings. Common tactics include fraudulent emails and texts with legitimate-looking logos directing victims to fake customer service numbers, along with fake tech support pop-ups on frozen computer screens. The FTC advises consumers to never move money for "safe-keeping" at someone's request, avoid clicking links in suspicious messages, and independently verify unexpected business requests by contacting the company directly or consulting trusted contacts.