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California authorities have dismantled a massive hospice fraud scheme that stole $267 million from the state's Medi-Cal program, charging 21 suspects who purchased fake identities on the dark web to fraudulently enroll people in hospice care and bill for services never provided. The investigation, called Operation Skip Trace, resulted in five arrests and the seizure of over $757,000 in cash, with prosecutors emphasizing that no legitimate hospice services were ever delivered despite the brazen billing scheme. Californians should remain vigilant about protecting their personal information and report any suspicious hospice billing or healthcare fraud to state authorities.

California authorities have dismantled a major hospice fraud scheme that stole over $267 million in state Medi-Cal funding meant for end-of-life care, with more than 20 people charged and five arrested for operating shell companies to launder the stolen funds. The announcement comes as federal officials also arrested eight people involved in a separate $50 million hospice fraud operation in the Los Angeles area, highlighting widespread healthcare fraud targeting vulnerable patients. Residents and healthcare oversight officials should be vigilant about hospice billing practices, report suspicious activity to state authorities, and verify that their loved ones' care providers are legitimate and properly licensed.

California authorities have charged organized crime groups for running a major identity theft and hospice fraud scheme that defrauded the state's Medi-Cal program in Los Angeles by stealing identities to bill for fraudulent hospice services. The scheme affected Medi-Cal members and cost taxpayers significant funds, with the investigation beginning in 2024 before recent federal regulation rollbacks. Californians should remain vigilant about protecting their personal information and identities, and report any suspicious activity related to their Medi-Cal benefits or hospice services to state authorities.

California authorities arrested five people and charged 21 suspects in a major hospice fraud scheme that defrauded the state of $267 million in Medi-Cal (Medicaid) funds. The alleged fraudsters purchased stolen identities from the dark web to enroll fake patients in Medi-Cal, then created shell hospice companies that billed the government for services that were never provided. To protect yourself, remain vigilant about monitoring your medical records and credit reports for unauthorized activity, and report any suspicious healthcare billing to authorities immediately.

California authorities have dismantled a massive hospice fraud scheme involving 21 suspects who stole $267 million from the state's Medi-Cal program by using stolen identities to fraudulently bill for hospice services that were never actually provided. The investigation, called Operation Skip Trace, resulted in five arrests, the seizure of over $757,000 in cash, and charges including health care fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited communications regarding your medical enrollment and regularly monitor your Medi-Cal account for unauthorized activity.

Los Angeles County is tackling a major fraud crisis in the home health and hospice industry, with Southern California identified as the epicenter of Medicare fraud nationwide, affecting vulnerable patients receiving end-of-life care. The LA County Board of Supervisors voted to strengthen oversight and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies, particularly targeting the 4,700+ home health and hospice providers operating in the county. Patients and families should be vigilant about verifying that home health and hospice providers are properly accredited and should report any suspicious billing practices or quality-of-care concerns to Medicare or their state health department.

In 2025, 38% of Americans received scam calls impersonating their healthcare providers, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated voices and multi-modal attacks (combining texts, calls, and emails) to deceive patients and staff. A major attack on Kettering Health demonstrated the serious impact, causing system outages that forced the organization to shut down operations for weeks while criminals impersonated staff to collect fraudulent payments. Healthcare organizations should implement multi-channel verification protocols, educate staff and patients to verify caller identity through official contact methods, and strengthen IT security to prevent the system disruptions that scammers exploit.

Washington State's Attorney General has warned residents about a surge of fraudulent investment schemes on Meta platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) that use fake ads and deepfake technology to trick people into scams like "pump and dump" schemes and cryptocurrency fraud, resulting in devastating financial and psychological losses for victims. To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment advice posted on social media, remember that legitimate brokers rarely advertise specific investments on these platforms, and report any suspected scams to the Consumer Protection Division.

Wisconsin's 2026 Supreme Court election could significantly impact seniors and retirees, despite receiving little public attention, because the winning justice will serve a 10-year term and help shape court decisions affecting Medicare disputes, healthcare access, elder protection laws, and benefits interpretation. While Medicare and Social Security are federal programs, state courts play a crucial role in how these benefits are administered locally through rulings on provider disputes, coverage conflicts, and patient protections. Voters who depend on healthcare or retirement benefits should pay attention to this judicial race and consider candidates' positions on healthcare and senior protections, since a single justice's decisions can establish precedents affecting seniors for decades.

