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wrenews.com
· 2026-02-20
A Texas real estate investor named Devin Ward Elder pleaded guilty to defrauding approximately 345 investors out of $69.5 million between 2023 and 2025 through his company DJE Texas Management Group LLC, which offered investments in apartments, commercial properties, and other real estate projects. Elder used a classic Ponzi scheme, paying some investors with money from other investors while falsely claiming high returns with low risk, and eventually halted payments in March 2025 when the scheme collapsed. Investors should be extremely cautious of investment opportunities promising unusually high returns with minimal risk, verify that investment firms are properly registered and regulated, and request detailed documentation about where their money is actually being invested.
abc7news.com
· 2026-02-20
A San Francisco retiree lost over $500,000 of his life savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being manipulated by a woman he met on Facebook who posed as a wealthy Japanese businesswoman named Annie and promised him a romantic future and cryptocurrency investment returns. Despite repeated warnings from family, friends, and law enforcement agencies over several months, the victim continued sending money to the scammers because he was emotionally invested in the relationship. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of romantic relationships that develop quickly online, never send money to anyone you haven't met in person, verify investment opportunities through official channels before committing funds, and listen to warnings from trusted loved ones about suspicious behavior.
koaa.com
· 2026-02-20
# Fraud Summary
Fraud has evolved from isolated crimes into a sophisticated, organized industry with specialized supply chains for stealing identities and creating fraudulent documents, according to cybersecurity expert Dr. David Maimon who monitors dark web fraud rings. The biggest emerging threat is artificial intelligence making scams more advanced, with AI systems potentially operating independently by 2026, while criminals are also targeting mail theft to steal personal information for creating fake bank accounts. To protect yourself, follow the Federal Trade Commission's identity protection tips and be cautious of mail theft—criminals are actively seeking checks and personal documents that can be used for fraud.
fox8live.com
· 2026-02-20
Two scammers were sentenced to over 30 years in prison for running a romance scam that defrauded 31 victims—primarily widows over 60—of nearly $10 million. The criminals posed as wealthy professionals like military generals and oil engineers on social media, building fake romantic relationships and convincing victims to send money for supposed emergencies or projects. Senior citizens, particularly those increasingly active on smartphones, should be wary of online romantic interests who quickly ask for money, and should verify identities independently before sending funds.
nola.com
· 2026-02-20
A 45-year-old man named Kenneth Akpieyi from Georgia was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding more than two dozen women out of over $9 million through an elaborate romance scam. Operating primarily on Facebook and Instagram, Akpieyi posed as military officers, oil rig workers, and other professionals to build trust with vulnerable elderly widows before convincing them to send large sums of money, which he then laundered and spent. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic interests who ask to move conversations to private messaging apps, avoid sending money to people you've only met online, and verify the identities of military personnel or professionals through official channels before trusting them with financial information.
ketk.com
· 2026-02-20
A Chinese national was sentenced to 40 months in prison and ordered to pay $2.8 million after running "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams that defrauded multiple victims. The scam involved fraudsters posing as romantic interests or financial professionals on social media and dating apps, building trust with victims before convincing them to invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform called Nanobit. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers from people you meet online, verify that financial platforms are legitimately registered with the SEC, and never invest based on advice from strangers on social media or messaging apps.
techflowpost.com
· 2026-02-20
A 31-year-old Chinese national named Liao Fei was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars from cryptocurrency investment scams, particularly "pig-butchering" schemes where fraudsters gain victims' trust on social media before tricking them into fake crypto investments. Victims lost millions of dollars in these scams, and Liao Fei was ordered to forfeit $2.3 million and pay $2.8 million in restitution. To protect yourself, be wary of investment opportunities promoted by strangers on social media, avoid sending money to unknown individuals or companies, and verify investment opportunities through official regulatory channels before committing funds.
kucoin.com
· 2026-02-20
A 31-year-old Chinese national named Liao Fei was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars obtained through "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters pose as romantic interests or trusted contacts on social media to trick people into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes. The scheme affected numerous victims who lost money they couldn't recover, and Liao Fei was ordered to forfeit $2.3 million and pay $2.8 million in restitution. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of investment opportunities offered by people you meet online, especially on social media, and never send money to unknown individuals or unverified cryptocurrency platforms.
