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nypost.com
The FBI has warned of a widespread "smishing" campaign using fraudulent text messages to steal personal and financial information from iPhone and Android users across the United States. Cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 malicious domains impersonating toll services and delivery companies (like DHL and FedEx), initially targeting victims with fake unpaid toll notifications and later expanding to fake delivery alerts; Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Orlando report the highest incident rates, with a fourfold increase in scams since January. The FTC advises recipients to delete suspicious messages, verify claims through legitimate company websites, and report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center,
wpsdlocal6.com
While younger adults (ages 20-30) are more than twice as likely to fall victim to scams than those over 60, older adults lose significantly more money per incident, accounting for approximately $61 billion of the estimated $158 billion in total consumer fraud losses last year. Scammers tailor their tactics by age group, targeting seniors with tech support and gift card scams while exploiting younger people through romance, shopping, employment, and sextortion schemes. The persistence of the misconception that older adults are the primary victims masks the reality that vulnerability to fraud affects all age groups, requiring vigilance across demographics.
law.georgia.gov
In 2024, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's Consumer Protection Division secured nearly $80 million for Georgia taxpayers and consumers combined, including $3.3 million in restitution for nearly 500 older and disabled adults who were defrauded into purchasing unproven stem cell products. The division assisted over 26,755 consumers and conducted extensive education and outreach efforts, reaching more than 980,000 people through speaking engagements, webinars, and educational resources to help Georgians recognize and avoid scams and fraud.
barchart.com
Online dating platforms face escalating risks from AI-driven romance scams and deepfake deception, with over half of online daters reporting being scammed or pressured to send money, and celebrity impersonation scams averaging nearly $2,000 in losses. LatamDate.com recommends safety practices including keeping conversations on-platform, using video verification features early, protecting personal information, and avoiding financial transactions in favor of secure in-app gifting features to help users distinguish authentic connections from sophisticated digital fraud.
army.mil
This article educates military parents about cyberbullying threats facing their children, noting that nearly half of U.S. teens ages 13-17 experience it. Cyberbullying—which includes online harassment, impersonation, surveillance, and threats—is a criminal offense in most states, yet approximately 81% of youth underestimate its severity. Parents are advised to maintain open communication, create safe spaces for children to report incidents, and educate themselves on state-specific cyberbullying laws and support resources.
securityweek.com
In 2024, consumers filed 2.6 million fraud reports totaling over $12.5 billion in losses—a $2 billion increase from 2023—with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams like romance and government fraud ($2.95 billion) being the largest loss categories, according to FTC data. The majority of scammers contacted victims via email, followed by phone calls and text messages, while bank transfers and cryptocurrency were the most common payment methods used in fraudulent transactions. The FTC is actively pursuing enforcement actions and refunding victims, including sending over 736,000 PayPal payments to consumers scammed by computer repair service companies.
luxtimes.lu
This is an educational piece providing advice on protecting oneself from online scams. The expert outlines common scam types—including phishing emails, fake websites, investment schemes, romance scams, tech support scams, lottery scams, and job scams—and recommends protective practices such as being cautious with personal information, verifying requests directly with service providers, using strong passwords, and remaining skeptical of unexpected messages. The key message is that staying informed and vigilant about evolving fraud tactics significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to online fraud.
news24.com
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are surprisingly twice as likely to fall victim to online scams, phishing, and social media account hacks compared to baby boomers, despite being digital natives. In the workplace, younger employees prioritize cybersecurity on personal devices over work-issued ones, creating organizational vulnerabilities, while older workers demonstrate greater caution and compliance with security protocols. The research suggests that younger generations' overconfidence in their digital skills and comfort with online sharing leaves them more exposed to cyber threats than older, more security-conscious populations.