An 82-year-old Chicago resident received 552 robocalls in a single month, forcing him to disable his phone entirely to escape the constant harassment—a problem affecting millions of Americans who collectively received over 3.8 billion robocalls in February 2026 alone. While some robocalls are legitimate (appointment reminders, pharmacy notifications), about 58% are telemarketing or scams designed to trick people into revealing personal information or sending money. To protect yourself, experts recommend using robocall-blocking apps, registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, and being skeptical of unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information.

# Summary CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz warned that foreign nationals, including members of Russian organized crime, may be operating fraudulent hospice schemes, with an estimated 1,000 of Los Angeles County's approximately 2,000 hospices potentially involved in fraud. California Governor Gavin Newsom's office disputed the claims, citing that the state has revoked over 280 hospice licenses in the past two years, has a moratorium on new licenses since 2021, and has brought 109 criminal charges and 24 civil fraud cases through its multi-agency task force. The dispute has escalated into legal action, with Newsom filing a civil rights complaint against Oz

hans middendorp / Pexels Hundreds of hospices are allegedly operating from a single address in California amid regulators’ efforts to curb fraud in the state. Local providers laud the increased over...

Dear Savvy Senior,My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?--Almost 80 Dear Alm...

Dear Savvy Senior, My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now? –Almost 80 Dear ...

A Republican-led congressional committee looking into potential fraud in the publicly funded health care program for lower-income people is expanding their investigation to Oregon and several other st...

Dear Savvy Senior, My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now? - Almost 80 Dear...

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 4, 2026, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced that a Big Horn County woman received a 10-year deferred imposition of sentence and was ordered to pay $101,17...

An elderly man with dementia was systematically drained of $337,000 in a sophisticated, Cyprus-based "romance scam" that some banks failed to stop — and instead are retaining high-powered defense lawy...

HELENA – A Big Horn County woman received a 10-year deferred imposition of sentence and was ordered to pay $101,171 in restitution for financially exploiting her mother and stepfather, Attorney Genera...

By Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer February 26, 2026 In today’s digital world, you are more likely to have your identity stolen than your car stolen or your home burglarized. As a Veteran, y...

People over 50 are particularly vulnerable to fraud, with over $11 million reported in scams during just a nine-month period in 2025, according to a presentation by Coastal Maine Regional Broadband and local police. Most scams involve impostors contacting victims through email, text, or phone with urgent messages designed to cloud judgment, sometimes building fake relationships over time to gain trust. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying unexpected contacts directly with the person, avoiding clicking links or sharing passwords, watching for language errors and mismatched email addresses, and declining friend requests from people already in your network.

The Brenham Police Department is warning about multiple scams targeting elderly residents, including impersonation calls from government agencies, fake tech support, romance scams, and fake lottery winnings. Red flags include pressure to act quickly, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, demands for personal information, and instructions to keep the matter secret. To protect yourself, slow down before acting, never share personal details over the phone or online, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and consult with family or trusted friends before sending money—and report suspected scams to local police, Adult Protective Services, or the FTC.

# Romance Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know Romance scams have surged dramatically, with IRS Criminal Investigation cases more than tripling in the past year, particularly targeting older Americans and vulnerable individuals seeking connection. Victims often lose significant portions of their life savings or retirement funds through criminals posing as romantic partners on dating sites and social media, sometimes also using compromising photos for blackmail. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to requests for money, never send compromising photos to people you haven't met in person, verify identities through video calls, and report suspected fraud to authorities or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.

A recent investigation in China has exposed widespread fraud at private psychiatric hospitals in central cities like Xiangyang and Yichang, where operators admitted vulnerable elderly patients and people with addiction issues under false pretenses to fraudulently claim government medical insurance reimbursements while providing little actual care. These facilities, which functioned more as unregulated shelters than hospitals, subjected patients to poor conditions, abuse, and forced unpaid labor, revealing serious gaps in China's elder care system and healthcare oversight during a time of rapid population aging. To protect themselves, people should be cautious about hospital admissions that seem unusually inexpensive, verify that facilities are properly licensed and regulated, and report suspected fraud to local health authorities or insurance regulators.