kucoin.com
· 2026-02-20
A Chinese national was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars from cryptocurrency investment scams, including the deceptive "pig butchering" scheme that targets victims through social media and dating apps by building false trust before requesting cryptocurrency investments. Victims lose money when fraudulent platforms show fake returns and prevent withdrawals, with this case involving over $2.3 million in seized assets and $2.8 million in restitution. If you encounter these scams, report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and preserve all communications, transaction records, and details about the fraudulent platform, cryptocurrency addresses, and suspect contact information.
ksat.com
· 2026-02-19
A San Antonio CEO named Devin Ward Elder pleaded guilty to defrauding approximately 345 investors of $69.5 million between January 2023 and March 2025 through his investment firm, which promised high returns on real estate projects but operated as a Ponzi scheme, using new investor funds to pay returns on other projects. Investors received only $8.8 million back, much of which came from other people's money rather than actual investment gains, and Elder faces up to 20 years in prison. To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment offers promising guaranteed high returns with minimal risk, verify that firms are properly registered with regulators, and never invest based solely on promises of personal co-investment from the manager.
kens5.com
· 2026-02-19
A San Antonio CEO named Devin Ward Elder pleaded guilty to wire fraud after defrauding approximately 345 investors of $69.5 million through a real estate investment scheme between 2023 and 2025. Elder used a Ponzi scheme tactic, paying early investors with money from new investors while falsely promising high returns with low risk and claiming he would invest his own funds alongside theirs. To protect yourself from similar schemes, be wary of investment offers promising unusually high returns with minimal risk, verify that fund sources are legitimate and transparent, and research investment managers thoroughly before committing money.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-19
A San Antonio CEO named Devin Ward Elder pleaded guilty to defrauding approximately 345 investors of $69.5 million through a fake real estate investment scheme between 2023 and 2025. Elder promised high returns with low risk while using a Ponzi scheme tactic—paying some investors with money from other investors rather than legitimate profits—before abruptly stopping payments in March 2025 and informing investors their money was lost. To protect yourself, be cautious of investment opportunities promising unrealistically high returns with minimal risk, verify that fund managers actually co-invest their own money, and independently verify that payments come from actual project profits rather than new investor funds.
kdhnews.com
· 2026-02-19
A San Antonio man pleaded guilty to operating a $69.5 million investment fraud scheme that defrauded approximately 345 investors between 2023 and 2025 through his company, DJE Texas Management Group, LLC, by falsely promising high returns and low-risk real estate investments while using a Ponzi-like structure to pay earlier investors with funds from new ones. The perpetrator, Devin Ward Elder, faces up to 20 years in prison and has been charged with wire fraud. To protect yourself, be cautious of investment promises guaranteeing high returns with minimal risk and always verify that investment firms and their operators are legitimately registered and have transparent, auditable financial records.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-19
Financial scams cost Americans at least $10 billion in 2023, with losses among older Americans surging from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, often involving large sums stolen through sophisticated schemes like the case of Marjorie Kessler, who lost over $2 million after being tricked into converting her retirement savings to gold and cryptocurrency. While the UN emphasizes that preventing scams requires strong legal and regulatory systems, American institutions like FINRA—which oversees brokerages holding most people's retirement savings—have failed to meaningfully address the epidemic. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited requests to move funds or convert savings into alternative assets, verify requests directly with your financial institution through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FTC immediately.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-19
Americans lost at least $10 billion to scams in 2023, with losses among older adults particularly devastating—jumping from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024. One victim, Marjorie Kessler, was tricked into withdrawing over $2 million from her retirement savings under the false pretense that the U.S. Treasury needed to safeguard it, though she recovered only a portion. Experts and the United Nations emphasize that preventing these crimes requires stronger legal and regulatory systems rather than relying on individuals to protect themselves, particularly through oversight of financial institutions like FINRA that hold most Americans' retirement savings.
