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The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office warned fans attending Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans to be vigilant against ticket, merchandise, and credit card scams targeting eager consumers. The advisory recommends using reputable websites, avoiding purchases from strangers or sellers requesting gift cards or cryptocurrency, and contacting the state's Bureau of Consumer Protection if victimized. The guidance emphasizes common-sense precautions such as reviewing purchases carefully and trusting instincts when offers seem too good to be true.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer alert warning residents about Super Bowl LIX ticket and merchandise scams, advising buyers to use official ticket platforms, verify URLs to avoid spoofing, avoid third-party sellers, and never pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The warning recommends conducting transactions in safe locations, reviewing charges before checkout, and using credit cards for fraud protection. Victims can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 800-441-2555.

A Pennsylvania Attorney General representative educated veterans on fraud risks, noting that veterans are twice as likely to be scammed through schemes targeting military benefits, disability payouts, and pensions. Key prevention measures include being cautious of unsolicited contacts, researching entities through official government websites, shredding personal documents, and remembering that government agencies do not initiate contact via phone, email, or social media. Victims can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission or Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer warning ahead of Super Bowl LIX, alerting residents to ticket scams and merchandise fraud targeting eager fans traveling to New Orleans. The advisory recommends consumers purchase tickets only from legitimate websites like Ticketmaster and StubHub, avoid third-party sellers and suspicious URLs, use credit cards rather than gift cards or wire transfers, and conduct in-person transactions in safe locations. Victims of Super Bowl-related scams can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

This article announces AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh's appointment to Pennsylvania's Advisory Council on Elder Justice in the Courts, an entity established by the PA Supreme Court to address elder abuse, neglect, guardianship issues, and access to justice for older adults. The Council was created to implement recommendations from the 2014 Elder Law Task Force and represents a collaborative effort among judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and advocacy organizations to develop practical solutions protecting Pennsylvania's rapidly aging population.

A 71-year-old Lycoming County, Pennsylvania woman lost $16,000 to a phishing scam in December when she received a fraudulent email claiming her bank account had been falsely charged by PayPal. After calling the number provided in the email, a scammer convinced her to purchase gift cards to resolve the issue, then repeatedly increased the requested amount until she had paid $16,000 total. Police are continuing to investigate the case.

A 71-year-old Pennsylvania woman lost $16,000 in a gift card scam after receiving a fraudulent email in December 2024 claiming her bank account had been falsely charged by PayPal. When she called the number provided in the email, a scammer convinced her to purchase gift cards to resolve the issue, then repeatedly increased the amount demanded until she had paid $16,000 total. Police continue investigating the incident.

State Representative Chris Pielli and the Housing Authority of Chester County organized a free "Scam Jam" educational event on January 16 in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to teach seniors how to recognize and avoid fraud. The event featured experts from the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, the Attorney General's Office, the District Attorney's Office, and local police who discussed evolving scam tactics and strategies for protecting personal information.

The Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers and credit union representatives are advocating for new legislation to protect seniors from elder financial abuse, citing tech support scams, romance scams, and investment frauds as prevalent threats. They are urging updates to Pennsylvania's Older Adults Protective Services Act to mandate reporting of suspected elder financial abuse and allow banks to place temporary holds on suspicious transactions while notifying law enforcement and aging agencies. The groups emphasize that trained bank employees can serve as critical safeguards against financial exploitation of older adults.

CHROME Federal Credit Union launched the Trusted Contact program in late 2024, a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau-recommended service that allows members to designate a trusted contact without granting financial access, enabling the credit union to reach out if potential fraud is detected. The initiative responds to a documented surge in elder fraud, with $3.4 billion in losses reported in 2023 and elder fraud complaints rising 14% year-over-year. CHROME, which serves approximately 14,000 members across eight Southwestern Pennsylvania counties, positioned the program as a critical protection tool amid growing fraud and scam awareness concerns.

Philip C. Pulley, 62, of Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to three years' probation, 100 hours of community service, a $9,500 fine, and a special assessment for multiple election fraud offenses. Pulley registered to vote in three counties (Montgomery, Broward, and Philadelphia) using false information and voted twice in the 2022 general election, violating federal election law.

