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in Crypto Investment Scam
wsfa.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau's 2024 scam tracker report identified investment and cryptocurrency scams as the most dangerous fraud type, with a median loss of $5,000 per victim, often involving fake accounts showing false profits to lure additional investors. The report highlighted a concerning rise in "financial grooming" scams, where perpetrators build false romantic or business relationships to gradually extract money from victims until they have nothing left, targeting vulnerable individuals across all demographics, particularly those experiencing personal or financial hardship.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This AARP educational piece outlines multiple fraud schemes targeting older adults: gold bar scams where criminals impersonate bank officials to convince victims to withdraw savings for "safekeeping," fake cruise deal scams using fraudulent websites and ads, and romance scams involving cryptocurrency investments. The article provides prevention strategies including verifying legitimate sources, using credit cards for purchases, and recommends that family members support fraud victims through compassionate questioning and regular scam awareness discussions rather than blame.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Texas retiree lost approximately $500,000 in a romance-investment scam after meeting a woman named "Gianna" on the dating site Silver Singles, who gradually persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency over several months. The scammer used fabricated account statements showing investment gains to encourage him to withdraw his 401(k) and continue sending money, eventually disappearing with his funds. To recover his losses, Dalrymple plans to return to full-time work and sell his home; the scam exemplifies a growing trend combining romance and cryptocurrency fraud, with investment scams accounting for nearly half of all reported fraud cases involving cryptocurrency in 2024.
occrp.org
· 2025-12-08
Friday Jeremiah Adejoh, a 30-year-old Nigerian, is wanted by U.S. prosecutors for allegedly operating a romance scam that defrauded an Orange County, California e-sports athlete of $1.3 million in bitcoin. Working with co-conspirators, Adejoh created a fake dating profile under the name "Mabel" and a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading platform called "Whalepool.tech" to trick the victim into depositing bitcoin, which they promised would generate investment returns. Shortly after cashing out the stolen cryptocurrency in 2020, Adejoh purchased two Dubai properties worth approximately $860,000 combined, and currently res
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
During March Anti-Fraud Month, the Ontario Provincial Police reported 72 fraud calls in the Grey Bruce area from January through early March 2024, with romance scams, grandparent scams, cryptocurrency schemes, gift card scams, and e-transfer fraud being the most common types. Constable Krista Linthorne advised the public to avoid acting under pressure, never share financial information via unsolicited communications, and verify requests by contacting institutions directly. Victims should immediately contact their bank and credit bureau to freeze accounts, report losses to police, and those who identify attempted scams should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
During the first two months of 2025, the Grey Bruce OPP received 72 fraud reports, with romance scams, grandparent scams, cryptocurrency schemes, gift card scams, and e-transfer fraud being the most common. Constable Krista Linthorne advises the public to avoid pressure to act quickly on money requests, never share personal or financial information via unsolicited calls or texts, and remember that legitimate government agencies and banks will never contact citizens requesting such information. Those who suspect fraud or lose money should immediately contact their bank and credit bureau, while confirmed victims should report to police and use the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for additional resources.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Dating and romance scams cause significant financial and emotional harm, with victims in New Zealand losing an average of $18,000 per incident, and some cases exceeding $375,000 when scammers impersonate celebrities like Martin Henderson and Brad Pitt. Victims often experience shame and delayed awareness of losses as money drains gradually from their accounts, while some scammers themselves are victims held in "scam farms" under exploitative conditions. The rise of dating apps and AI-generated deepfakes has made these schemes increasingly difficult to detect and prevalent.
