Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
10,275 results
in Robocalls / Phone Scams
morningjournalnews.com
· 2026-05-13
A 25-year-old Indian man pleaded guilty to money laundering in connection with a $5 million scam targeting elderly Americans, including victims who lost $61,000 and $3 million respectively after responding to fake Microsoft security pop-ups or being impersonated by scammers claiming to be U.S. attorneys. The scheme, which operated from December 2022 to December 2023, involved at least three conspirators who defrauded six older adults across the United States. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unexpected pop-up ads that freeze your computer or unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies or tech companies—hang up and call official numbers directly rather than using numbers provided in the suspicious communication.
courthousenews.com
· 2026-05-12
Zhao Wang, a Chinese national, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for leading a sophisticated international scam that defrauded over 2,000 elderly Americans of $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The scheme used fake refunds, technical support scams, and impersonation tactics via phone calls and emails to trick victims into sending cash and wire transfers to addresses in Southern California and Nevada, where accomplices used fake IDs to collect the money. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited refund offers, requests to wire money or mail cash, and should verify any claims directly with official institutions by calling known phone numbers rather than using contact information provided by callers.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-12
Criminals are increasingly using AI-generated photos, fake videos, and cloned voices to create convincing fake identities on dating apps and social media, targeting women in romance scams that have resulted in victims losing tens of thousands of dollars. Scammers typically push relationships quickly, avoid video calls or in-person meetings, and create fake emergencies to pressure victims into sending money or sharing personal information. To protect yourself, experts recommend doing reverse image searches to verify photos, looking carefully for AI artifacts like blurry areas or odd lighting, never sending money to unverified contacts, and discussing these scams with friends and family to spread awareness.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-12
A new phone scam targeting Houston-area residents impersonates utility companies and claims to send workers to check homes for electrical issues, but actually aims to gain access to people's homes, likely to steal items. The scam is sophisticated enough that it's fooled local law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau, who say they haven't encountered this specific scheme before. To protect yourself, verify any utility company claims by contacting your actual provider directly using a number from your bill, and never let unknown callers schedule home visits without independently confirming the request through official channels.
ourquadcities.com
· 2026-05-12
The Iowa Department of Insurance and Fraud Services is hosting a "Stop the Scammers" event on May 12 in Davenport to educate residents about current fraud schemes, which in 2025 have already prevented $2.7 million from reaching scammers. Attendees will learn about emerging scams including gold bar schemes, SIM swap fraud, and "pig butchering" investment scams that use psychological manipulation to steal money and assets from victims of all backgrounds. The department recommends staying informed about these tactics and reporting suspected scams, as reporting has already recovered nearly $270,000 from fraudsters this year.
whio.com
· 2026-05-11
Scammers are impersonating Publishers Clearing House and calling Brookville residents claiming they've won a car and $500,000, then requesting personal or financial information. At least two local residents have been targeted by this scam, with one already falling victim. To protect yourself, hang up immediately if you receive such a call, remember that Publishers Clearing House never contacts winners by phone or asks for payment, and report suspicious calls to the Brookville Police Department at 937-833-2001.
939theeagle.com
· 2026-05-11
Mid-Missouri banks are reporting a significant surge in fraud affecting residents across all ages and income levels, including identity theft, mail theft, and scams involving impostors posing as FBI agents. According to bank leaders, scammers typically build trust, create urgency, and move money quickly, with community members losing hundreds of thousands of dollars monthly. If you suspect fraud, immediately contact your bank, local law enforcement, and the Missouri Attorney General's office, and stay vigilant by knowing your banker and pausing when something seems suspicious.
wfmd.com
· 2026-05-11
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.
goldrushcam.com
· 2026-05-11
A Philippine man pleaded guilty to running a massive book publishing scam that defrauded over 800 Americans—primarily seniors—out of $48 million between 2017 and 2024. The scheme operated through fake literary agencies that promised major publishing deals and Hollywood film adaptations in exchange for upfront fees for taxes and "transaction costs" that never materialized. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited offers from literary agents, never pay upfront fees for publishing services from agents who contact you first, and verify any agency's legitimacy through established industry databases before sending money.