wfsb.com
· 2026-02-19
A Florida man has been arrested on 26 charges for running a phone scam targeting a Wallingford resident who received a fraudulent call impersonating her bank and was tricked into sharing personal information, leading to unauthorized charges on her account. The 31-year-old suspect, Errol Patton from Miami, faces multiple charges including telephone fraud, identity theft, and payment card theft, with some charges specifically related to targeting a victim over 60 years old. To protect yourself, never provide personal or financial information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls—instead, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your statement or their official website to verify any claims.
ago.mo.gov
· 2026-02-18
# Tax Day Scam Warning Summary
As tax season approaches, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is warning residents about a surge in scams targeting taxpayers through fake emails, texts, phone calls, and websites impersonating government agencies and tax services. Scammers use fear and urgency to pressure people into sharing personal information or making immediate payments, though legitimate tax authorities will never demand payment via email or threaten arrest. To protect yourself, verify messages independently through official channels, never share sensitive information unsolicited, and report suspected scams to Missouri's consumer hotline at 800-392-8222 or ago.mo.gov.
americanbanker.com
· 2026-02-18
New York's Attorney General warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters create fake romantic or professional relationships on social media and dating apps to trick victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency platforms that disappear with their money. The scams are particularly damaging because victims often fall for follow-up "recovery" schemes where new fraudsters promise to return lost funds for a fee, resulting in additional losses. To protect yourself, avoid sending money or cryptocurrency to online strangers, thoroughly research anyone soliciting investments, and watch for red flags like pressure to use encrypted messaging or unfamiliar trading platforms.
mondaq.com
· 2026-02-18
Romance scams cost victims and organizations over $670 million in the US and £106 million in the UK in 2024, with criminals using fake online identities and emotional manipulation to pressure victims into sending money or revealing confidential company information. Employees who fall victim to these scams can inadvertently expose their organizations to financial and data security risks, particularly if they've already exhausted personal finances and are pressured to access company assets or confidential information. Organizations can protect themselves by educating employees about common romance scam tactics like catfishing and sextortion, helping them recognize warning signs before they become victims.
kunm.org
· 2026-02-17
Romance scammers using fake online identities have stolen $3.8 million from New Mexicans in the past year, with increasingly sophisticated methods enhanced by AI technology. These criminals emotionally manipulate victims to gain access to their savings, posing as romantic partners through dating apps and online platforms. To protect yourself, be cautious of online suitors who seem too perfect, watch for requests for money or cryptocurrency investments, and verify identities through video calls before sharing personal or financial information.
rnz.co.nz
· 2026-02-17
A 44-year-old Auckland woman has been arrested and charged with defrauding a Dunedin man of over $517,000 through an 18-year romance scam—a rare case since most romance scams are typically perpetrated by offshore criminals. The scheme involved the victim sending money to someone he believed he was in a romantic relationship with but never met in person. Police advise people to be extremely cautious about online relationships and investments, as romance scams almost always begin with online contact where victims are convinced to send money without ever meeting the person face-to-face.
nzherald.co.nz
· 2026-02-17
An Auckland woman has been charged with defrauding a Dunedin man of over $517,000 in an alleged 18-year romance scam—a rare case of a local perpetrator, as such scams are typically run by offshore criminal networks. The victim was convinced to send money to someone he believed he was in a romantic relationship with online, despite never meeting them in person. Police advise people to be highly skeptical of online romantic relationships, friendships, and investment opportunities, as these are common tactics used to exploit victims, and warn that offshore scammers are nearly impossible to prosecute.
decripto.org
· 2026-02-17
A 20-year prison sentence was handed down to Daren Li for operating an international money laundering network that laundered $74 million through "pig butchering" crypto scams, a widespread fraud scheme where scammers pose as investment experts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to build trust with victims before directing them to fake trading platforms that falsely show profits. Li fled before his sentencing in December 2024 and remains a fugitive, highlighting the global nature of this crime. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment advice from strangers on social media, verify that trading platforms are legitimate through official channels, and never deposit money based on promises of guaranteed returns.
