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news-leader.com
· 2025-12-08
Emergency scams, often targeting grandparents, involve fraudsters impersonating loved ones via phone, text, or voicemail to request urgent money for emergencies. Newer versions use AI-generated messages and voice cloning to increase authenticity, making these scams harder to detect. The article advises verifying requests by calling the person directly, protecting social media information, trusting your instincts about suspicious requests, and refusing to send money through untraceable methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
ksl.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau Mountain West launched the Scam Survival Toolkit to help Utah residents who have fallen victim to fraud, including imposter scams, romance scams, identity theft, and compromised devices. The toolkit provides tailored recovery guidance and action plans specific to each type of scam, offering resources for financial recovery, device security, mental health support, and bill payment assistance. The program aims to connect fraud survivors with practical resources and reduce feelings of isolation after victimization.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams are increasingly sophisticated and targeting vulnerable job seekers, particularly in tight labor markets like the U.K. which had 904,000 vacancies in May 2024. Experts warn job hunters to avoid offers with vague descriptions, too-good-to-be-true promises, suspicious website URLs, poor communication quality, unsolicited job offers through social media, and any listings requiring upfront payments.
ncoa.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how online scams target older adults, using a real case example where 80-year-old Alice Lin lost over $700,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam on WeChat. According to the FBI IC3, people over 60 reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses in 2023 (up 11% from 2022), with an average loss of nearly $34,000 per victim. The article details five psychological manipulation tactics scammers use against seniors—including targeting social isolation, impersonating authority figures, and exploiting trust—and provides specific protective measures such as consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious requests and verifying organizations through official channels.
leaderadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
Up to 20% of older Americans fall victim to elder fraud annually, with losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023. Common scams targeting seniors include government impersonation, sweepstakes, robocalls, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. Prevention strategies include staying educated on evolving fraud tactics, monitoring accounts regularly, maintaining open communication with family members, reporting suspicious activity immediately, and avoiding pressure to send money quickly by hanging up and calling back to verify.
q985online.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing text scam impersonating USPS has been circulating in Illinois, luring recipients with messages about delivery issues and malicious links designed to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and credit card details. The scam exploits people who are actively expecting packages, making the fraudulent texts appear legitimate at first glance. The article advises recipients to never click links in unsolicited delivery texts, instead tracking packages directly through usps.com, and to remember that USPS does not send text messages about deliveries.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kansas resident was scammed by a caller impersonating a Kansas State Treasurer employee who claimed the victim had won a lottery jackpot and needed to wire funds and load money onto a gift card to collect the winnings. The scammer promised the treasurer would deliver the winnings to the victim's home. The Kansas State Treasurer's office warned that imposter scams are rising in the state and reminded residents that legitimate government entities never request payment via gift cards or wire transfers to release funds.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
Following a global tech outage, scammers exploited the disruption by sending fraudulent emails, texts, and robocalls requesting personal information such as passwords, account numbers, and social security numbers. Security experts warned the public to be vigilant against spoofed caller IDs and phishing attempts, noting that Americans lost $2.7 billion to imposter scams in 2023 and fraud is projected to worsen in 2024. Recommended precautions include hanging up on suspicious calls, calling back official numbers from statements or cards, and never surrendering card information to unsolicited callers.
newsmirror.net
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost over $3 billion to scams in 2023, with losses reaching $1.6 billion in just the first five months of 2024, representing a significant increase year-over-year. Older adults are particularly vulnerable targets because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings, and good credit, making them attractive to con artists. Common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (where scammers pose as romantic partners to extract money) and tech support scams (where fake pop-ups trick victims into calling numbers and granting remote computer access).
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, particularly generative AI, to create convincing fake content used in various fraud schemes targeting the public. Common AI-enabled scams include deepfake payment redirection scams impersonating company executives, social media investment scams featuring fake celebrity videos, voice-cloning "Hi Mum" scams, sophisticated phishing emails with realistic logos, job scams with fake websites, and romance scams using AI-generated profile pictures and chatbots. To protect against these evolving threats, individuals should verify information independently, maintain strong online security practices, and educate themselves about AI-based scam techniques.
fox10phoenix.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the USPS through fake text messages claiming package delivery issues, account suspensions, or waiting packages, attempting to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that steal personal information such as social security numbers and credit card details. The USPS was the most imitated brand in phishing scams during the second quarter, prompting an official alert warning customers that legitimate USPS texts only come from 5-digit short codes and never contain links or requests without prior customer tracking number requests.
