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nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County has tracked nearly $98 million in elder-related scams, with a 70% increase in tax support scams, according to the District Attorney's office. Scammers commonly use pop-up warnings claiming computer compromise to trick seniors into calling fraudulent support numbers and withdrawing cash. Authorities recommend seniors close suspicious pop-ups, seek help from trusted contacts or professionals, and report scams to law enforcement to enable recovery efforts and prevent further victimization.
thomsonreuters.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder financial abuse has escalated dramatically, with fraud losses jumping from $2.4 billion in 2019 to over $10 billion in 2023, with those aged 60 and older experiencing disproportionately high victimization rates (101,000+ reported victims in 2023 versus 18,000 for those under 20). Scammers target elderly individuals because they typically have accumulated savings, are often less technologically sophisticated, may be lonely or seeking companionship online, and are reluctant to report fraud due to privacy concerns. Financial abuse extends beyond theft by close acquaintances to include complex fraud schemes involving dating apps, digital currency platforms,
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old retired hotel management professional in Mumbai lost Rs62,500 to an investment scam after being deceived by a deepfake video on YouTube featuring Mukesh Ambani endorsing a fraudulent stock market forum called "Forex Quantum Capital." This represents the third similar incident since March where scammers have used deepfake technology with advanced voice cloning to impersonate Reliance Industries' chairman and persuade victims to invest, with police tracking the perpetrators through IP addresses and bank account details. A related case involved a 54-year-old Ayurveda doctor who lost Rs7.09 lakhs to a comparable deepfake scam
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
The Southborough, Massachusetts Police Department warned of an "Irish Traveller Scam" targeting residents, in which a man with an Irish accent solicited a homeowner for $150 to remove ivy, then pressured her to pay $2,000 for alleged chimney damage she refused. The advisory notes these scams use high-pressure sales tactics and typically result in incomplete or no work performed. A related investigation in Denver resulted in the arrest of two Irishmen accused of roofing scams that defrauded multiple homeowners by planting worms under roof shingles and falsely claiming they were maggots requiring expensive repairs, with the suspects now facing theft
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial advisors play a critical role in protecting affluent clients from rising cyber fraud and scams that target investment and retirement accounts. The article advises advisors to take a proactive approach by educating clients about common scams (particularly romance and wealth management scams), positioning themselves as trusted first contacts for victims, and helping remove the shame that prevents people from reporting fraud. Advisors should also leverage their multi-generational relationships to safeguard both younger and older clients from cyber threats.
news.bloomberglaw.com
· 2025-12-08
An industry expert warns that employers who fail to prevent payroll fraud risk significant monetary losses and damage to company culture and employee trust. Beyond direct financial harm, fraud incidents can generate negative social media backlash that creates lasting reputational damage for organizations.
hometownfocus.us
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line® is offering two online educational classes on Wednesday, August 14 to teach seniors how to identify and prevent health care fraud, waste, and abuse. The classes are designed to help older adults protect themselves from fraudulent billing practices and unnecessary medical expenses.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warns of exponentially growing tax scams targeting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, through social media misinformation about tax credits and fraudulent phone calls or texts from impersonators claiming to collect debts. Common schemes include viral videos promoting false "free money" claims that result in frivolous tax filings with penalties, and scammers impersonating IRS agents using scare tactics, though the legitimate IRS initiates contact via mail and does not threaten immediate legal action. Taxpayers should verify information through official IRS channels (1-800-829-1040) or visit in-person centers rather than relying on social media advice.
rock929rocks.com
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old man, Weikai Zhang, was arrested in Florida after attempting to defraud a 74-year-old woman through a phone scam where he convinced her that her bank account was at risk and persuaded her to purchase over 13 pounds of gold (valued at approximately $500,000) for delivery to her home, which he then planned to steal. Law enforcement officers learned of the scheme before the package arrived and apprehended Zhang near the victim's residence, preventing the loss of her life savings.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australian scammers targeted victims of previous scams with false promises to recover their stolen funds for upfront fees, with Scamwatch receiving 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses—a 129% increase in reports compared to the prior six months. Australians aged 65 and older were the largest affected group, suffering the highest average losses, prompting National Seniors Australia to urge seniors to be suspicious of money recovery schemes and to report scams immediately to their banks and the National Anti-Scam Centre. The organization advocates for increased digital literacy training and online safety education to help older Australians protect
elizabethton.com
· 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old man from Brooklyn seeking asylum in the U.S. was arrested and charged with fraud and financial exploitation of a Carter County woman in a tech support scam scheme. The victim was deceived by a fake virus notification that led her to withdraw $30,500 from her bank account and hand the cash to the suspect at her residence. The arrest was aided by photographs and identification information the victim provided to authorities, and investigators coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security after discovering the suspect's temporary visitor status and pending asylum application.
ncnewsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about elder fraud or scams. This appears to be a comment policy or community guidelines page outlining rules for online discussions (such as avoiding obscene language, threats, and misinformation). It contains no information relevant to the Elderus database and cannot be summarized as requested.
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Irfan Gill, 62, of Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scam in partnership with a Pakistani call center from June 2018 to March 2022 that targeted over 1,400 elderly Americans. The scheme involved cold calls offering fake cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades; victims sent payments to Gill's post office boxes, which he deposited and partially transferred to the Pakistani solicitors via money transfer services. Gill faces up to 30 years in prison for the mail fraud charges and up to 20 years for money laundering, with
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Sebastian Chelemen, a 38-year-old Canadian national, was sentenced to 50 months in prison on July 11, 2024, for his role in a grandparent scam targeting elderly Americans between April and June 2023. Operating as a fake bail bondsman, Chelemen and co-conspirators in Canada called seniors posing as arrested grandchildren and collected over $380,000 directly, with co-conspirators obtaining an additional $78,000 through mailed funds, while attempting to fraudulently obtain at least $290,000 more. Chelemen was ordered to pay $460,350 in restitution and was found with over $
wandtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Sebastian Chelemen, a 38-year-old Canadian national, was sentenced to 50 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud targeting elderly Americans between April and June 2023. Operating as a fake bail bondsman, Chelemen and co-conspirators in Canada impersonated arrested relatives to convince victims to provide bond money; Chelemen personally collected over $380,000 from victims across multiple states while co-conspirators obtained an additional $78,000, with attempts to defraud victims of at least $290,000 more, resulting in a court-ordered restitution of $460,350.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Larry's Law, which took effect in Virginia on July 1, was named after Larry Cook, who lost over $3 million to an online phishing scam in 2020-2021 through more than 70 wire transfers to Thailand. The law, unanimously passed as House Bill 692 and signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin in April, requires financial institutions to train employees to recognize financial exploitation and allows banks to contact emergency contacts when suspicious activity is detected. This legislation addresses a critical gap in elder fraud prevention, as Virginia reported 2,475 elder fraud complaints totaling over $94 million in losses in 2023.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. and Canadian law enforcement officials met at the 2024 Cross Border Crime Forum to strengthen their partnership on issues including foreign interference, election security, cybercrime, and transnational crime. The Ministers discussed enhancing collaboration on combating malign foreign actors who conduct electoral interference, steal trade secrets, and engage in transnational repression, while also reaffirming commitment to protecting democratic processes and data security. This meeting builds on the "Statement of Partnership to Prevent, Investigate, Prosecute, and Disrupt Cross-Border Crime" signed at the previous year's forum.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Sebastian Cheleman, a 38-year-old Canadian, was sentenced to over four years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of an international elder fraud scheme operating between April and June 2023. Cheleman and co-conspirators called elderly victims across the U.S. impersonating their relatives, claiming they had been arrested and demanding bail or legal fees; Cheleman directly received over $380,000 from victims and the scheme attempted to steal approximately $750,000 total, with successful thefts reaching around $460,000 for which he must pay restitution. The fraud targeted numerous victims nationwide, including $138,000 from Central Illinois residents who were in
nsjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Overseas criminal networks are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through sophisticated internet and telephone scams, with losses to those over 60 estimated between $28.3 billion and $137 billion per year. Law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed and under-resourced to investigate these crimes, particularly those originating overseas where stolen funds are quickly converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign accounts, allowing perpetrators to escape prosecution. The problem is projected to worsen as the aging population increases and AI technology makes fraud easier to execute, while many victims remain unreported due to shame and police departments that fail to treat financial fraud with appropriate seriousness.
nptelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated overseas criminals steal tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through internet and telephone scams, with the problem projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet most perpetrators evade capture and conviction. Victims—particularly older adults—rarely recover their money, losing life savings to romance scams, grandparent scams, technical support fraud, and other schemes, while law enforcement agencies lack sufficient resources to investigate and prosecute the overwhelming volume of cases. The challenge is compounded by difficulty tracking stolen funds converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign bank accounts, leaving authorities struggling to keep pace with what experts describe as a "crisis level" crime wave.
dailyprogress.com
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated overseas scammers are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans, with the crime wave projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet law enforcement agencies lack resources to catch perpetrators and most victims never recover their money. Common scams targeting Americans include romance schemes, grandparent fraud, technical support fraud, and other confidence schemes, with particular vulnerability among older adults who have lost life savings. The challenge is compounded by the ease of committing fraud without consequences, the difficulty of investigating international crimes and cryptocurrency transfers, and the overwhelming volume of cases that stretch thin police and prosecutorial resources.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community events calendar for the Poway, California area (July 11-13) listing various public activities and services, including a veterans resource fair, educational programs, craft activities, a blood drive, barrel racing, food collection, and musical performances. The content does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse and is therefore not relevant to the Elderus database.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Cyberfraudsters in Bengaluru are impersonating RO (reverse osmosis) water purifier service providers to exploit residents seeking maintenance during rising dengue cases. The city police have received approximately 100 complaints of this scam, where fraudsters call claiming urgent servicing is needed, then demand advance payments for appointments or parts—collecting sensitive information that may be used for identity theft or future scams. Police advise residents to verify service calls thoroughly and avoid making advance online payments to unsolicited callers.
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired engineer from Düsseldorf, Hans Müller, invested a substantial portion of his retirement savings in a fraudulent pig farming investment scheme that promised high returns but ultimately ceased all communications when he attempted to withdraw funds. With assistance from Midwessex Investigations, a private investigation firm specializing in fraud recovery, authorities conducted forensic analysis, cybersecurity tracking, and international law enforcement collaboration to identify the scammers and successfully recover Müller's financial losses.
trib.com
· 2025-12-08
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politiko.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to elder fraud research. It is an "about" page describing POLITIKO, a Philippine political news outlet, and the ABANTE-BILYONARYO GROUP media conglomerate that owns it. The content covers the organizations' journalistic mission, media portfolio, and audience reach, but contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or related topics that would be appropriate for the Elderus database.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo proposed legislation that would impose jail sentences of three to six years and fines of at least P500,000 on scammers who target senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through internet and telecommunications fraud. The bill aims to protect vulnerable populations who depend on pensions and savings and are frequently victimized by fraudsters and criminal syndicates. Tulfo cited numerous complaints from elderly and disabled victims whose life savings have been depleted through scams.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel in Bengaluru was defrauded of ₹73 lakh by scammers impersonating FedEx executives and police officers who claimed illegal items were found in his name and that he was under digital surveillance for money laundering. The victim transferred money to five accounts between June 13-26 after being convinced to undergo a fake "digital arrest" via Skype, though authorities later managed to freeze ₹30 lakh of the stolen funds.
manilastandard.net
· 2025-12-08
Rep. Erwin Tulfo announced plans to file legislation titled "An Act Protecting the Integrity of the Electronic Transactions of Senior Citizens and PWDs" to strengthen legal protections against internet and telecommunications fraud targeting senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The proposed bill aims to clearly define and penalize such fraud while building confidence among vulnerable populations in using digital platforms for transactions and communication.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community calendar for senior center programs and events. Notable content includes an FBI-led Elder Fraud Seminar scheduled for July 30 at the Encinitas Senior Center, which will educate seniors and families about fraud targeting older adults; according to the seminar materials, seniors 60+ lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with an average loss of $33,101 per victim. The calendar also lists various wellness and educational classes including virtual dementia training, art instruction, tai chi, chess, and psychology lectures on aging well.
filipinotimes.net
· 2025-12-08
A Philippine legislative bill is advancing to protect senior citizens and persons with disabilities from internet and telecommunications fraud targeting these vulnerable populations. If enacted, the law would impose penalties including fines of at least PHP 500,000 and imprisonment of three months to six years or more for scammers, with severity depending on the amount stolen. The bill aims to address the growing number of fraud complaints against seniors and PWDs while promoting safer use of digital platforms.
readingeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud targeting older adults has significantly worsened, with reported losses from investment scams reaching $147 million in 2022—a 213% increase compared to 2020, according to FTC data. Scammers continue to exploit seniors by attempting to steal personal and financial information for fraudulent purposes.
inquirer.com
· 2025-12-08
American consumers lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable, losing over $3.4 billion to romance, grandparent, and technical support scams. While Congress designated May 15 as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, the editorial argues that symbolic gestures are insufficient and calls for substantial federal funding and coordinated legislation to combat fraud, as current efforts remain disjointed and banking institutions lack adequate support to prevent these crimes.
newsfirst.lk
· 2025-12-08
The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) warned of a surge in financial fraud scams where criminals impersonate government agencies through fraudulent emails bearing official letterheads and requesting payments. In the past five months, SLCERT received nearly 7,900 social media-related complaints, with 1,830 specifically involving financial fraud, representing a significant increase in recent days.
tearsheet.co
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational/Industry Insights
Charlie, a fintech company serving Americans 62 and older, is addressing senior financial vulnerabilities through AI-driven fraud protection and personalized banking services. The company offers features like expedited Social Security access, advanced fraud safeguards, competitive deposit rates, and age-optimized design, while exploring additional products such as consumer-friendly home equity solutions and tax-optimized asset decumulation strategies for cash-poor, house-rich retirees. CEO Kevin Nazemi emphasizes the importance of ethical AI implementation and elegant fraud prevention measures—such as their "SpeedBump" 6-hour transaction pause—that protect seniors without creating
telegram.com
· 2025-12-08
Laura Wilson, director of the Oxford Senior Center in Massachusetts, was recognized as one of 125 Massachusetts Heroines by the Commission on the Status of Women for her outstanding service to seniors. Wilson has implemented numerous protective and enrichment programs at the center, including presentations on fraud and scams targeting the elderly, financial assistance, and regular visits from law enforcement and emergency responders. Since taking the director position in 2020, Wilson has expanded the center's hours, transportation services, and programming to better serve the community's senior population.
port.ac.uk
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 UK adults over 75 found that two-thirds experienced at least one telephone fraud attempt in the past six months, with 40 percent facing frequent daily, weekly, or monthly attempts—predominantly via landline calls (75 percent of frauds). The research revealed that these persistent scams cause significant anxiety and fear among older adults, with many reporting constant suspicion of communications and reduced quality of life, though the full psychological impact on this demographic warrants further investigation.
vermilioncountyfirst.com
· 2025-12-08
State Senator Paul Faraci and Illinois Attorney General's Office representative Heather Calcara held an educational forum in Danville on July 15th to alert seniors about evolving scams and fraud schemes that exploit technological advances and electronic payment methods. The speakers emphasized that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and encouraged seniors to use common sense—such as hanging up on unsolicited bank calls and initiating their own phone calls to verify claims—and to report suspected fraud through the Illinois Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Bureau form or local authorities.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Beryl's power outages in the Pasadena, Texas area, scammers targeted senior citizens in assisted living by directing them to a fraudulent 800-number posing as a hotel booking service. One victim was charged $207 for a fake hotel reservation with an incorrect phone number and was unable to verify the booking when she arrived at the hotel; she successfully disputed the charge with her credit card company. The incident highlights how scammers exploit seniors during disasters when they are vulnerable and seeking emergency shelter.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
The Capital District is experiencing an uptick in fraud scams targeting senior citizens since May, including bank account drains and fake prize schemes, prompting the Homeland Security Investigation Department and Schenectady Police to offer free fraud awareness courses. According to the FBI's 2023 Annual Elder Fraud report, over 101,000 U.S. adults aged 60 and older filed fraud complaints and lost more than $3.4 million, with law enforcement emphasizing the importance of reporting scams and verifying suspicious communications before responding.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Casey Alexander, a 27-year-old UK national, was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a cold-calling scheme targeting elderly American investors. The scam promised high returns on wine and whiskey investments held in European warehouses, defrauding over 150 victims of more than $13 million collectively, with one victim losing $300,000 over 18 months; Alexander was ordered to pay $202,195.58 in restitution.