aarp.org
In 2024, older adults lost a record $12.5 billion to scams and fraud—a 25 percent increase from 2023—with adults in their 70s reporting median losses of $1,000 compared to $417 for those in their 20s. The most common scams were imposter schemes (particularly government impostors, which surged from $171 million to $789 million), followed by online shopping, job opportunity, and investment scams, with investment fraud being the most lucrative for criminals at $5.7 billion in reported losses. The FTC notes that fraud's impact on older adults is often catastrophic, affecting retirement security and forcing
forbes.com
Elon Musk claimed he could cut up to $700 billion in fraud and waste from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, but independent evidence does not support this assertion. Social Security's Office of Inspector General reported approximately $72 billion in improper payments between 2015-2022 (about 1% of total benefits), while Medicare and Medicaid combined made roughly $100 billion in incorrect payments in 2023, totaling approximately $170 billion across all three programs—far below Musk's claims. Achieving Musk's stated goals would likely require slashing benefits for recipients rather than eliminating fraud alone, as most program spending goes directly to benefici
pennlive.com
The IRS is warning taxpayers about its 2025-26 "Dirty Dozen" list of common tax scams that increase during filing season, including email phishing, smishing via text messages, misleading social media tax advice, fake charity schemes, and false claims for fuel tax credits and non-existent self-employment credits. These scams can lead to identity theft, fraudulent tax credit claims, and other financial harm if taxpayers are not vigilant. The IRS emphasizes that scammers exploit tax season urgency to trick people into divulging personal information or filing false returns.
pcmag.com
Restoro and Reimage will pay $25.5 million to settle FTC claims that they defrauded over 736,000 consumers, particularly older adults, by using fake antivirus pop-up alerts to trick users into purchasing unnecessary computer repair services costing up to $499. The companies have been prohibited from future deceptive practices, and affected consumers will receive PayPal refunds averaging $21, with payments scheduled for March 13-14.
fox13memphis.com
52-year-old Nooruddin Bhai Narsuddin of India was sentenced to five years in prison for wire fraud after participating in a phone scam operation where he impersonated a federal agent to collect money from victims. Operating with co-conspirators, Narsuddin convinced victims that their personal information was compromised, then instructed them to withdraw cash or purchase Bitcoin, promising their money would be safeguarded by the government—with Narsuddin personally collecting the funds in at least two known cases. Narsuddin was ordered to pay $104,000 in restitution and will serve five years of supervised release.
silive.com
New York Attorney General Letitia James released data on the top 10 consumer complaints filed by state residents in 2024, with tens of thousands of New Yorkers falling victim to scams and fraud. Retail sales complaints topped the list at 5,150, followed by landlord/tenant disputes (3,856), automobile issues (3,761), and internet fraud (3,708), while credit, banking, and mortgage complaints ranked fifth at 3,560. The Attorney General's office encourages consumers to stay vigilant, follow fraud prevention tips available on their website, and report any scams or deceptive practices.
al.com
The IRS warns that misleading tax information circulating on social media—particularly on TikTok—poses a growing concern during the 2025 tax season, with fraudsters promoting non-existent credits like the "Self-Employment Tax Credit" and falsely claiming people qualify for payments up to $32,000. Taxpayers who file fraudulent returns based on this bad advice risk significant civil penalties or criminal charges, while other prevalent scams include email phishing schemes, fake IRS account setup services, and bogus charities seeking personal information. The IRS advises people to obtain tax information only from trusted sources such as tax professionals, the agency itself, or verified organizations rather than
qns.com
Lisa Rossopoulos, 59, of Kew Gardens Hills, was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property for operating a nationwide elder fraud scheme targeting senior citizens through impersonation of government officials and companies. Between February and July 2023, she fraudulently obtained approximately $548,000 from a 92-year-old Hawaii resident and an 83-year-old Kentucky man through coordinated phone scams claiming their identities were stolen, with the victims wiring money to bank accounts under Rossopoulos' name that she promptly emptied. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison.