texasattorneygeneral.gov
· 2025-12-08
Following the CrowdStrike service outage, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned residents to be vigilant against scams exploiting the cybersecurity incident, particularly unsolicited contacts claiming to be from CrowdStrike requesting login credentials or personal information. Consumers are advised to immediately change any compromised passwords, avoid reusing them across accounts, and report suspected data breaches to their organization's customer support or IT department.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the U.S. Postal Service through deceptive text messages claiming delivery issues or suspended accounts to trick recipients into clicking malicious links and providing personal information such as Social Security numbers, account credentials, and payment card details. The USPS warns customers that it only uses 5-digit short codes for SMS and never includes links in unsolicited texts; recipients should verify package status only through USPS.com and report suspicious messages to authorities.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Over a three-year period, Columbus Police Department received approximately 2,000 reports of potential elder fraud, with individual losses reaching as much as $250,000 in some cases. The majority of elder fraud in Columbus involves financial exploitation by family members (roughly 85%), though electronic scams such as tech support and phone scams are increasingly common nationally; however, cases involving international wire transfers are difficult to prosecute as they fall outside CPD's jurisdiction. The department's limited resources—with only two certified officers investigating crimes against at-risk adults—allow them to work only seven to ten cases annually, leaving most referrals (such as the five weekly referrals from Wells Fargo alone) un
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud complaints to the FBI increased 14% last year, with over 100,000 people aged 60 and older reporting scam victimization in 2023, compared to only 18,000 people under 20. West Virginia, having one of the nation's oldest populations, is particularly vulnerable to schemes including malware scams (where scammers pose as tech support or federal agents demanding payment), romance scams, and insider fraud perpetrated by family members or caregivers. Law enforcement officials recommend elders avoid clicking unknown links, recognize that legitimate agencies never demand phone payment or gift cards, and encourage younger family members to regularly check in about their online safety.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
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azbigmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
Up to 20% of older Americans fall victim to elder fraud annually, with losses totaling over $3.4 billion in 2023 and averaging $34,000 per victim, using methods like deceptive emails, phone calls, and impersonation scams. Common schemes include government impersonation, sweepstakes scams, robocalls, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams targeting seniors due to isolation and limited technical knowledge. Prevention strategies include staying informed about evolving scams, monitoring accounts regularly, maintaining open communication with family about finances, reporting suspicious activity immediately, and pausing before responding to urgent requests for money or personal information.
greenwichsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security, Medicare) or businesses to steal personal information and money. Scammers use pressure tactics, fake caller IDs, and demands for immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to exploit victims. The IRS advises that it does not initiate contact by phone, email, or text about tax issues, and victims should hang up on unexpected calls and report scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
wrrv.com
· 2025-12-08
New York State Police issued a fraud alert warning older residents about a scam in which perpetrators convince victims to withdraw money from their bank accounts for the scammers to pick up. The scam has generated multiple complaints from seniors, and police emphasized that anyone contacted by phone or computer with such requests should immediately call 911 and never withdraw or surrender funds. Scams targeting New Yorkers cost the state over $10 million last year, with other common schemes against seniors including romance, investment, and "grandparents" scams.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old New York man pleaded guilty to mistreating an elder person after defrauding a 78-year-old Wichita woman out of more than $100,000 in a romance scam, where he posed as someone named Victor seeking financial help. Jango Touray was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay full restitution, with a 34-month prison sentence imposed if he violates probation or fails to pay. Romance scams typically begin with social media friend requests or emails from attractive strangers claiming financial difficulties, and are difficult to prosecute and recover funds from because scammers operate across state lines and launder money through multiple accounts
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office reports a sophisticated scam targeting older residents in which fraudsters send pop-up warnings claiming computers are compromised and direct victims to call a number for help. After gaining the victim's trust through multiple conversations and posing as bank fraud departments, the scammers arrange in-person cash pickups at victims' homes using fake "security codes" to appear legitimate. Victims have lost substantial sums, including cases exceeding $60,000 and $120,000, and authorities urge residents to report suspicious pop-ups or money-demanding calls and warn family members about this scheme.
rappler.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines warned the public about phishing text scams where scammers impersonate SSS and trick recipients into clicking malicious links by promising benefits or warning of expiring payments, which steal personal information like SSS numbers and login credentials. Members can identify fake alerts by checking that legitimate SSS messages come from "SSS" as the sender and direct users to www.sss.gov.ph, while scam messages originate from unidentified mobile numbers. The SSS Special Investigation Department investigated the incidents and reported them to the National Telecommunications Commission, and victims are advised to report fraud to law enforcement or contact SID directly.