sciotovalleyguardian.com
· 2026-02-17
# Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation in Ohio
Ohio's Attorney General has launched new partnerships with banks, healthcare organizations, and pharmacies to combat financial exploitation and elder abuse, which is growing increasingly sophisticated. The initiative focuses on training these organizations to recognize warning signs like unusual withdrawals and suspicious transactions, then report them to law enforcement before elderly residents lose money. If you're concerned about an older adult's financial activity or suspect exploitation, contact local law enforcement or the Ohio Attorney General's office.
abc.net.au
· 2026-02-17
# Louvre Ticket Fraud Summary
A major fraud ring involving tour guides and Louvre employees allegedly stole approximately $16 million from the museum over more than a decade by reusing single-entry tickets for multiple tourist groups and bribing staff to stay silent. At least nine people were arrested in a Paris investigation that uncovered the scheme, which primarily involved foreign tour guides facilitating entry for Chinese tourists without proper payment. To protect yourself when visiting major attractions, purchase tickets directly from official sources and verify authenticity through the museum's website rather than through third-party tour operators.
chicagotribune.com
· 2026-02-16
A California man named Manpreet Singh was arrested for allegedly stealing nearly $595,000 worth of Vizio televisions from a Portage warehouse in December 2024, but he jumped bail and is now a fugitive. Six employees of a transportation company were charged in the scheme, with the accused ringleader facing trial in April 2024, while two other suspects remain at large. To protect yourself, be cautious about unsolicited offers to buy electronics at steep discounts, verify that deliveries arrive at their intended destinations if you're a business, and report suspicious cargo activity to authorities.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-16
An 84-year-old woman fell victim to multiple financial scams and frauds perpetrated by accountants, family members, home health aides, and lawyers who exploited her declining memory and trusting nature, stealing thousands of dollars and attempting to gain control of her assets. Her daughter's firsthand account highlights the growing problem of elder financial abuse affecting seniors nationwide as the elderly population increases. Families should protect vulnerable loved ones by monitoring financial accounts, requiring dual signatures on checks, verifying credentials of hired professionals, and maintaining open communication about suspicious requests.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-16
# Romance Scam Summary
The FBI is warning people about romance scams, particularly around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake online identities to build trust and manipulate victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information. To protect yourself, be cautious about what you share online, verify a person's identity through image searches, move slowly in new relationships, and never send money to someone you've only met online. Red flags include people who seem too perfect, ask you to move communication off dating apps quickly, isolate you from friends and family, or constantly make excuses to avoid meeting in person.
fortune.com
· 2026-02-15
# Romance Scams: A $16 Billion Crisis
Romance scams have cost victims billions of dollars by exploiting emotional connections and trust. Scammers typically pose as romantic interests or trusted acquaintances, gradually building relationships before requesting money or accessing bank accounts under false pretenses—such as Kate Kleinert losing her life savings after being manipulated through a fake friendship, and Beth Hyland nearly transferring large sums after believing she was helping a romantic interest. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, never share banking credentials with anyone, verify claims through independent channels, and remember that scammers often use emotional manipulation and urgency to override your judgment.
wvua23.com
· 2026-02-15
Online romance scams target lonely people of all ages by building emotional trust through fake personas before requesting money for supposed emergencies, with victims often losing thousands of dollars that are rarely recovered. The scammers—who may use stolen images or impersonate celebrities—exploit the emotional connection they've cultivated to manipulate victims into sending money repeatedly. If someone you've met online but never in person asks for money or gifts, that's a red flag to end contact immediately and report the situation to local authorities rather than continuing to send funds.
wistv.com
· 2026-02-15
Romance scams cost Midlands residents over $2.6 million in 2025, with losses more than doubling over the past five years as scammers use increasingly sophisticated technology like AI to build fake romantic relationships and extract money from victims. Seniors aged 60 and older are the most targeted group, though the perpetrators are often located overseas. The FBI recommends being cautious of online contacts who quickly ask for money and to verify identities carefully, as scammers now use advanced deepfake technology to create convincing video calls impersonating real people.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-15
Americans are losing billions of dollars to sophisticated romance and investment scams that primarily target elderly people over 60, with victims like Kate Kleinert, Beth Hyland, and Jackie Crenshaw losing their life savings after scammers build trust through thousands of messages and deepfaked video calls before exploiting them financially. The FBI logged $16.6 billion in total fraud losses in 2024—a 33% increase from the previous year—with crypto-related fraud jumping 66%, yet the actual toll is likely much higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame and disbelief. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, avoid sharing personal financial information or making investments based on pressure from people you've only met digitally, and report suspected scams to authorities rather than hiding them out of embarrassment.