Law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are alerting residents to five prevalent scams: Medicaid/Medicare impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as government workers to extract personal information; "brushing" scams involving unsolicited packages with malicious QR codes that compromise phone data; fake law enforcement calls claiming arrest warrants or missed jury duty to extort bond payments; and romance scams where criminals build trust through fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money. Residents are advised to never provide financial or personal information over the phone, avoid scanning unknown QR codes, and verify contact legitimately through official channels.

Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania rank among the nation's most vulnerable states for identity theft and fraud in 2025, with Delaware ranking second nationally due to high complaint rates and substantial financial losses, while Pennsylvania reported over 314 theft complaints per 100 residents and average losses of $8,228 per case in 2024. The vulnerability is attributed to rising data breaches from major companies, with U.S. consumers facing an estimated $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, and Pennsylvania's large senior population (2.6 million people aged 65+) identified as particularly susceptible to scams. State officials recommend public education initiatives, strong passwords, verification of websites, and family

Dayle Haddon, a 76-year-old trailblazing model and activist, died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning at a Pennsylvania home on Friday after authorities detected a high level of the gas caused by a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on the residence's gas heating system. A 76-year-old man at the property was hospitalized in critical condition, and two medics and a police officer were also exposed to the carbon monoxide. Haddon was notable for defying age discrimination in the modeling industry after her husband's death in 1991, becoming a spokesperson for beauty products marketed to aging baby boomers and later founding WomenOne, an organization supporting educational opportunities for

An 84-year-old Santa Rosa woman lost over $600,000 to cyber fraudsters who impersonated the Department of Treasury and Wells Fargo, claiming her devices were hacked and threatening her with arrest if she didn't comply with their instructions. Over six weeks, she withdrew large sums from her bank account, purchased gold bars at a local rare coins shop, and unwittingly acted as a mule to transport additional gold purchased by another victim in Pennsylvania. The scheme relied on fear and isolation—she told no one about the "investigation"—and while bank employees and the coin shop flagged concerns, the transactions proceeded, ultimately depleting her accounts and financial security.

A Cumberland County couple was targeted by a scammer posing as a Medicare employee who obtained both victims' Social Security numbers through a phone call to the 66-year-old woman in December. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the identity theft case and advise the public to verify callers' identities before sharing personal information.

This op-ed advocates for updated Pennsylvania legislation to better protect older adults from financial exploitation, which takes multiple forms including tech support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and abuse by trusted individuals. The authors call for amendments to the state's Older Adults Protective Services Act to mandate reporting of elder financial abuse and allow banks to temporarily hold suspected fraudulent transactions while notifying authorities. Bank employees are identified as key defenders against elder financial exploitation, and the authors urge older Pennsylvanians to remain vigilant during the holiday season when scammers are particularly active.

Elder financial exploitation is a growing problem in Pennsylvania, with scammers targeting older adults through romance scams, investment fraud, and schemes impersonating banks or government officials to steal money and personal information. The article advocates for updated state legislation to require banks and credit unions to place temporary holds on suspected fraudulent transactions and report them to local aging agencies, while also urging older residents to remain vigilant about recognizing scam warning signs. Current Pennsylvania law does not mandate reporting of elder financial abuse, leaving many vulnerable seniors without adequate legal protections against exploitation by family members, friends, or strangers.

Financial exploitation of older Pennsylvanians occurs through multiple scam types, including romance scams, tech support schemes, and investment fraud, with criminals impersonating bank employees and government officials to manipulate victims into transferring funds or assets. The article advocates for updated state legislation to strengthen protections, including mandatory reporting requirements for banks and credit unions to flag suspicious transactions and mandatory holds on fraudulent transactions, as current law does not adequately address elder financial abuse. The authors urge older Pennsylvanians to remain alert for scammers during the holiday season and call for new legal measures to better equip financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to detect and prevent elder financial exploitation.

This opinion piece urges older Pennsylvanians to remain vigilant during the holiday season against scammers and fraudsters who target seniors' money, financial information, and personal identity. The article emphasizes the increased risk of fraud during this period but does not detail specific scam types or incidents.