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cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Following the global IT outage on Friday, cybersecurity agencies warn of scammers exploiting the chaos through fraudulent emails and websites, despite no evidence the CrowdStrike outage was caused by malicious activity. Scammers are impersonating legitimate tech support and companies to trick people into clicking malicious links or providing personal information during the period of confusion and system disruptions.
daytonatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud is rising nationwide, costing seniors $3.4 billion annually, with Volusia County reporting $4.6 million in losses over the past year as scammers target older adults through imposter calls, investment fraud, and tech scams. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office created a three-person financial fraud unit and used a screening of the movie "Thelma"—which depicts a grandmother falling victim to an imposter scam—to educate 140+ seniors on fraud awareness and prevention. A 90-year-old attendee avoided a fake son/lawyer scam demanding $10,000 by verifying her son's location, exemplifying the importance of
yourdailyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Hamlet Senior Center hosted a fraud prevention symposium led by North Carolina Attorney General's Office investigator Luke Perrin to educate seniors on recognizing and avoiding scams. Perrin addressed common misconceptions—such as the false belief that only elderly people are targeted—and provided practical advice including how to identify suspicious emails and phone calls, the importance of using credit cards over debit cards for online purchases, and warnings about social media scams that use fake surveys to steal security question answers. The event drew a standing-room-only crowd, prompting the Senior Center Director to plan additional fraud prevention programs for the broader community.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Following the July 2024 CrowdStrike software outage that disrupted systems worldwide, scammers launched a coordinated campaign impersonating the company through fake websites, phishing emails, and phone calls to steal sensitive information like passwords and bank details. CrowdStrike identified at least 30 fraudulent domains and warned organizations to verify communications through official channels only. Tech support scams typically involve false warnings about computer issues followed by requests for remote access to extract personal data.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Following the CrowdStrike IT outage, cyber-security agencies in the UK and Australia warned of a wave of opportunistic scams, including fake emails, websites, and phone calls impersonating CrowdStrike or Microsoft to distribute malicious software or steal personal information. Researchers documented a sharp rise in fraudulent domain registrations designed to trick IT managers and the public into downloading malware or divulging sensitive data. Authorities advised users to verify they are communicating with official representatives and only use legitimate company websites for updates and support.
cbia.com
· 2025-12-08
Following the July 19 global IT outage affecting Microsoft-based systems, state officials warned of increased scam activity, as fraudsters exploit the confusion by impersonating IT teams and sending phishing emails to gain access to sensitive information. Warning signs include suspicious email addresses, generic messages with typos, unknown links, and requests for passwords or personal information. Individuals should verify suspicious communications directly with known contact information and report phishing attempts to the Federal Trade Commission.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Following a global IT outage linked to CrowdStrike, cyber-security agencies worldwide warned of a surge in opportunistic scams exploiting the incident, including fake emails, websites, and phone calls posing as official CrowdStrike or Microsoft support. Hackers registered malicious websites and released bogus software fixes claiming to help users recover, with the goal of stealing credentials or distributing malware to both IT professionals and the general public. Authorities advised users to only access information and fixes through official CrowdStrike channels and to remain vigilant against phishing attempts capitalizing on widespread confusion and concern.
wfsb.com
· 2025-12-08
Following a global IT outage caused by a CrowdStrike software update in July 2024, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection warned the public of increased phishing, imposter, and scam risks as criminals exploited the situation to target vulnerable users. Officials cautioned people to watch for suspicious emails, text messages, and phone calls impersonating IT teams or tech company support, which may contain malicious links or requests for sensitive information. The department urged consumers to verify sender email addresses, avoid clicking unknown links, and report suspected phishing attempts to the FTC or Anti-Phishing Working Group.
nbcconnecticut.com
· 2025-12-08
Following a global IT outage, Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection warned the public that scammers exploit such disruptions by sending phishing emails and texts impersonating IT teams and software companies like CrowdStrike and Microsoft to steal sensitive information. The department advised people to be suspicious of emails with incorrect addresses, typos, unknown links, or requests for passwords, and to report suspected phishing attempts to the FTC, Anti-Phishing Working Group, or via text to SPAM (7726).