ccpc.ie
· 2025-12-08
This Global Money Week awareness article outlines common scams targeting young people, including money mule schemes (where individuals are tricked into laundering illegal funds through their bank accounts), fake ticket sales for sold-out events, and risky cryptocurrency and forex investments that often operate as scams through romance schemes or phishing. The piece emphasizes protective measures such as never sharing bank details with untrusted parties, purchasing tickets only from official sources, and verifying investment legitimacy before committing funds.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article uses a cautionary legal case (Dowling v. Uriostegui) to illustrate estate plan fraud targeting elderly individuals. A woman systematically befriended an elderly man, isolated him from family, and exerted undue influence to redirect his $1.8 million estate to herself and her gambling-addicted son (a lawyer) instead of his biological son, while the scammer's son flaunted ill-gotten assets including a Corvette and 12 racehorses. The article advises families to protect vulnerable elderly relatives through regular communication and vigilance against potential scammers seeking to manipulate estate planning documents.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Texas man lost $5,000 to a bitcoin ATM scam after receiving a false call claiming his son was in jail; according to FTC data, bitcoin ATM scams targeting seniors over 60 increased nearly tenfold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million in 2023, with victims three times more likely to be older adults. Scammers exploit the speed and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions by directing victims to deposit cash at bitcoin ATMs using QR codes that transfer funds directly to criminal accounts. Most states lack regulations on bitcoin ATMs, making recovery difficult, though some jurisdictions have successfully returned funds when caught quickly
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from Americans, a 25% increase from the previous year, with investment scams and imposter scams causing the largest losses according to FTC data. A Raleigh woman lost nearly $3,000 to a Microsoft imposter scam after being tricked into purchasing gift cards, a common tactic where fraudsters impersonate legitimate companies or government agencies. Red flags include requests to buy gift cards, cryptocurrency, or send money through payment apps to unknown individuals.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighted nine trending scams affecting Northern Colorado residents in March 2025, including "neighbor in trouble" calls requesting bail money, stolen/altered checks, fake PayPal fraud alerts, door-to-door sales schemes, tech support scams impersonating Microsoft and Apple, and cryptocurrency investment frauds. Seniors are frequently targeted and often listed on "sucker lists" shared among scammers, making compassionate reporting and victim support critical. The advisory recommends verifying requests independently, using secure payment methods, and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FTC.
fxnewsgroup.com
· 2025-12-08
Debiex, a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform, was ordered by a U.S. District Court in Arizona to pay $2.4 million in restitution and penalties after misappropriating over $2 million from customers through a sophisticated romance scam involving "solicitors" who befriended victims on social media, fake trading accounts, and money mules to launder funds. The scheme targeted U.S. citizens by posing as a legitimate digital asset trading platform while never actually conducting any trades, instead stealing customer deposits.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
On March 21, 2025, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office arrested suspects in an ongoing phone scam targeting an elderly male customer who was instructed to withdraw $50,000 from Wells Fargo in Oakdale. A vigilant bank teller alerted law enforcement after the victim attempted a second large withdrawal, prompting detectives to coordinate an undercover operation that successfully apprehended the scammers at a pre-arranged collection point. The case highlights the importance of reporting suspicious requests for large cash withdrawals to authorities immediately.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported over $310 million in investment fraud losses in 2024, with more than $1 billion lost since 2021, as scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and deepfakes to create convincing fraudulent investment platforms and cryptocurrency schemes. Victims are typically lured through social media ads, fake search results, or impersonated contacts, receive small returns on initial investments to build trust, but lose their money when attempting larger withdrawals. Law enforcement warns that fraudsters use urgency tactics and target vulnerable populations, with romance scams also prevalent; Canada's fraud industry is estimated at $100 million annually.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams remain the most prevalent fraud scheme in Canada, with over $310 million in reported losses in 2024 and more than $1 billion since 2021, often employing artificial intelligence and deepfake videos featuring public figures to appear legitimate. Scammers typically lure victims through social media ads, fraudulent Google search results, and fake endorsements, initially providing small returns to build trust before preventing withdrawals once larger sums are invested. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary advise victims to avoid pressure tactics, conduct due diligence before investing, and report incidents to authorities, noting that fraud networks operate as sophisticated criminal enterprises targeting vulnerable
salemnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Beverly police recovered and returned more than $21,000 to elderly Essex County residents who had fallen victim to bitcoin scams, marking one of the first successful recoveries of its kind in the nation according to the Essex County District Attorney's office. The recovery effort demonstrates authorities' ability to trace and reclaim cryptocurrency fraud losses for senior victims.