# Hospice Fraud Summary Seven people in Monterey County, including hospice owners and medical professionals, were arrested in February 2025 for defrauding Medi-Cal and Medicare by enrolling patients who weren't terminally ill in hospice services without proper consent or knowledge. The defendants operated three hospice companies simultaneously and transferred patients between facilities every six months to avoid detection while continuing to bill the programs fraudulently. To protect yourself, verify that any hospice enrollment is appropriate for your condition, ask questions about your medical status and enrollment, and report suspected healthcare fraud to your state's attorney general or health department.

A veteran detective with 25 years of fraud investigation experience has published a new guide to help seniors, families, and caregivers protect themselves from scams that cost older Americans billions of dollars annually. The book covers common threats like phone scams, romance scams, identity theft, and newer AI-driven impersonation schemes, while emphasizing that elder fraud exploits trust, fear, and isolation. Readers are advised to recognize red flags, safeguard personal information, build family protection plans, and report suspected fraud without shame—with the book providing checklists and step-by-step guidance for taking action.

Modern scammers are using AI-generated voice clones to impersonate family members and target seniors with convincing "grandparent scams," as illustrated by a case where a 74-year-old woman nearly fell victim to a fraudster impersonating her grandson. Unlike traditional scams, these high-tech schemes use publicly available social media content to create nearly perfect replicas of loved ones' voices, making them extremely difficult for even savvy seniors to detect. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be cautious about what personal videos you share online, and stay skeptical of urgent requests that discourage you from telling others.

Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors with fraudulent Medicare calls to steal personal information and commit identity theft, with one woman discovering nearly $11,000 in fraudulent medical claims on her account. Rather than relying on third-party apps that may compromise your privacy, experts recommend using the built-in spam-blocking features on your phone (iPhone and Android) combined with your cell provider's call-blocking tools, which now use AI technology to effectively filter out scam calls. To maximize protection, make sure your phone's operating system is up-to-date before enabling these native blocking features.

Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voice clones and deepfake technology to impersonate loved ones and government officials, targeting older Americans with devastating results. In 2024 alone, seniors lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud—a 43% increase from the previous year—with victims over 60 losing an average of $83,000 compared to $19,000 for younger victims. To protect yourself, verify requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be skeptical of emotional urgency or requests for secrecy, and hang up and independently confirm the caller's identity before sending any funds.

# Medicare Scams Targeting Older Adults Medicare beneficiaries are experiencing a surge in fraud attempts, with scammers using professional-sounding calls and urgent threats to steal personal information and Medicare numbers or bill for unnecessary services like medical equipment, genetic testing, and supplies never prescribed or received. The scams often impersonate Medicare officials or insurance representatives, using pressure tactics and false warnings about losing benefits to rush victims into sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, remember that Medicare will never call you—hang up on unexpected calls, never share personal information over the phone, and verify any requests by contacting Medicare directly through their official phone number.

—it describes a community event in Jamshedpur where the Helping Hands Foundation celebrated senior citizens through performances and activities. While the event did include a cyber fraud awareness session led by police to educate elderly participants about digital safety, the main focus was on promoting respect, dignity, and inclusion for older adults. The actionable takeaway for seniors is to attend awareness programs about online fraud protection and take seriously the digital safety education offered by local law enforcement.

# Hospice Fraud Summary Fraudulent hospice providers in Los Angeles County are allegedly stealing $3.5 billion from Medicare by billing for fake patients, unnecessary services, and poor care, with some operators even enrolling seniors without their knowledge. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz and California's Attorney General, the problem has grown into an "epidemic," enabled by lax oversight that allows individuals to own unlimited hospices and even apply from overseas. To protect yourself, verify any hospice enrollment directly with Medicare, ask your doctor about your care plan, and report suspicious billing or unsolicited hospice enrollment to your state's attorney general.