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A California mother lost $900 and had her Carnival cruise canceled just days before departure after a scammer posing as a company representative called her, convinced her to pay a fake "deck fee," obtained her booking number, and then logged into her account to cancel the trip. Although the charge was initially disputed and refunded by her bank, Carnival's cancellation policy meant she lost the full cabin cost until NBC 4 LA's intervention led to a refund. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of travel scams targeting cruise passengers, with similar cases reported involving booking numbers being compromised through social media posts and fraudulent account access.
dlnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Chainalysis partnered with law-enforcement agencies across six countries (US, UK, Canada, Spain, Netherlands, and Australia) to combat "approval phishing" scams that have defrauded victims of $2.7 billion in cryptocurrency since May 2021. Operation Spincaster generated over 7,000 leads between April and June, resulting in account closures, fund seizures, and intelligence-building related to approximately $162 million in reported losses. The initiative brought together 12 public sector agencies and 17 crypto exchanges to disrupt scams through public-private collaboration and blockchain analytics.
b985.fm
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts are exploiting the July 2024 Microsoft outage (caused by a CrowdStrike software update affecting 8.5 million Windows machines) through phishing emails and text messages that either request personal information or send malware-infected files under the guise of computer fixes. Residents are advised to rely on official sources for information, verify email addresses and links carefully, and check on elderly relatives, as the legitimate fix was deployed automatically without user interaction needed.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud complaints to the FBI increased 14% last year, with over 100,000 people aged 60+ reporting scam victimization in 2023, compared to only 18,000 people under age 20. West Virginia is particularly vulnerable due to its aging population and residents' trusting nature. Common scams include malware schemes that lead to fake law enforcement calls demanding payment via wire transfer or gift cards, romance/online dating fraud, and insider schemes perpetrated by family members or caregivers, with law enforcement and community outreach efforts ongoing to raise awareness and prevention strategies.
dailymaverick.co.za
· 2025-12-08
This educational article distinguishes between fraud (forged documents, identity theft) and scams (convincing someone to provide money or banking details), noting that romance scams result in the highest monetary losses. The article provides guidance on protecting oneself, including using Google reverse image search to verify photos, recognizing red flags such as urgency, requests for additional payments, impersonation of legitimate companies, unrealistic returns, and unexpected phone service interruptions, and always contacting companies directly using independently sourced contact information.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Following a global tech outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike software update that affected 8.5 million Windows computers, scammers are now exploiting the chaos through phishing schemes and fraudulent offers of technical support. Security experts warn that malicious actors, some impersonating CrowdStrike employees or IT support specialists, are using email, social media, and phone calls to target vulnerable individuals and businesses attempting to recover from the outage, with confirmed phishing attempts already reported in Latin America and the United Kingdom. Cybersecurity analysts note that scammers routinely capitalize on major disruptions when people are most distracted and uncertain.
interest.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a cryptocurrency investment scam originating in China where fraudsters build personal relationships with victims through fake handlers (like "Mr Glenn Hutchins" and "Sophia") to convince them to deposit cryptocurrency into bogus trading platforms and transfer funds for promised high returns and 20% commissions. The scam operates globally through WhatsApp groups and spoofed websites (such as btcs-alpha.com mimicking legitimate sites), targeting victims who are lured by fake screenshots of profits from other group members. Victims lose money when the promised trades and profits never materialize, with billions lost globally to this form of online fraud.
saltwire.com
· 2025-12-08
A community member shares personal and secondhand experiences with scams targeting seniors, including a technical support scam where he was hacked after granting remote access to his computer and an investment fraud that depleted an elderly man's savings. The writer calls for increased public awareness, urges seniors to be cautious with unsolicited calls, and advocates for telecom companies to better block scam calls originating internationally, while noting that embarrassment often prevents victims from reporting incidents.