A retired submarine commander lost $3.6 million to scammers despite his banks' concerns, prompting Virginia to propose "Larry's Law"—legislation requiring banks to report suspected fraud to police. However, industry lobbyists successfully removed the mandatory reporting clause before the bill passed, and similar elder fraud protection measures in California and Pennsylvania have also been blocked or weakened by banking industry opposition, even as elderly Americans lose an estimated $28 billion annually to fraud. Banks argue that consumer education and voluntary reporting to adult protective services are sufficient, but enforcement of existing reporting requirements remains lax across states.

**Summary:** Stephanie Mobley, owner of ComfortZone Home Health Care in Pennsylvania, her daughter Naya Campbell, and 18 others were charged in a $12 million Medicaid fraud scheme that operated from 2020 to 2023. The defendants allegedly filed false reimbursement claims for services never provided, diverting millions in funds intended for vulnerable Medicaid recipients. All 20 defendants face charges including Medicaid fraud, theft by deception, and conspiracy, with the case uncovered following a two-year investigation by the Pennsylvania Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, FBI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Ronald Russell fell victim to an online dog adoption scam in Pennsylvania where he paid a deposit via PayPal for a Miniature Pinscher that did not exist, losing a few hundred dollars. The Better Business Bureau reports that pet adoption scams commonly result in losses exceeding $1,000, with scammers demanding additional payments for veterinary care, airport fees, or transit costs via wire transfer or gift cards. Russell advises potential pet adopters to never pay upfront, perform reverse image searches on photos, and complete transactions only in person after seeing the animal.

This article describes the arrest of Luigi Mangione, 26, in connection with the killing of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Mangione was captured in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and found with a ghost gun, silencer, fake identifications, and a handwritten document expressing "ill will toward corporate America"; words carved into shell casings at the scene referenced an insurance industry criticism book. The case reflects broader public frustration with health insurance claim denials and rising costs.

Delaware County, Pennsylvania is hosting "Scam Jam," a free educational event on Friday at the Springfield YMCA designed to help seniors identify and avoid common fraud schemes. The event features representatives from the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office, and local police who will provide information and tips to help seniors protect themselves from becoming victims.

The FBI warned New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents about two holiday scams: romance scams, where criminals use fake online identities to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money or gifts; and ransomware attacks, which lock computer files and demand payment for their return, often triggered by clicking suspicious emails or links about package deliveries. Both scams exploit holiday season vulnerabilities, and the FBI advises victims to verify identities, never send money to strangers online, and avoid clicking on unsolicited messages about packages or purchases.

Pennsylvania's Attorney General Michelle Henry warned residents of phishing scams in which fraudsters contact people claiming fraudulent activity on their bank accounts, then request sensitive information such as login credentials, account numbers, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth via phone, email, or text. The advisory emphasizes that legitimate financial institutions never solicit account information through these channels and advises victims to contact their bank directly using the number on their card or visit their local branch to verify contact, and to report scams to the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.

A 51-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested in Galloway Township, NJ after attempting to collect over $60,000 from an elderly couple in a phone scam where he impersonated a federal agent and falsely claimed fraudulent bank accounts had been opened using their Social Security number. Police apprehended the suspect at the victims' home after the couple's daughter alerted authorities, and officers set up surveillance to intercept the cash pickup. The case highlights the importance of recognizing red flags such as demands for cash withdrawals and verifying suspicious calls directly with financial institutions or law enforcement.

A Pennsylvania man, Dipen Patel, 51, was arrested after attempting to scam an elderly Galloway couple out of more than $60,000 by posing as a federal agent and claiming their Social Security numbers had been compromised. Police were alerted by the couple's daughter while the scam was in progress and apprehended Patel when he arrived at the home to collect the cash. The case highlights common elder fraud tactics, and police remind seniors that legitimate law enforcement will never demand cash payments over the phone.

An elderly couple in Galloway Township, New Jersey, nearly lost $60,000 to an imposter posing as a federal agent who convinced them their bank accounts had been compromised and instructed them to withdraw cash for deposit into a "secure account." Police intervened after the couple's daughter alerted authorities, and arrested Dipen Patel, 51, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, when he arrived at the home to collect the money. The case highlights the prevalence of elder fraud schemes targeting seniors through phone impersonation.