lexology.com
· 2025-12-08
A federal court in Arizona ordered the fraudulent digital asset platform Debiex to pay a penalty for operating an online romance scam network that targeted victims. The case involved cryptocurrency and digital assets used to facilitate the romance scam scheme. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission pursued enforcement action against the platform for its role in the financial fraud operation.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman lost over $400,000 to online scammers who contacted her via Facebook over seven years, manipulating her into sending money through Apple gift cards and cryptocurrency while operating under various aliases. Despite her son's efforts to seek help from law enforcement and lawyers, they reported being unable to intervene, and the woman continued sending money to the fraudsters even after moving in with her son, eventually taking out loans at their urging. The article includes expert warnings about cryptocurrency scam red flags, including unsolicited crypto solicitations on social media, promises of unusually high returns, and overly friendly strangers using deepfake technology to build trust.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about fraud or elder abuse—it is a website access verification notice from News Group Newspapers explaining their automated content access policies. It does not contain content relevant to the Elderus database and should not be summarized as a scam or fraud case.
fox11online.com
· 2025-12-08
Manitowoc police are warning of a dramatic increase in scams, including romance schemes where scammers gradually request money and personal information before using explicit photos for blackmail, and impersonation scams where callers pose as law enforcement demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency for alleged court fines or debts. Police emphasize that government agencies never request payments through cryptocurrency ATMs or gift cards, and advise victims to verify any such requests before sending funds.
wcexaminer.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
State Rep. Tina Pickett hosted a free senior scam awareness seminar on April 25 in Sayre, Pennsylvania, led by an investor education coordinator from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. The educational event focused on identifying popular scams targeting seniors, including cryptocurrency fraud, and teaching residents how to protect themselves from financial exploitation.
bostonglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and effective due to advanced technology and organized criminal groups operating internationally. The article illustrates this trend through the example of a utility company impersonation scam targeting a Maine resident, and explains how scammers exploit phishing, deepfakes, AI-generated content, and cryptocurrency investment schemes to defraud victims. Key protective strategies include verifying accounts directly through official channels and remaining suspicious of urgent payment demands, particularly those requesting digital payment methods like Zelle.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season is a prime target for scammers seeking to steal refunds and identities, with Americans losing $9.1 billion to tax and financial crimes in 2024, and nearly one in four Americans impacted by tax scams at some point. Key protective measures include setting up an IRS Identity Protection PIN, ignoring unsolicited tax-related emails and texts, avoiding cryptocurrency payments for taxes, and implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Experts stress that the IRS never initiates contact via email or text and does not accept cryptocurrency or demand immediate payment under threat.
htrnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Manitowoc Police Department reported a dramatic increase in scams in recent months, including romance scams conducted over social media and phone that unfold over weeks or months, impersonation scams where perpetrators pose as law enforcement demanding payment for fictitious fines, and schemes using cryptocurrency ATMs to extract money from victims. Scammers typically request payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic transfers to avoid detection, with some victims losing thousands of dollars or their life savings. Police advise residents to avoid transferring money to unknown sources and to contact local law enforcement if they suspect scam activity.