California has revoked over 280 fraudulent hospice licenses in the past two years as part of a crackdown on schemes where operators enrolled Medicare patients in hospice care without their knowledge or proper services, potentially costing billions in taxpayer money. The fraud affected vulnerable elderly patients across multiple states including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, with some operators using illegal tactics like "license flipping" to avoid regulatory oversight. Patients and their families should verify hospice provider legitimacy through state licensing boards and Medicare's official resources, and report suspicious enrollment or lack of services to federal authorities immediately.

California has been actively combating hospice fraud for years through a moratorium on new licenses, state investigations, and arrests, while the Trump administration has simultaneously defunded federal oversight of an industry that receives over $25 billion annually from Medicare. Patients and taxpayers have been vulnerable to fraud in hospice care, which is supposed to be rooted in compassion rather than profit-driven corruption. If you suspect hospice fraud, you can report it to the California Department of Justice, which has dedicated resources and educational initiatives to help affected individuals and families.

Two women—a health center owner and her employee—have been charged with health care fraud for allegedly performing medical procedures without proper licenses at a women's health center in New Jersey. Medicaid patients were affected, as the defendants allegedly billed the program for services provided by unlicensed individuals, diverting resources meant for legitimate medical care. To protect yourself, verify that any healthcare provider treating you is properly licensed, ask about credentials before receiving care, and report suspected unlicensed medical practitioners to your state's health department or attorney general's office.

A former New Mexico State Police officer, Morgan Ortiz, was sentenced to the maximum three years in prison for his role in a fraudulent substance abuse recovery program scheme that defrauded Medicaid of hundreds of thousands of dollars through identity theft, document falsification, and unlicensed medical practice. The defendants were ordered to pay $1.5 million in restitution to compensate taxpayers and patients who were harmed by the scheme. This case serves as a reminder that healthcare fraud targeting public programs carries serious criminal penalties, and patients should verify that recovery program providers are legitimate and properly licensed.

The Trump administration announced plans in January 2026 to create a new Department of Justice division dedicated to fighting fraud nationwide, led by a new Assistant Attorney General who would report directly to the White House rather than following post-Watergate norms of DOJ independence. The division would target fraud affecting federal programs, benefits, businesses, nonprofits, and private citizens, though the announcement left unclear how it would avoid duplicating existing DOJ fraud enforcement efforts and what resources it would receive. While the expanded focus on fraud enforcement could benefit victims, the unusual White House oversight of the division raises questions about whether political considerations might influence how fraud cases are prioritized and prosecuted.

# Medicare Fraud Summary Medicare loses an estimated $100 billion annually to fraud and abuse, with schemes ranging from double-billing and charging for services never performed to identity theft using seniors' account numbers. Seniors are urged to carefully review their Medicare statements for unfamiliar charges and report any suspicious activity to the Medicare fraud center at 1-800-633-4227, which can issue a new account number to prevent future fraudulent billings.

# Medicare Fraud Summary Medicare loses an estimated $100 billion annually to fraud and abuse, with scammers ranging from dishonest medical providers billing for services never performed to criminals using seniors' account numbers to file false claims. Medicare beneficiaries can protect themselves by carefully reviewing their Medicare statements when they arrive and calling the Medicare fraud hotline at 1-800-633-4227 if they spot suspicious charges, which may result in a new account number to prevent further fraudulent activity.

# Fraud and Scams Summary Minnesota Aging Pathways is offering a free online presentation on February 11 to educate people about fraud and scams, particularly targeting older adults who are increasingly vulnerable to these schemes. The presentation will cover fraud prevention strategies, how to detect and report fraudulent activity, and ways to protect personal information, with information provided by the Senior Medicare Patrol program. Interested participants can register for the free Zoom class by visiting the Eventbrite link or calling 800-333-2433.

Pennsylvania's Attorney General Dave Sunday reported major law enforcement achievements in his first year, including the seizure of 539 illegal firearms and over 56 million fentanyl doses worth an estimated $58 million. The office also launched new initiatives to protect seniors from financial abuse and expanded efforts against organized retail crime. Residents can protect themselves by staying vigilant against scams targeting older adults and being aware of the growing threats posed by illegal drugs and firearms in their communities.