justice.gov
Frank Lassen Garay, 45, of Indianapolis, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for bank fraud after he created fraudulent checks based on banking information from a legitimate $15,066.95 settlement check and used them to purchase over $400,000 worth of vehicles, jewelry, and services between November and December 2022. Over a span of just two weeks, Garay passed fifteen fraudulent checks to dealerships and businesses, making no attempt to conceal his identity and often leaving with the purchased items before the checks were discovered to be fake. Garay has a lengthy criminal history spanning over 15 years with prior convictions for theft, fraud, forgery, and receiving
aol.com
This educational article identifies six Social Security scams targeting Baby Boomers in 2025, including cost-of-living adjustment schemes, fake benefits applications, malicious security update tools, benefit suspension threats, and phony information update requests. According to the Office of the Inspector General, government impostors scammed Americans out of $577 million in the previous year, with approximately 61% of Social Security scams involving claims about SSN or benefits issues. The article advises recipients to verify communications directly through official SSA channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, and remember that the SSA will not demand money or threaten legal action via unsolicited contact.
hyannisnews.com
This article reports on federal law enforcement arrests of undocumented immigrants with criminal records in Massachusetts during early 2025, including individuals charged with sexual assault, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. The cases involved coordination between DEA, ICE, and local police, with one suspect remaining in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and another wanted for felony drug trafficking in Brazil. The article does not contain information related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse and is therefore outside the scope of the Elderus database.
the-sun.com
An elderly Portland man lost $170,000 in a sophisticated gold bar scam in which he was manipulated into purchasing fake precious metals after receiving a call claiming his social security number had been compromised. The scheme mirrors a similar Clark County case where a victim lost $500,000, and law enforcement reports this type of fraud targeting retirees is on the rise, typically employing high-pressure tactics and false promises of returns. Authorities urge potential investors to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before precious metals purchases, and encourage victims to report suspected scams to local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies.
aol.com
Sam Miele, a 28-year-old former campaign fundraiser for U.S. Rep. George Santos, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for wire fraud after impersonating Kevin McCarthy's chief of staff to solicit campaign donations, a scheme that defrauded donors and involved approximately $100,000 in unauthorized credit card charges. Miele pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $109,000 in restitution plus additional forfeitures and campaign contributor payments. This case was part of a broader federal investigation into Santos' 2022 campaign that led to Santos' own guilty plea for wire fraud, identity theft, and other crimes, ultimately resulting in his expulsion from
nypost.com
Romance scams targeting older Americans are on the rise, with the FTC reporting nearly 70,000 victims in 2022, with people over 70 suffering median losses of $9,475. Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating apps to notify users who have interacted with accounts banned for fraudulent activity, enforced by the FTC and state attorneys general. The legislation was prompted by cases like that of 43-year-old Aurora Phelps, who met older men on dating sites, drugged them, and stole from their accounts, resulting in at least two deaths and 21 criminal charges against her.
gothamist.com
New York reported a 44% increase in internet fraud complaints in 2024, with over 3,700 cases, driven by rising account takeover schemes and AI-enabled phishing techniques including synthesized voice calls. Cybersecurity experts attribute the surge to attackers exploiting human vulnerabilities, and recommend consumers use strong multi-factor authentication, separate passwords, and account change notifications to protect themselves.
thinkstewartville.com
A man in Shanghai lost over $26,000 in an AI-powered romance scam where he believed he was in a genuine relationship with a woman who was actually a sophisticated artificial intelligence program. The scammers used AI-generated photos and videos, fabricated medical reports and identity documents, and created false scenarios requiring financial assistance to manipulate the victim into transferring approximately 200,000 yuan. The case illustrates the growing threat of AI-enabled fraud and highlights the emotional and financial devastation these scams inflict on victims seeking genuine human connection.
agrinews-pubs.com
Medicare fraud exceeded $100 billion in fraudulent claims during one calendar year, with additional losses from identity theft and stolen financial information. Scammers employ multiple tactics to obtain Medicare card numbers and personal information, including impersonating Medicare employees, falsely claiming cards have expired (they don't), offering cheaper coverage, threatening benefit cancellation, and promising refunds or free services. Seniors should never share their Medicare card number or personal information via phone, email, or text, and should report suspected scams immediately to 1-800-MEDICARE.