insidehalton.com
· 2026-02-15
# Valentine's Day Scam Alert Summary
Ontario residents are being warned about dating scams targeting people using online dating apps this Valentine's Day season, with digital security experts and local law enforcement actively alerting the public to protect themselves while using dating platforms. The scams typically involve fraudsters building romantic connections with victims to extract money or personal information. To stay safe, users should verify profiles carefully, avoid sharing financial details with new matches, and be cautious of anyone quickly professing feelings or asking for money.
fincen.gov
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams—where fraudsters build fake relationships to trick victims into investing money—are a growing threat that financial institutions need to watch for and report to authorities. The U.S. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is urging banks to file suspicious activity reports and maintain strong compliance programs to help law enforcement catch these criminals. If you're approached online by someone encouraging you to invest money, verify their identity through independent channels and be cautious about sending funds to new contacts, no matter how trustworthy they seem.
sfstandard.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams in the Bay Area have exploded in 2025, with AI making these schemes faster and harder to detect—Northern California saw losses more than double to $43.3 million, with San Francisco alone experiencing a nearly 900% increase to $6.34 million. Scammers, often operating overseas, use dating apps, social media, and text messages to build trust with lonely or vulnerable victims before draining their savings in schemes known as "pig butchering." The FBI advises people to be cautious about online relationships, verify identities, and check for inconsistencies before sharing personal or financial information, especially with someone you've only met online.
9news.com
· 2026-02-14
Romance scams have doubled from 2024 to 2025, with criminals posing as romantic interests to manipulate victims across all age groups into either sending money directly or unknowingly laundering stolen funds through their personal bank accounts—a practice called "money-muling." Victims can lose their entire savings or retirement accounts and may even face criminal charges themselves if they continue transferring funds after being warned by their banks. To protect yourself, listen to your bank's warnings about suspicious deposits or transfers, be cautious of requests from people you've never met in person, and remember that legitimate romantic interests won't ask you to move money or conduct financial transactions on their behalf.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scams Surge During Valentine's Day
Romance scams are experiencing record highs, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics like deepfakes and impersonation to manipulate lonely people into sending money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Victims are often lured into private messaging platforms where scammers request funds for family emergencies or visits, exploiting shame and embarrassment to prevent reporting. To protect yourself, avoid sharing financial information with online romantic interests, be wary if conversations quickly shift to money requests, insist on in-person meetings, and report any scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
baynews9.com
· 2026-02-14
# Romance Scams Summary
Americans lose over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims online and manipulate them into sending money, often by steering them toward fake investment platforms. The scams are becoming harder to detect due to AI-generated deepfakes that make scammers appear more authentic, and victims—even tech-savvy ones—often lose their life savings by maxing out credit cards. Lawmakers are pushing protective measures like the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating platforms to warn users about profiles later identified as fraudulent.
aol.com
· 2026-02-14
# Scams Targeting Older Adults
Elder fraud is a growing problem, with individuals aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion in 2023—an 11% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $33,915 per victim. The most common scams targeting older adults include tech support scams (fake calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple), personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with scammers typically initiating contact through calls, emails, or texts before requesting money or access to devices. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from companies or strangers, never give remote access to your devices or personal information to callers you didn't initiate contact with, verify any claims by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-14
# Article Summary
Patrick Dallas, a 38-year-old from Atlanta, pleaded guilty to defrauding elderly people in Rhode Island and other states through a fake Publishers Clearing House lottery scheme that stole over $1 million. The scammers told victims they had won large sums of money and then tricked them into paying upfront fees, taxes, or sending valuables like gift cards and watches to collect fake prizes. Seniors should be alert to sweepstakes and lottery scams that request personal information or upfront payments, as legitimate lotteries never require fees to claim winnings.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2026-02-14
Americans are losing over $1 billion annually to romance scams, where fraudsters build fake emotional connections online to manipulate victims into sending money or investing in fake platforms, often using deepfakes and AI to appear more authentic. The scams affect people across all tech-savviness levels, with victims frequently maxing out credit cards and losing their life savings. To protect yourself, be wary of new online romantic interests who quickly suggest investments or ask for money, and lawmakers are now pushing dating platforms to alert users about profiles banned for fraud.