The Trump administration announced plans in January 2026 to create a new DOJ division focused on fighting fraud affecting government programs, businesses, and citizens, led by a presidentially appointed Assistant Attorney General reporting directly to the White House. However, officials have provided conflicting details about the division's structure, resources, and how it will avoid duplicating existing DOJ fraud enforcement efforts, leaving significant questions unanswered. While the administration emphasized recent prosecutions of immigrants accused of benefit fraud in Minnesota, consumers should remain vigilant about fraud targeting them directly and report suspected fraud to the FTC or their local law enforcement.

# Top Scams to Watch for in 2026 According to the Better Business Bureau, online shopping scams (particularly fake websites selling pets or hard-to-find items), phishing emails and texts impersonating banks or government agencies, and fake job offers—including AI-powered interviews—are among the most common fraud schemes affecting consumers this year. These scams target anyone making online purchases or responding to unsolicited communications, and scammers often use urgency and impersonation tactics to trick victims into giving up money or personal information. To protect yourself, take time to verify websites and companies independently before providing any information or making payments, as scammers rely on rushed decisions.

According to the Better Business Bureau, the top scams in 2026 include online shopping fraud (fake websites), phishing emails and texts impersonating banks or government agencies, and employment scams offering fake work-from-home jobs. These scams affect anyone shopping online or using email and can result in stolen money, personal information, or identity theft. To protect yourself, the BBB advises taking time to verify websites independently and avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages, since scammers rely on creating urgency to trick victims.

Scammers are impersonating the Social Security Administration and Medicare using fake official-looking letters claiming beneficiaries received improper payments or overpaid premiums, then pressuring them to immediately provide banking information or send money via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These sophisticated schemes exploit confusion around government programs and prey on seniors' fears about losing benefits through "clawbacks." The best protection is knowing that Social Security and Medicare never contact beneficiaries about overpayments via email, text, or unsolicited mail—legitimate billing issues follow a formal process—so anyone receiving such communications should independently verify with official government agencies rather than responding to the fraudulent letters.

New York taxpayers are spending $400 million annually on Adult Social Day Care centers that are largely unregulated and potentially exploiting Medicaid by serving relatively healthy seniors instead of those with serious disabilities. These facilities charge the state up to $85 per meal for lunch that costs $7-12 at local restaurants, while providing minimal services beyond meals and basic activities like ping pong, and the vague state requirements for "nutrition" and "socialization" go largely unenforced. To protect themselves, taxpayers should demand greater oversight and stricter eligibility verification for Medicaid-funded services, and state officials should clarify and enforce the eligibility standards that restrict these centers to seniors with documented chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Vermont saw a 12% increase in scam reports in 2025, with 3,982 reports filed to the state Attorney General's office, with computer tech support scams continuing to dominate (over 25% of cases) alongside rising debt collection and government imposter scams, particularly targeting SNAP benefit recipients. Vermont residents should never respond to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts—especially those threatening legal action—and should instead verify suspicious requests by contacting trusted contacts or the Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program directly. Free protection resources are available through the VT Scam Alert System, which has already enrolled roughly 9,000 residents to receive scam warnings.

Scammers are exploiting confusion about Medicare's 2026 prescription drug coverage changes to target seniors, taking advantage of lingering worries about outdated policies like the "donut hole." Seniors can protect themselves by learning the facts about new Medicare rules and contacting the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol (800-333-4374) if they suspect fraud, such as unauthorized plan enrollment or compromised Medicare numbers. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually, making awareness and reporting essential for seniors and caregivers.

Scammers are targeting Medicare seniors by exploiting confusion about the 2026 prescription drug coverage changes, particularly the outdated "donut hole" concept that no longer exists. Seniors are being contacted by fraudsters using these Medicare rule changes as a pretext to steal personal information or enroll them in unauthorized plans. To protect yourself, verify any Medicare-related communications directly with official sources, never give your Medicare number to unsolicited callers, and report suspected fraud immediately to the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or nysenior.org.

—it's about Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointing and reappointing five members to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, which oversees gambling regulation in the state. The appointees include Julie Brown (elevated to Chair), Peter Cuderman, and William Spicola as new members, with John Michael D'Aquila and Tina Repp returning to the board. All five appointees bring relevant experience in government, law, finance, and investigation to oversee Florida's gaming industry.