communitynewspapergroup.com
· 2026-05-11
About 50 residents in Fayette County, Iowa attended an educational presentation on fraud where local law enforcement and financial experts detailed common scams, including an IRS impersonation scam that cost a local senior $7,000. The scammers posed as IRS agents demanding immediate payment via phone call and threatening arrest, exploiting the victim's fear to bypass normal verification processes. Experts emphasized that the IRS never initiates contact by phone demanding payment and advised residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls requesting money, particularly those creating urgency or threatening legal consequences.
indianexpress.com
· 2026-05-11
Three men rescued from a Myanmar cyber scam compound in January brought their criminal skills back to India, where they regrouped and allegedly launched their own fraud operation near Mumbai before being arrested in March. The trio, along with two accomplices, were running elaborate online scams including a stock trading con that defrauded a businessman and his parents of Rs 2.1 crore. Police warn that these rescued victims are becoming trained operatives who replicate criminal models within India, highlighting how organized cyber fraud networks exploit and train young Indians for crime.
cnbc.com
· 2026-05-10
AI-powered scam calls using deepfake voice technology are becoming increasingly sophisticated and common, with scammers impersonating family members in distress to extort money from victims. One Montana woman nearly fell for the scam when a caller perfectly mimicked her daughter's voice and crying, demanding payment while threatening her—the deception was so convincing that despite suspecting it was a scam, she almost complied out of fear for her daughter's safety. To protect yourself, verify emergencies by directly calling family members using known phone numbers, be skeptical of caller ID (which can be spoofed), and contact police rather than sending money if someone claims a loved one is in danger.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-10
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.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-05-10
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.
lancasteronline.com
· 2026-05-10
forbes.com
· 2026-05-09
Imposter scams—where fraudsters pretend to be trusted entities like the IRS, businesses, or loved ones—have ranked as the #1 scam for nine consecutive years, with the FTC receiving over one million reports in 2025 and losses jumping nearly 20% to $3.5 billion. Government imposter scams surged 40%, particularly fake toll collection messages sent via text that create false urgency to pressure victims into immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, never respond to unsolicited messages demanding payment; instead, contact the relevant agency directly using official phone numbers or websites to verify any claims before taking action.
abc15.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers are sending increasingly convincing phishing emails claiming you have a new voicemail, using AI to make them look more authentic and harder to detect. These emails prey on people's concern about missing important calls by using vague subject lines and encouraging recipients to click suspicious links that may contain malware or lead to phone numbers used for fraud. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unexpected voicemail notifications, especially if you haven't signed up for the service, and verify any voicemail alerts by contacting your phone provider or email service directly.
buffalobulletin.com
· 2026-05-09
Digital scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent in Sheridan, with police reporting major losses including an $80,000 and $16,000 scam already in May alone. Residents are being targeted by various schemes including grandparent scams, bank impersonation, and tech support fraud, with scammers using fear and urgency as their primary tactic. Police advise anyone receiving aggressive or urgent demands over the phone to hang up immediately, as legitimate organizations will never pressure you to act instantly.
postandcourier.com
· 2026-05-09
Scammers steal an estimated $7 billion annually from seniors, with those living with dementia facing heightened vulnerability due to memory and judgment impairment. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is promoting S.A.F.E. tips—including solidifying security practices, applying blocking tools, and other protective measures—to help caregivers safeguard their loved ones from fraud and identity theft. Families should keep written reminders near phones and computers, use call-blocking technology, and regularly reinforce safety practices to help dementia patients recognize and resist scams.
thestar.com
· 2026-05-09
Canadians lost $63 million to romance scams in the past year, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating apps and social media to gain victims' trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies, often leaving people financially devastated and deeply emotionally wounded. The scams disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older adults, and can result in victims losing their homes, accumulating new debt, and experiencing shattered trust. The article calls on major tech companies to implement stronger protections on their platforms to prevent these predatory schemes.
yahoo.com
· 2026-05-09
Imposter scams cost Americans $3.5 billion in 2025, with government imposter scams surging 40% largely due to fraudulent text messages threatening unpaid highway tolls—scammers pose as legitimate toll agencies like EZ-Pass and SunPass to scare people into paying. If you receive such a text, verify the claim directly with your state's toll agency using official contact information rather than details in the suspicious message, and avoid sending money to anyone you haven't met in person, as romance scams also increased 22% with average losses of $2,020 per victim. Report any scams you encounter to ReportFraud.ftc.gov to help authorities stop these operations.