Pennsylvania SNAP recipients received fraudulent text messages claiming their EBT cards were deactivated and requesting they call a provided number to reactivate them, according to a warning from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The scam aimed to steal personal and financial information through identity theft, as the DHS confirmed it never requests such information via text message. Residents who receive suspicious texts about benefits should report them to the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-347-8477.

A Pennsylvania man, Dipen Patel, was arrested after attempting to impersonate a federal agent to scam an elderly couple out of over $60,000 in cash in Galloway Township. The victim's daughter recognized the scam and contacted police, who coordinated surveillance and arrested Patel when he arrived to collect the cash. Patel was charged with third-degree theft by unlawful taking and released on a summons pending investigation.

Pennsylvania experienced over 3,000 scam victims in the past year with losses exceeding $118 million, according to FBI data. Fraudsters employed various tactics including fake charities exploiting weather disasters, AI-generated voice cloning to impersonate trusted individuals, and impostor schemes where criminals pose as bank employees to trick victims into moving their money. Older Americans reported losses exceeding $1.9 billion to fraud, though actual losses may reach $62 billion when accounting for unreported cases, and the Federal Trade Commission has implemented new impersonation rules to combat these crimes.

Pennsylvania State Police warn of a Bitcoin scam targeting retirees in which fraudsters impersonate bank representatives and federal investigators, persuading victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin kiosks under the guise of protecting their money from fraudulent activity. Once victims provide confirmation receipts or QR codes linking their accounts, scammers access the Bitcoin deposits and transfer the funds, which are untraceable due to the nature of cryptocurrency. The scam typically involves phone number spoofing to appear legitimate, and victims are advised to contact authorities such as the Pennsylvania Attorney General (800-441-2555) or the Federal Trade Commission (877-382-4357) if targeted.

Pennsylvania State Police warned of a sophisticated Bitcoin scam targeting older residents, wherein scammers impersonated financial institution representatives and federal agents (FBI, FTC) to convince victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin kiosks under the pretense of protecting their assets from fraudulent activity. Victims were tricked into providing receipts or scanning QR codes that granted scammers access to the transferred funds, which are typically irretrievable due to Bitcoin's anonymous nature. The scammers used phone number spoofing to appear legitimate, and victims are urged to report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357.

Tashina Thompson, 29, of Philadelphia, was issued an arrest warrant for allegedly exploiting an elderly resident of East Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, where she worked as a home health caretaker from January to June 2024. Thompson faces charges including financial exploitation of an older adult, identity theft (25 counts), forgery (5 counts), and related fraud offenses; her current whereabouts are unknown. Police are seeking information on Thompson's location and urge anyone with tips to contact the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department.

During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and Medicare numbers from beneficiaries through unsolicited calls and high-pressure tactics, sometimes fraudulently claiming extra benefits for early enrollment or offering unnecessary services. AARP Pennsylvania advises beneficiaries to review Medicare statements carefully, reject unsolicited offers, and verify that legitimate contact comes only after they initiate calls to Medicare, with scams reportable to law enforcement or AARP's fraud hotline at 1-877-908-3360.

This educational piece outlines nine common scam tactics and warning signs, including unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from banks or government agencies, requests for untraceable payment methods (gift cards, prepaid debit cards), poor quality communications with misspellings, upfront payment demands, and pre-checked boxes for recurring donations. The author advises readers to verify caller identity independently, watch for threats or "too good to be true" offers, and report suspected scams to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office.

Walter Holt III, a 35-year-old Washington, Pennsylvania resident, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud for preparing and submitting falsified Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) COVID-19 relief loan applications for Charleroi borrowers in March and May 2021, collecting fees for the fraudulent applications. He faces up to 40 years in prison and $1 million in fines, with sentencing scheduled for January 31, 2025.

State Rep. Jeanne McNeill hosted a Senior Scam Prevention Event on November 18 featuring David Shallcross, director of Senior Protection for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, who presented information on identifying and avoiding common scams targeting seniors. The event included a Q&A session and was held at Zentz Community Center in Whitehall.