newyorker.com
· 2026-02-13
Scammers posing as representatives from medical device manufacturers like Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson called women with pelvic mesh implants, claiming their devices were dangerous "time bombs" and offering free removal surgery at specific clinics in Florida. Women like Sharon Gore and Barbara Shepard, who didn't even know they had mesh implants or weren't experiencing serious problems, were manipulated through knowledge of their private medical histories into believing they needed urgent surgery. The scam exploited both the women's health vulnerabilities and a system that allowed fraudsters easy access to private medical information, making it crucial for patients to verify any unsolicited medical calls directly with their doctors and manufacturers rather than trusting caller information.
audacy.com
· 2026-02-13
Federal authorities in Buffalo are warning of a rising romance investment scam where fraudsters build trust with victims online and then lure them into fake investment or cryptocurrency platforms, often showing fake statements of unrealistic returns and even sending back small withdrawals to build credibility before requesting larger sums. The scam represents an evolution of traditional romance fraud, making victims more likely to invest substantial amounts of money. People should be cautious about online relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify investment platforms independently, and never send money to romantic interests they haven't met in person.
fingerlakesdailynews.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance and Investment Scams on the Rise
Federal law enforcement agencies in Western New York are warning the public about a sharp increase in sophisticated romance scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships on dating apps and social media before convincing victims to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or trading schemes. Victims of all ages—including professionals, seniors, and younger adults—have lost thousands of dollars and suffered significant emotional trauma, with scammers using tactics like "pig-butchering" where they shower victims with affection before disappearing with their money. Authorities advise people to be extremely cautious about what they share online, never send money to online contacts regardless of how trustworthy they seem, and trust their instincts if something feels off.
ohioattorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-02-13
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced new partnerships with banks, health care providers, and pharmacists to combat financial exploitation and elder abuse, which often goes undetected through subtle signs like unusual bank withdrawals or changes in spending patterns. These frontline professionals are being trained to recognize warning signs of abuse and will distribute educational materials to help victims and families seek help. Older Ohioans should be alert to suspicious financial activity in their accounts and report concerns to local law enforcement or the Attorney General's Office.
mb.ntd.com
· 2026-02-13
# Romance Scam Summary
The FBI warned dating app users ahead of Valentine's Day about romance scams, where criminals build fake relationships to eventually ask victims for money, often claiming to work in construction outside the U.S. to justify avoiding in-person meetings. Victims—including elderly people—have lost over $1.12 billion to these scams in 2023 alone, with a median loss of $2,000 per person. To protect yourself, avoid sharing bank account information with online dating contacts and be suspicious of anyone who quickly proposes marriage, claims emergencies requiring money, or refuses to meet in person.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-13
Scams have become increasingly sophisticated and organized, often powered by AI, causing significant financial and emotional harm across all demographics, with older Americans being particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes that exploit trust. The US Senate held a hearing in January focusing on international scams targeting seniors, who often lose their life savings to these carefully constructed schemes. Gen has released policy recommendations for lawmakers including improved data protection, stronger law enforcement coordination, and national awareness campaigns to combat these threats.
press-herald.com
· 2026-02-13
# 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.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
wtoc.com
· 2026-02-12
A fraud case on Tybee Island, Georgia has resulted in one suspect surrendering to police while another remains at large; the scheme targeted two elderly victims and resulted in the theft of tens of thousands of dollars. The remaining suspect, Ami Renee Zampi, is wanted for felony theft and financial exploitation of vulnerable elderly people. Anyone with information about Zampi's whereabouts is urged to contact Tybee Police Detective Armando Villegas at (912)786-5600.