corkbeo.ie
· 2025-12-08
A 61-year-old man from North Cork lost his life savings of approximately €18,200 to a romance scammer who posed as a Filipino woman online and promised to move to Ireland after he sent money for her travel expenses. Devastated by the loss and struggling with his mental health, Ted publicly shared his story on local radio, prompting community support including a GoFundMe fundraiser that raised over €1,200. The case highlights a widespread problem, with Irish gardaí reporting approximately 50 romance fraud cases annually, with victims losing an average of €28,500, though many cases go unreported due to shame and embarrassment.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
From 2020 to 2023, job scam losses more than tripled, with over $220 million lost in the first half of 2024, according to FTC data. Common schemes include remote work scams offering unrealistic pay, fake check scams (median loss $1,900), task-based scams requiring upfront payments, and identity theft recruitment scams that harvest personal information. Job seekers should verify employer legitimacy through official channels, avoid paying for work opportunities, and be cautious of offers involving cryptocurrency or requests for sensitive personal information.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, affecting consumers nationwide including older adults who are increasingly targeted through evolving scam tactics that exploit vulnerabilities. Tanjai Green lost money through a money transfer app scam and was unable to recover her funds despite repeated requests, while psychologist Dr. Peter Lichtenberg emphasizes that scammers specifically target retired individuals and those with disabilities or anxiety. Experts recommend approaching potential scam victims by listening to their perspective rather than confronting them directly, maintaining trusted confidants for financial discussions, and following best practices such as verifying identities online, being skeptical of urgent requests, and avoiding money
whbl.com
· 2025-12-08
Manitowoc Police reported a dramatic increase in scams targeting residents, including romance scams that develop over weeks or months with escalating requests for money, impersonation scams where criminals pose as officials demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and a novel tactic involving fraudulent crypto ATMs. Police advise residents to avoid currency transfers to unknown sources, be cautious of aggressive payment demands, and contact them with concerns, noting that government entities never use crypto ATMs or electronic payment methods for fines and fees.
technologyreview.com
· 2025-12-08
Gavesh, a South Asian man facing financial hardship, was trafficked into a "pig butchering" scam operation after responding to a fraudulent Facebook job posting promising $1,500 monthly salary. Criminal syndicates operating from compounds in Myanmar-Thailand border regions use social media platforms and tech services to recruit victims and conduct romance/investment fraud schemes that have netted billions of dollars globally, exploiting trafficked workers through coercion and violence. The investigation reveals that major tech companies—including social media, dating apps, cryptocurrency platforms, and messaging services—have enabled the industrialization of these fraud operations and may hold the key to dismantling them if compelled to take action.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old woman in Pune lost Rs 2.5 crore in a sophisticated cyber scam where fraudsters impersonating Maharashtra Police and Enforcement Directorate officials falsely implicated her in a money laundering case involving Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. Over three weeks from mid-February to March 10, the woman made 74 transfers after being coerced through fabricated legal notices, fake "digital arrest" orders, and forged government documents. Authorities suspect international cybercrime syndicates orchestrated the scheme, using mule accounts and cryptocurrency to launder the stolen funds, and have advised citizens to verify official identities independently and never
saanichnews.com
· 2025-12-08
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abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 72 million Americans use cryptocurrency, but they face significant vulnerability to scams that stole nearly $10 billion in 2024. Common scams include phishing, romance scams luring victims into crypto investments, and "rug pulls" where celebrities or developers promote tokens then abandon them, leaving investors with worthless assets. Experts recommend sticking to established cryptocurrencies with proven track records, researching developer credentials, and questioning why payments are requested in cryptocurrency, as these transactions are difficult or impossible to reverse.
slate.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses the broader normalization of gambling and speculative behavior in American society, using Delta Air Lines' partnership with DraftKings as a launching point. The piece argues that cryptocurrency and the deregulation of gambling represent a "casino economy" where compulsive consumption and speculation have become central to American life, with reported gambling addiction increasing 30 percent between 2018 and 2023. While not a report of a specific scam, the article contextualizes how vulnerable populations may be increasingly exposed to gambling and speculative financial risks through mainstream platforms and algorithmic manipulation designed to encourage addictive behavior.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
An Athens man lost over $70,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam after being befriended by a woman named "Lyra" on Instagram who convinced him to invest through a fraudulent app. When he attempted to withdraw funds to pay off his car, he was told to deposit more money first, and upon checking the app again, his $74,000 balance had been reduced to 25 cents. The FBI warns that these "pig butchering" scams manipulate victims into making repeated deposits into fake cryptocurrency investments controlled by overseas criminals, with victims typically losing all invested funds.