businessinsider.com
This educational piece advises families on recognizing when aging parents need help managing finances and how to assist appropriately. Key warning signs include reduced engagement with financial habits, difficulty organizing tax documents, and vulnerability to online scams and fraud. The article recommends starting conversations early, balancing autonomy with necessary safeguards, and working with financial advisors to protect seniors' retirement savings while preserving their dignity.
queensda.org
Lise Rossopoulos, 59, of Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property for orchestrating a nationwide elder fraud scheme that defrauded senior citizens of over $500,000. The scam involved co-conspirators impersonating government officials (FTC and Amazon representatives) who convinced victims to wire money to bank accounts in Queens and upstate New York that Rossopoulos controlled, with funds withdrawn immediately after each transfer. Two identified victims—a 92-year-old from Hawaii and an 83-year-old from Kentucky—lost $446,000 and $101,980 respectively between February and July
shorenewsnetwork.com
Lise Rossopoulos, 59, of Queens, New York, was charged with grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property for her role in a nationwide scam that defrauded elderly victims of over $500,000. Working with a co-conspirator posing as a government official, Rossopoulos received wire transfers into bank accounts in her name from victims who were falsely told their identities had been stolen, including a 92-year-old Hawaii woman who lost $446,000 and an 83-year-old Kentucky man who lost nearly $102,000. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
newsweek.com
The Social Security Administration warned beneficiaries in March 2024 about scammers impersonating SSA representatives through phone, email, text, and social media to steal benefits and personal information using tactics like spoofed caller IDs, fake letterheads, and threats. Between mid-2024, nearly 45% of reported scams involved false claims about suspended Social Security numbers, with victims aged 70-84 losing an average of $11,902 compared to $2,346 for those under 29. The SSA urged citizens to hang up on suspicious contacts and report attempts to its Office of the Inspector General.
foxnews.com
As romance scams targeting seniors surge, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced the Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating apps to notify users if they've communicated with someone banned for fraud. According to the FTC, nearly 70,000 Americans reported romance scam victimization in 2022, with people aged 70 and older experiencing median losses of $9,475, and Tennessee seniors over 60 losing $43 million in 2023. The legislation would be enforced by the FTC and allow state attorneys general to bring civil actions, addressing a growing threat exemplified by cases like Aurora Phelps, who was charged with using dating
newsday.com
In 2023, New Yorkers over 60 lost more than $203 million to scams including sweepstakes, tech support fraud, and government impersonation schemes, with Long Islanders accounting for $38 million of those losses. Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation that would train bank employees, brokers, and financial advisers to recognize elder exploitation and legally empower them to place temporary holds (up to 55 days) on suspicious transactions while law enforcement investigates. The bill, supported by 43 consumer protection groups including AARP, aims to prevent funds from being permanently lost to scammers before fraud can be detected and stopped.
investmentnews.com
The North American Securities Administrators Association identified cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence-based scams as major threats to retail investors in 2025, with fraudsters increasingly using social media platforms (31.7% on Facebook and X, 31.3% on Telegram and WhatsApp) and AI-generated content to deceive victims with promises of unrealistic returns. Nearly 39% of state regulators expect scammers to use AI-generated videos and graphics for false credibility, while affinity and romance scams remain significant risks, with seniors losing $357 million to such schemes in 2023 alone. NASAA advised investors to verify the legitimacy of investment promoters and their registration status before investing
therecordherald.com
Heritage Retirement Community in Greencastle, Pennsylvania is hosting a free educational event on March 19, 2025, titled "Tips on How to Avoid Financial Scams & Identity Theft," featuring speaker Karen Metz from F&M Trust. The session will cover warning signs of scams, prevention strategies, personal information protection, and identity theft protocols, with particular emphasis on reaching senior adults and their Powers of Attorney who face heightened vulnerability to fraud.