themesatribune.com
· 2026-05-09
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.
waff.com
· 2026-05-08
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.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-08
In 2025, approximately $17 billion was stolen globally through cryptocurrency scams, with impersonation scams (like romance investment schemes) growing over 1,400% year-over-year. Despite victims often believing their losses are irreversible, law enforcement agencies like the FBI and local sheriffs' offices have successfully recovered millions in stolen cryptocurrency—including a Florida case where $450,000 was recovered for a victim who hadn't even filed a police report. If you've lost cryptocurrency to fraud, the article advises filing a police report immediately and contacting law enforcement, as recovery is increasingly possible, while also warning against "recovery scam" services that prey on victims a second time.
queencreektribune.com
· 2026-05-08
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.
wesh.com
· 2026-05-07
The FBI is warning about a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonate banks, using spoofed caller IDs to appear legitimate and sometimes even knowing victims' account details, potentially costing thousands of dollars. These scammers attempt to trick people into sharing usernames, passwords, or moving money by phone. To protect yourself, never share login credentials over the phone, ignore requests to transfer funds, and always hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your statement if you're unsure about a call's legitimacy.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-07
A Florida woman named Patricia Escriva fell victim to a SIM swap scam, where criminals hijacked her phone number and used it to access her bank accounts and other online services, draining thousands of dollars within minutes. During a SIM swap attack, scammers trick phone carriers into transferring a victim's phone number to a new SIM card they control, allowing them to intercept security codes and gain access to linked accounts. To protect yourself, enable additional security measures beyond SMS verification codes—such as authenticator apps, security keys, or contacting your bank directly rather than clicking links in messages—and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
help.unhcr.org
· 2026-05-07
Scammers are impersonating UNHCR staff and lawyers to trick refugees in Lebanon into paying money for fake resettlement services, which are actually provided for free. Refugees should be wary of anyone claiming to have special influence over resettlement and requesting payment, and should only share personal information with verified aid agencies. Anyone suspicious of fraud or who has been victimized can contact UNHCR directly at 04726111 or through their official website to report it.
codyenterprise.com
· 2026-05-07
Scammers are increasingly targeting small communities by impersonating banks, government agencies, and family members to pressure people into sending money or sharing personal information quickly. The key to avoiding these scams is to pause and verify any unexpected requests by looking up official contact numbers yourself, never clicking links in unsolicited messages, and consulting trusted friends or family before responding. Legitimate organizations won't rush you, threaten you, or demand sensitive information unexpectedly—so if someone is pushing for immediate action, it's a major red flag.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-05-07
Scammers in San Diego County are increasingly using in-person couriers to collect cash directly from victims' homes instead of wire transfers or gift cards, making fraud schemes more dangerous—especially for seniors. This courier scam is now the most common fraud type in the region, with criminals often traveling from Los Angeles to collect money after victims are tricked via pop-up messages or calls claiming their bank accounts are compromised. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited messages about account problems, never withdraw large sums of cash based on such claims, and contact your bank directly using a verified phone number if you're concerned about your account.
wfmj.com
· 2026-05-07
A 24-year-old man is pleading guilty to his role in a $4.8 million tech support scam that targeted elderly people nationwide, including a 77-year-old Salem resident who lost $61,000. The scheme used fake pop-up warnings to trick victims into calling fraudsters posing as Microsoft or bank representatives, who then pressured them to withdraw cash or buy gold bars under the false premise of protecting their assets. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited pop-up warnings on your computer, never call numbers from suspicious ads, and directly contact your bank or tech company using official numbers from their websites if you're concerned about account security.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-05-07
DSJ Exchange, a cryptocurrency platform operating since 2025, defrauded thousands of investors of over $92 million through a "pig butchering" Ponzi scheme that promised an IPO but ultimately demanded a 12% "regulatory compliance tax" to withdraw funds. After the scheme was exposed in May 2026, authorities from Tether, Binance, OKX, and U.S. law enforcement successfully froze $41.5 million in stolen assets. To protect yourself, be wary of investment opportunities requiring upfront fees to access your money, verify that platforms are regulated through official channels, and never invest based solely on recommendations from friends or family without independent verification.