securityaffairs.com
· 2025-12-08
On February 27, 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Ohio filed a civil forfeiture complaint for $8.2 million in cryptocurrency linked to a "pig butchering" romance scam, in which fraudsters built false romantic and financial relationships with victims via anonymous messaging apps before exploiting them. One Cleveland victim liquidated over $650,000 in retirement savings; the FBI used blockchain intelligence to trace funds across multiple crypto platforms and networks, ultimately leading to the seizure and reissuance of the frozen Tether tokens for victim restitution. This case highlights the rapidly growing threat of pig butchering scams—often operated by human trafficking syndicates from
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Department of Justice seized over $8.2 million in Tether cryptocurrency stolen through "romance baiting" scams, where victims were manipulated into investing on fraudulent platforms offering false returns, then prevented from withdrawing funds. The seizure involved 38 victimized cryptocurrency accounts with confirmed losses exceeding $5.2 million, with named victims from five states losing over $1.6 million collectively, and the worst individual loss reaching $663,352; the scam operation is believed linked to human trafficking syndicates in Cambodia and Myanmar. The recovered assets will enable restitution to identified victims and others the FBI is attempting to locate through wallet tracing.
thealpinesun.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County seniors lose approximately $100 million annually to scams, though the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting from shame. The San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, comprising local and federal law enforcement, collaborates to prosecute perpetrators and identify criminal rings, with a focus on common schemes like fake virus alerts that trick victims into granting remote computer access or purchasing gold, often followed by cash pickup via courier. The District Attorney's office provides preventive guidance including never allowing remote access to devices, refusing to meet unknown individuals with cash, and immediately reporting suspected fraud to the FBI IC3 and local police.
thestarnews.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County seniors lose approximately $100 million annually to scams, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame. A prevalent scam involves fraudsters posing as tech companies, gaining remote access to victims' computers to steal financial information, often resulting in cash pickups by couriers or victims purchasing gold under false pretenses. The San Diego District Attorney's Elder Justice Task Force, composed of local and federal law enforcement, prosecutes perpetrators through state and federal charges while providing public education on prevention strategies including never allowing remote access, avoiding unsolicited pop-ups, and immediately reporting suspicious activity to the FBI IC3 and local police.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread "smishing" campaign targeting iPhone and Android users has resulted in over 2,000 complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center in the past year, with scammers sending fake text messages impersonating state toll services to trick victims into revealing debit and credit card information. The fraudulent messages claim unpaid toll amounts and urge immediate payment, potentially exposing victims to financial loss and identity theft, though cybersecurity experts believe the actual scale of attacks is significantly larger than reported. The FBI recommends verifying toll debts through official channels, avoiding clicking unknown links, and reporting suspicious texts to ic3.gov to combat the scam.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams in Maharashtra have surged dramatically, with share investment fraud losses multiplying from Rs 62.2 crore in 2023 to Rs 1,047.3 crore in 2024, affecting victims across age groups through stock market schemes, cryptocurrency scams, employment fraud, and gift parcel scams. Experts identify inadequate research, over-reliance on social media, and the desire for quick gains as primary vulnerabilities, with senior citizens comprising 60% of victims who lose life savings. Key prevention measures include verifying investments through registered brokers, avoiding unverified social media offers, and conducting proper market research before committing funds.