thomsonreuters.com
In 2024, U.S. financial institutions filed slightly fewer Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) than in 2023, marking the first decline in SARs filings in a decade, though the decrease was minimal. The preliminary count of 3.8 million original SARs filings in 2024 is expected to reach approximately 4.5-4.6 million when amended, corrected, and continuing activity SARs are included, roughly matching the record 4.6 million filings from 2023. The top reasons for SARs filings in 2024 included suspicion of fund sources, transactions without lawful purpose, check fraud,
kfoxtv.com
Nancy Marshall, a 58-year-old Las Cruces therapist and owner of Equine Assisted Programs of Southern New Mexico, was indicted on 18 felonies for submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims totaling $970,000 over two and a half years. The charges include fraud, Medicaid fraud, falsification of documents, and identity theft, with allegations that she billed for services never provided, billed for treatment of children who were in school at the time, and used other therapists' identification numbers for improper billing. The investigation was initiated by two employees who reported improper practices to authorities and could result in a prison sentence of up to 82.5 years
cbia.com
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of top tax scams on February 27, identifying 12 prevalent threats including email phishing, misleading social media tax advice, fake charities, and fraudulent tax credit claims such as the Fuel Tax Credit and pandemic-era sick leave credits. These scams target taxpayers, tax professionals, and businesses year-round, seeking to steal personal information, enable identity theft, and generate fraudulent refunds. The IRS advises taxpayers to verify communications directly with official agencies and only claim tax credits for which they are genuinely eligible.
wgme.com
Scammers are increasingly using AI voice-cloning technology to impersonate family members and loved ones in distress, with "grandparent scams" becoming more convincing and difficult to detect. According to the FTC, imposter scams were the most common fraud type in Maine last year, affecting more than 2,000 victims, and experts warn this number could rise as fraudsters refine their tactics. To protect themselves, consumers should verify unexpected calls by hanging up and calling back directly, establish family code words, not trust caller ID, and resist pressure tactics that create urgency.
michigan.gov
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reported that the state's Consumer Protection Team received over 10,000 written complaints and 20,000 phone calls in 2024, recovering $1.9 million for consumers through mediation, settlements, and refunds. The top complaint categories were internet/online purchases, retail delivery issues, motor vehicle sales, credit/financial concerns, personal services, health services, landlord/tenant disputes, utilities, contractors, and telecommunications billing problems.
wral.com
Michon Griffin, 46, of Wake County was sentenced to two years in prison for her role as a money mule in a $2 million international romance scam, where she received and laundered fraudulent funds through 16 financial institutions before wiring them to coconspirators in Nigeria. Griffin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and making false statements on her tax returns, earning $300,000 in commissions that she failed to report, and was ordered to pay $109,119 in restitution to the IRS.
hongkongbuzz.hk
A middle-aged woman in Sai Kung lost $150,000 to a romance scammer who convinced her he needed money to travel to meet her. According to HSBC, romance scams are widespread in Hong Kong, with 30% of residents targeted by such scams and an average loss of $4,000, though victims aged 25-39 are most vulnerable due to oversharing personal information online. The bank advises protecting personal details, avoiding money transfers to unknown online contacts, and reporting suspected fraud immediately to authorities and financial institutions.
aol.com
The article outlines 11 common tax scams expected in 2025, including phishing emails, IRS impersonation phone calls, fake tax preparation services, social media fraud, and stimulus payment scams. Key protective measures include verifying sender authenticity before clicking links, never providing personal information to unsolicited callers, confirming tax preparers are IRS-registered, and remembering that legitimate government agencies never demand immediate payment or charge fees for assistance. Scammers increasingly use sophisticated tactics targeting vulnerable taxpayers, making awareness and verification critical during tax-filing season.
myjoyonline.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps to meet at least four older men in 2021-2022, then drugged them with sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars through a scheme that resulted in at least three deaths. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death, with prosecutors alleging she stole vehicles, drained bank accounts, sold stock worth $3.3 million, and purchased luxury items using her victims' accounts.