pmg-sc.com
· 2026-05-06
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.
smdailyjournal.com
· 2026-05-06
Americans are increasingly targeted by text message scams—with the FTC reporting $470 million lost to these schemes in 2024, more than five times the 2020 amount, and seniors losing $4.8 billion alone. Common scams include fake FasTrak toll notices, USPS delivery failures, bank fraud alerts, and court summons, with one person losing over $150,000 to a convincing phishing text. To protect yourself, never click links or QR codes in unsolicited texts, use your phone's "report spam" feature, and remember that legitimate companies like FasTrak and USPS don't request payment via text.
timesofsandiego.com
· 2026-05-06
California's Privacy Protection Agency has launched a free tool called DROP that allows residents to remove their personal data from over 500 data brokers' databases, addressing concerns that sensitive information—including Social Security numbers, location data, and ethnic background—is being sold and misused by both private companies and federal agencies. The agency has already enrolled over 285,000 Californians and is conducting a mass deletion in August, with efforts to reach vulnerable populations like the elderly and young people who are at higher risk of scams. Californians can sign up once at no cost to permanently opt out of data sharing.
patch.com
· 2026-05-06
The Town of Huntington is hosting a free seminar with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office to educate seniors about common scams, including home improvement fraud, romance scams, and "grandparent scams" where criminals impersonate distressed relatives to steal money. Older adults are frequent targets of these schemes, which can have devastating financial consequences. The seminar takes place Thursday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Cinema Arts Centre and will teach residents how to recognize warning signs and protect their personal information and finances.
kucoin.com
· 2026-05-06
In 2025-2026, cryptocurrency scams extracted an estimated $17 billion from global investors, with AI-powered deepfakes and "Pig Butchering" schemes becoming the most dangerous threats—extracting 4.5 times more money per victim than traditional scams. These sophisticated operations target emotional vulnerabilities through fake celebrity endorsements and months-long relationship-building on social media and dating apps, particularly affecting high-net-worth professionals. To stay safe, users should enable hardware-based two-factor authentication, verify all celebrity endorsements through official channels, and avoid transferring funds to platforms outside regulated exchanges.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers posing as bank officials and fake FBI agents are conducting sophisticated phone spoofing schemes that trick people into transferring thousands of dollars from their accounts. One Illinois woman lost $40,000 after criminals who had obtained her account details convinced her to move money to a "secured" account, and experts warn that thieves can gather banking information from the dark web or other sources before calling. Banks advise customers to never transfer money or provide access based on unsolicited calls, texts, or online requests, and to verify requests directly by calling their bank's official number.
abc7.com
· 2026-05-06
An 80-year-old Irvine resident lost $25,000 after scammers used phone-spoofing technology to impersonate both Apple, the ATF, and the Irvine Police Department, convincing him he needed to pay a "fine" to clear his name of criminal charges. The victim was manipulated over several hours into withdrawing cash and handing it to a stranger in a parking lot, with the money likely being transferred through multiple couriers to destinations outside the U.S. Police advise residents to be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies or major companies, and to independently verify requests by contacting official numbers rather than using numbers provided by the callers.
usatoday.com
· 2026-05-06
Scammers are using a technique called "banking spoof calls" to trick people into transferring thousands of dollars by making their caller ID display legitimate bank phone numbers and impersonating bank representatives who already know account details. Victims have lost significant sums after being convinced to move money to supposedly "secure" accounts, with one Chase customer losing $40,000. To protect yourself, remember that banks will never ask for your username, password, or request that you move money or grant computer access—if you receive such a call, hang up and contact your bank directly using the number on your card or statement, and report any suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
thestar.com.my
· 2026-05-06
In the first quarter of 2024, Malaysian police reported 61 online scam cases involving tertiary students, resulting in losses of approximately RM303,372, with common schemes including phone scams, job scams, fake PTPTN loan offers, phishing, e-commerce fraud, and romance scams. Students are particularly vulnerable targets, though scammers victimize people across all education and social levels. To protect yourself, verify job offers and financial assistance directly through official channels, avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing personal information online, and report suspected scams to police immediately.