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
Westlake, Ohio residents have fallen victim to multiple cryptocurrency scams involving fraudsters posing as police officers, Microsoft support, and Social Security Administration officials, demanding victims withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs. Losses ranged from $5,500 to $20,000, though one couple was saved by an alert bank manager who prevented a $17,000 loss by contacting police. Police advise residents never to wire money or use cryptocurrency based on unexpected calls, and to verify requests by contacting official company websites rather than phone numbers found through online searches.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines three major tax scams to watch for during tax season: text message schemes falsely promising $1,400 stimulus checks from the IRS that direct victims to fake websites to steal personal information; misleading social media advice encouraging tax fraud through incorrect filing; and scammers misrepresenting the IRS's Offer in Compromise program by charging fees to apply when the program is actually free. The article advises consumers to verify tax information through official IRS sources or tax professionals, ignore unsolicited IRS communications, and remember that the IRS never requests payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or credit card numbers over the phone.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
US authorities recovered $8.2 million in stolen cryptocurrency from a "romance baiting" scam ring that targeted at least 30 victims through fake investment schemes initiated on dating sites, with one Cleveland-area victim losing her entire $650,000 retirement account. The Department of Justice used blockchain analysis to trace the laundered funds across multiple cryptocurrency platforms and networks, ultimately seizing them for potential restitution to victims. Romance baiting scams typically involve scammers grooming victims on dating platforms before persuading them to invest in fraudulent schemes, with operations often run by trafficked individuals in Southeast Asia.
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean court sentenced three fraudsters to 4.5, 3.5, and 2.5 years in prison for operating a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme in Busan that defrauded victims of $416,000 by promising unrealistic 30% monthly returns and restricting fund withdrawals. The scammers manipulated investors through false promises, prevented withdrawals to maintain control of funds, and used referral schemes to attract additional victims. South Korean authorities are intensifying efforts to combat cryptocurrency fraud through stricter regulations and increased oversight, while warning investors to be cautious of schemes promising high returns with minimal risk.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple residents in the Braintree and Hingham, Massachusetts area fell victim to Bitcoin ATM scams, with losses totaling at least $48,000 ($18,000 in Braintree and $30,000 in Hingham). Police warn that scammers convincingly instruct victims to withdraw cash and deposit it at Bitcoin ATMs, after which funds are transferred to untraceable Bitcoin wallets. Elderly residents are particularly targeted, and police advise that any instruction to use a Bitcoin ATM is a definitive sign of scam activity.
wdsu.com
· 2025-12-08
Beth Highland, a 52-year-old woman, lost $26,000 in a romance scam after meeting a man named "Richard" on a dating app who posed as a construction worker needing help with payments for a project in Qatar. The scammer gained her trust through incremental requests for money, eventually convincing her to send $26,000 in bitcoin for a supposed account unfreezing fee, before she consulted a financial advisor who identified the scheme as classic romance fraud. Her case has prompted legislative attention, with the Romance Scam Prevention Act being introduced to require dating apps to notify users about accounts flagged for fraud, and law enforcement has yet to apprehend the scammer or
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Michigan residents reported $204 million in fraud losses—a dramatic increase from $60 million in 2020—with an 84-year-old woman losing $40,000 to a man posing as a bank employee serving as one documented case. Scams targeting older adults have diversified to include impersonation, extortion, investment fraud, tech-support schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud, with crypto scams alone affecting Michigan seniors at growing rates (141 instances in 2022 vs. 262 in 2023, with losses rising from $14 million to $24 million). AARP Michigan is responding with fraud prevention education sessions, document sh
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Candice Trees, a 71-year-old Illinois retiree, lost $12,000 in a romance scam after developing an online relationship with a man claiming to work abroad who eventually asked to borrow money. In 2024, over 71,000 Illinois consumers reported fraud cases totaling $318.1 million, prompting AARP Illinois to expand prevention efforts through monthly educational programs and advocacy for stricter cryptocurrency ATM regulations, as losses from crypto-related scams topped $65 million nationally in the first half of 2024 with seniors disproportionately affected.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
According to a 2024 Statista study, 90% of US adults aged 65 and older use the internet, making them frequent targets for online scams, particularly in states with older populations like Florida and Texas. The National Council on Aging recommends six protective strategies including listening without judgment, encouraging delayed responses to urgent-sounding messages, and involving anti-fraud organizations and peer networks to help vulnerable seniors recognize and avoid romance scams, crypto schemes, and other fraud.