theintermountain.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit partners warn tax professionals to remain vigilant against evolving phishing scams and cloud-based schemes designed to steal sensitive taxpayer information, with email attacks numbering in the hundreds targeting the tax professional community year-round. The advisory details various phishing tactics including spear phishing, clone phishing, and whaling attacks that trick recipients into disclosing passwords, account numbers, and Social Security numbers. These security warnings are part of an ongoing public-private partnership effort to protect the tax system against identity theft and fraud.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This article educates military families and job seekers on recognizing online job scams, warning that legitimate employers never ask applicants to pay for positions or send checks to be partially returned. Red flags include unsolicited job offers, fake testimonials, unverifiable companies, and requests to communicate through unusual platforms like Microsoft Teams, with scammers targeting vulnerable individuals through job sites, social media, and email.
ifamagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Research from LV= found that 3.8 million UK adults lost money to purchase scams last year, with young adults aged 18-34 reporting higher victimization rates across all scam types (phishing, trusted organization impersonation, refund scams, and others) compared to those aged 65 and over. The disparity is attributed partly to younger adults spending significantly more time online (averaging 4 hours 35 minutes daily), making them more exposed to fraudulent schemes.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Three businesses in Guernsey fell victim to a sophisticated vishing scam in which fraudsters posing as NatWest International representatives called them and persuaded them to download malicious software that gave hackers complete control of their computers. The Office of the Data Protection Authority warned islanders to exercise extreme caution with unexpected calls, verify callers through independent means, and be particularly wary of scammers exploiting the recent worldwide IT outage as cover; fortunately, none of the targeted businesses suffered financial losses in this incident.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens lose approximately $3 billion annually to elder fraud, with scammers increasingly targeting seniors due to their financial security and trusting nature. The article identifies eight common scams affecting elderly individuals, including tech support/home repair fraud, grandchild impersonation schemes, government agency impersonation, fake sweepstakes, phishing emails (particularly fake Geek Squad invoices), overpayment scams, and unsubscribe email phishing attempts. Key prevention strategies include verifying caller identities independently, confirming stories with family members before sending money, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and researching companies before making purchases.
desertnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Boron Seniors Center hosted a fraud prevention seminar in July presented by Alta One Federal Credit Union's branch manager Carol Hooks, who emphasized that seniors are disproportionately targeted by scammers despite fraud affecting all age groups. Hooks advised community members to trust their instincts when suspicious communications seem illegitimate, avoid following scammer instructions, and contact their financial institution or local police if they suspect fraud. The credit union has conducted multiple educational seminars across locations after members fell victim to fraud, recognizing that financial institutions cannot stop scams once they are underway and prevention through awareness is essential.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article describes 12 common scams targeting seniors, including government impersonation (IRS, Medicare, Social Security), fake charity donations, lottery/sweepstakes schemes, phishing emails, voice recording scams, grandchild emergency requests, computer repair scams, and romance scams. The article advises seniors to verify requests independently, never provide personal information to unsolicited callers, hang up without responding to suspicious calls, and confirm the identity of family members before sending money.
bgindependentmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass customers claiming unpaid tolls and directing them to fake payment websites. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission clarifies that it never requests payments via text and that only ezpassoh.com and ohioturnpike.org are legitimate links for account inquiries.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission warns of ongoing "smishing" scams where fraudsters send text messages impersonating toll authorities to trick drivers into paying fake tolls or surrendering personal information. As of April 2024, the FBI received over 2,000 reports of such attempts across at least three states, with scam texts typically claiming unpaid toll balances and directing victims to fraudulent websites. To protect themselves, consumers should avoid clicking links or responding to unsolicited text messages, verify toll information through official websites only, and report suspicious messages to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
wbznewsradio.iheart.com
· 2025-12-08
Malden High School alerted families to a phishing scam in which criminals impersonated school administrators and emailed students fake job opportunities to steal personal and bank information. The scammers also made threats of physical violence and displayed gun images to coerce compliance, though authorities determined the threats lacked credibility. At least one student, senior Samara, nearly fell victim after clicking a fraudulent link but avoided submitting her information.
cubaheadlines.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old and 82-year-old couple in Miami lost $18,500 in a grandparent scam where a caller impersonated their grandson claiming to be arrested, directing them to send bail money via a Lyft driver who delivered it to the perpetrator. Agustín García Marsán, 38, was arrested and faces multiple charges including elder theft and organized fraud after being linked to similar scams across Florida and North Carolina using fake identities and ride-sharing services to collect money from elderly victims.