foxbusiness.com
· 2026-05-05
# Summary
Banking spoof callers are impersonating legitimate financial institutions and law enforcement to trick customers into moving their money to fake "secured" accounts, with the FBI warning this is a growing problem. Two victims—Chase customer Jennifer Lichthardt who lost $40,000 and Huntington Bank customer Susie Allgood who lost $5,000—were convinced to transfer funds by scammers who had obtained their personal account information. Banks and the FTC urge customers to never transfer money in response to unsolicited calls or messages claiming to protect their accounts, as legitimate financial institutions do not make such requests.
cryptotimes.io
· 2026-05-05
In 2026, law enforcement agencies worldwide conducted unprecedented crackdowns on "pig-butchering" scams—elaborate romance-based investment frauds that slowly build victims' trust before stealing their cryptocurrency. The actions, including a major Dubai operation that arrested 275 suspects and a $15 billion Bitcoin forfeiture from Cambodia, represent the largest coordinated effort against these scams in history. Victims should be cautious of unsolicited romantic connections offering investment opportunities, avoid granting wallet permissions to unknown parties, and verify investment platforms through official channels before depositing funds.
the420.in
· 2026-05-05
A coordinated international law enforcement operation led by Dubai Police, the FBI, and Chinese authorities arrested 276 people and shut down nine cryptocurrency scam centers involved in a ₹5,853 crore fraud scheme. The scammers used "pig butchering" tactics—building trust through fake romantic or friendly relationships to convince victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes—and were linked to human trafficking networks that exploited coerced workers. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of online relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify cryptocurrency investment platforms independently, and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
mexc.com
· 2026-05-05
AI-powered cryptocurrency scams have exploded, with reports jumping 456% between May 2024 and April 2025, as fraudsters use artificial intelligence to create highly convincing phishing emails, deepfake videos, and impersonations at scale. Crypto users are particularly vulnerable because blockchain transactions are irreversible and markets operate 24/7, making it nearly impossible to recover stolen funds. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited messages and offers, verify identities through official channels before clicking links or sharing credentials, and be especially cautious of content that seems unusually personalized or urgent.
nemasket.theweektoday.com
· 2026-05-05
The Lakeville Council on Aging is hosting several May activities, including a free elder fraud awareness program on May 12 presented by the FBI and Lakeville Police Department that will teach seniors about common scams like Grandparent fraud and how to report them. Other offerings include presentations on aging and depression, a theatrical performance, and a gardening workshop. Interested seniors can register for most events by calling 508-947-7224.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are targeting drivers nationwide with fake text messages claiming unpaid traffic violations and asking them to scan QR codes to pay small fees (around $6.99), but these messages are actually phishing attempts designed to steal payment information. The scam has affected residents across multiple states including New York, California, Texas, and others, and uses fake court notices with official-looking language and embedded QR codes to bypass security detection. To protect yourself, ignore these texts entirely—legitimate courts communicate through official mail, not unsolicited text messages—and never scan QR codes from unexpected sources.
kaaltv.com
· 2026-05-05
Scammers are sending fake text messages claiming products have been recalled, trying to trick consumers into clicking malicious links and stealing their personal information. One consumer avoided the scam by verifying directly through her Amazon app rather than clicking the suspicious link. To protect yourself, always check for recalls directly on the retailer's app or website, or visit official sources like recalls.gov or the Consumer Product Safety Commission website instead of clicking links in unsolicited messages.
foxnews.com
· 2026-05-04
Scammers are increasingly targeting grieving widows by using publicly available information from obituaries, death records, and data broker websites to create detailed personal profiles and impersonate life insurance companies or other officials to steal Social Security numbers and bank details. According to FBI data, over 52% of crimes against Americans over 60 in 2023 were enabled by personal information available online, making the vulnerable period after a spouse's death particularly dangerous. The article recommends that widows take action within 90 days to opt out of data brokers to limit scammers' access to their personal information.
forbes.com
· 2026-05-04
Robert Dunlap was sentenced to 23 years in prison for operating a cryptocurrency scam that defrauded approximately 1,000 investors of over $20 million between 2018 and 2023. He marketed a fake digital asset called "Meta-1 Coin" through social media and seminars, falsely claiming it was backed by $44 billion in gold and a valuable art collection, could generate returns exceeding 200,000%, and was independently audited—none of which was true. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of cryptocurrency investments promising unrealistic returns, verify any claims through independent sources, and remember that legitimate investments are never guaranteed.