**Summary:** Stephanie L. Bonincontro, a 43-year-old from Oakdale, Pennsylvania, was indicted on wire fraud and money laundering charges for misusing a $500,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) intended for her tree service business. She allegedly diverted approximately $250,000 into a personal investment account for money laundering and used $225,000 for personal expenses and credit card debt through a second company she owned. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines.

Pennsylvania House Democrats convened a hearing to discuss ways to strengthen state support for the commonwealth's 3.4 million older adults, the nation's fifth-oldest population. Testifiers identified key needs including affordable housing, transportation, community services, and protection from financial scams targeting seniors through phone calls, email, and social media, with recommendations to update the Older Adult Protection Services Act and implement stricter penalties for scammers.

Pennsylvania authorities charged nine individuals, including three alleged leaders Davon Whitfield, Naima Scott, and Zonay Griffin, with participating in an organized retail theft scheme targeting TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls stores since 2022. The operation involved stealing merchandise, altering receipts, and exploiting return policies across more than 1,000 store locations in nine states, generating over $850,000 in fraudulent payouts, with the three leaders alone responsible for approximately $700,000 across roughly 1,500 transactions.

A man who obtained legal power of attorney for an elderly Pennsylvania woman stole more than $60,000 from her and remains at large, prompting fraud analyst Lauren Greenaway to testify before state lawmakers about the case during legislative discussions on financial exploitation of seniors. The testimony highlighted the need for stronger protections, including proposals to require financial institutions to report suspected elder financial exploitation and to clarify laws around power of attorney oversight to prevent similar abuses.

A criminal investigation was launched in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania after election officials flagged approximately 2,500 voter registration forms submitted before the state's deadline, with about 60% found to contain fraudulent elements such as false names, forged signatures, incorrect addresses, or stolen personal information. Two additional Pennsylvania counties received similar suspicious applications, and authorities described the scheme as an organized effort, though the source and scope of the fraud remain under investigation. The fraudulent applications have been segregated and prevented from resulting in ballot issuance while the investigation continues.

Russian actors created and spread a fake video on social media falsely depicting mail-in ballots for Donald Trump being destroyed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which U.S. officials confirmed was part of Moscow's effort to undermine confidence in U.S. election integrity. Local election officials and law enforcement debunked the video within three hours of it circulating on Thursday, demonstrating improved response capabilities to election disinformation. The incident highlights how foreign actors continue to use sophisticated deepfakes and divisive imagery to exploit American political divisions ahead of elections.

A 70-year-old man in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania was targeted through a romance scam on LinkedIn beginning in August 2022, where a criminal posed as a woman to build trust and extract his personal information. The scammers used his identity to purchase iPhones and iPads connected to his AT&T account, then convinced him to facilitate cryptocurrency purchases and transfers as part of a money laundering scheme, resulting in approximately $10,000 in fraudulent charges before the bank detected the activity. The FBI warns that romance scams have become a billion-dollar-a-year enterprise increasingly used to turn victims into "money mules," with AI technology making such schemes more convincing,

Leroy Artemus Tolbert, III, a 35-year-old from Michigan, pleaded guilty to wire fraud after fraudulently applying for Lowe's credit cards using another person's identity and purchasing approximately $100,000 in merchandise across multiple states including West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Tolbert has agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution and faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing to be determined by a federal judge.

U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. highlighted recent legislative victories for older Americans, including a $35 monthly insulin copay cap that is saving retirees like Dave Bender $170 per month, and upcoming measures to cap out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000 annually for Medicare recipients. Casey also championed the bipartisan Stop Senior Scams Act to prevent fraud targeting older Pennsylvanians and emphasized ongoing efforts to increase nursing home oversight and accountability.

Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages claiming recipients are not registered to vote, directing them to fake websites like all-vote.com and votewin.org to harvest personal information including names, addresses, emails, dates of birth, and phone numbers. Election officials in Michigan and Pennsylvania warned voters to be cautious of these messages, which can be identified as scams by their unsolicited nature, suspicious domains, requests for unnecessary personal data, and grammatical errors. To verify voter registration safely, Americans should use the official government website vote.gov rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.