edmontonjournal.com
Edmonton lost approximately $48.1 million to fraud in 2024, with investment scams being the largest category at $14.1 million, followed by romance, employment, and identity fraud scams. Edmonton Police Service launched Fraud Prevention Month to educate the public on common tactics used by increasingly sophisticated scammers, including phone spoofing, phishing, social engineering, grandparent scams, and person-in-authority scams that exploit psychological manipulation and urgency to steal money and personal information.
bctv.org
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of common tax scams to warn taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals about prevalent fraud schemes that peak during filing season but occur year-round. The list highlights 12 pervasive threats including email phishing scams, text message scams (smishing), and misleading social media tax advice, which can lead to identity theft, unauthorized tax credit claims, and financial loss. The IRS has maintained this educational awareness campaign since 2002 and works with state agencies, tax software companies, and financial institutions to protect taxpayers from evolving scams and refund fraud.
kaaltv.com
While older adults are commonly perceived as the primary scam victims, data shows that people in their 20s and 30s fall for scams at more than twice the rate of those over 60, though seniors lose significantly larger dollar amounts per incident. Scammers tailor tactics by age group, targeting younger people with shopping, romance, employment, and sextortion scams, while seniors face computer support, gift card, and financial fraud schemes. The Federal Trade Commission reported consumers lost over $158 billion to fraud last year, with people over 60 accounting for approximately $61 billion of those losses.
kfiz.com
Romance scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence technology—including AI-generated images, deepfakes, and chatbots—to create convincing fake profiles on dating platforms and social media, making traditional detection methods like reverse image searches less effective. These scammers use AI to optimize targeting of vulnerable users and engage with multiple victims simultaneously, often without human interaction, to steal money and personal information. Consumers can protect themselves by verifying potential romantic interests' online histories, avoiding sharing money or personal details until identity is confirmed, and being cautious of "love bombing" and quick requests for money or personal information.
states.aarp.org
In August 2021, Kate Kleinert, a 68-year-old widow near Philadelphia, fell victim to a romance scam when a man posing as a doctor on Facebook befriended her and eventually convinced her to send him $39,000 under false pretenses. The scam highlights the prevalence of imposter fraud, with Pennsylvania reporting nearly $237 million in fraud losses in 2023, and has spurred AARP Pennsylvania to advocate for "report and hold" legislation that would require banks to freeze suspicious transfers to seniors for at least seven days and notify family members and authorities.
ca.news.yahoo.com
When 13-year-old Lola clicked on a phishing email promising a free clothing voucher, she was redirected to enter her mother's debit card details for a claimed 99p verification charge, resulting in a £200 unauthorized transaction. Research from Vodafone found that nearly 840,000 British children aged 11-16 have been scammed online in the past year, with spoof ads and quizzes being the most common type of fraud, and 81% of parents reporting long-term psychological consequences including anxiety and depression in their children. The bank eventually refunded the money after a lengthy month-long process, but Lola advocates for greater online safety education
local3news.com
While older adults are commonly perceived as primary scam victims, data shows that people in their 20s and 30s fall for scams at more than twice the rate of those over 60, though seniors who do lose money typically lose significantly larger amounts. Younger people are frequently targeted by shopping, romance, employment, and identity theft scams, while older adults are more susceptible to tech support and gift card scams. Despite accounting for only some of the overall scam losses, people over 60 lost approximately $61 billion to fraud last year, highlighting that all age groups face risk and require vigilance.
wandtv.com
The IRS released its 2025 "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams to warn taxpayers during filing season, which peaks during tax time. The scams include phishing and smishing (text) emails impersonating the IRS, fake charities, fraudulent tax credits (fuel tax, sick leave, non-existent self-employment credits), misleading offers in compromise, unethical tax preparers, and social media misinformation about tax eligibility. Taxpayers are advised to remember that the IRS only communicates by mail, to verify information from official sources, and to be cautious when using third-party tax preparers.