fox19.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio ranked No. 6 nationally for elderly scams in the past year, with seniors losing over $3.4 billion to more than 110,000 reported scams across the U.S., according to FBI data. Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of reporting these crimes, as the sophistication of scams—including tech fraud and grandparent scams—is increasing, though many incidents go unreported. The article highlights tragic consequences, including a 73-year-old victim who robbed a credit union after being scammed for years, and an 81-year-old who fatally shot an Uber driver he mistakenly believed was involved in a bond scam targeting him.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Over Rs 5 crore was stolen from Bengaluru residents in 2023 through FedEx and other courier company impersonation scams, with 163 police cases filed in the city. Scammers contacted victims claiming packages in their names contained drugs or illegal items, then impersonated police and CBI officials via video calls to coerce victims into transferring money to multiple accounts. Notable victims included a retired Lieutenant Colonel who lost Rs 73 lakh, a lawyer extorted for Rs 15 lakh, and a software CEO defrauded of Rs 2.3 crore.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. imposed sanctions on three Mexican accountants and four firms allegedly supporting a timeshare fraud operation run by the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel that targets Americans. Timeshare fraud perpetrated by Mexico-based criminals results in tens of millions in annual losses, with the FBI receiving over 600 complaints in 2022 alone totaling approximately $39.6 million, with elderly Americans being particularly targeted. The Treasury Department and FBI advised banks to remain vigilant against these schemes and reminded consumers to be cautious of unsolicited communications regarding timeshares and high-pressure sales tactics.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. imposed sanctions on three Mexican accountants and four firms linked to the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel for operating a multi-million dollar timeshare fraud scheme targeting Americans, particularly elderly victims. Timeshare fraud losses reached approximately $39.6 million in 2022 alone, with scammers using sophisticated tactics including impersonating U.S. Treasury officials and employing high-pressure sales tactics via unsolicited calls and emails. The Treasury and FBI issued guidance to banks and the public to remain vigilant against these schemes, recommending verification of company representatives and avoidance of time-sensitive offers.
sunstar.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Over 200 senior citizens in Carcar City, Cebu participated in a digital literacy training session organized by PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. to protect them from text and online scams such as phishing. The program, conducted in partnership with the city's Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs and a French NGO, aimed to improve digital skills, teach fraud prevention, and provide mental health awareness support for navigating technology safely.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 older adults found that telephone fraud targeting people over 75 is widespread, with two-thirds of respondents experiencing at least one fraud attempt in the past six months and 75% of attempted frauds occurring via phone calls. One 78-year-old widow lost £100,000 to a scam impersonating her bank during a vulnerable period following her husband's death, though she recovered most funds after involving the Financial Ombudsman. Researchers emphasize the need for better safeguards including high-standard call blockers and training to protect vulnerable older adults from the daily or weekly scam calls many now experience.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by impersonation scammers who pose as the IRS, family members, or trusted businesses to steal money or personal information. The IRS warns taxpayers to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming money is owed, and to recognize red flags such as requests for payment via gift cards, threats of arrest, and pressure for immediate action—none of which the legitimate IRS employs. Scammers exploit age-related vulnerabilities and use technology like caller ID spoofing to gain credibility, making education about these tactics essential for protecting older adults.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 UK adults (80% over age 75) found that 40% experience phone-based fraud attempts on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, with two-thirds experiencing at least one attempt in six months. Three-quarters of attempted fraud was conducted via telephone (60% voice calls, 11% texts), with victims reporting significant impacts on mental health and quality of life; one elderly woman lost nearly £100,000 after being targeted following her husband's death. The research highlights phone fraud occurring "on an industrial scale" despite conflicting US data showing a shift toward email and text-based scams between 2020-2023.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Irish nationals, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for stealing over $435,000 from an elderly Shoreline, Washington homeowner through a contractor scam. The brothers posed as repair workers, falsely claiming the victim's roof had holes and foundation was cracked, then pressured him to write multiple checks for fake repairs and building supplies over several days in January 2024. The FBI investigation also connected them to approximately $50,000 in additional contractor fraud complaints in Oregon and Washington using similar tactics of fake photos and misrepresentation.