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abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-08
A growing "gold bar courier scam" defrauded Americans of $126 million in 2024, with scammers posing as federal agents convincing victims to purchase gold bars and hand them over to couriers in public locations. Kris Owen, a 79-year-old Indiana resident, lost $80,000 after being told his personal information was compromised and instructed to buy gold for safekeeping; he later worked with the FBI in a sting operation to catch one of the couriers. The scheme, which exploits rising gold prices and targets vulnerable individuals nationwide, has become increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Hundreds of human trafficking victims, including nationals from over a dozen countries, were rescued from illegal scam compounds operating along the Thai-Myanmar border in February, with survivors reporting systematic torture including electric shocks, beatings, and forced labor working 15+ hours daily without pay. The victims, many of whom were lured with false job promises, were trapped in operations estimated to generate $63.9 billion annually globally, with at least 120,000 people enslaved in Myanmar and 100,000 in Cambodia forced to conduct online scams including romance schemes, gambling fraud, and bogus investment operations. Thailand and China have recently intensified crackdowns on these transnational criminal networks, with Thailan
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, scammers stole over £2.2 million from Isle of Man residents, with investment scams accounting for £1.2 million, voice call cons for £391,674, and romance fraud for £45,000, according to the Cyber Security Centre report. The number of suspicious emails and cyber concerns reported increased 50% compared to 2023, though officials believe this represents only a fraction of actual scams as many go unreported. Additional fraud methods included phishing attacks, account compromises, and impersonation schemes using celebrity names.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
As AI-driven scams surge during tax season 2025, taxpayers face three major threats: W-2 phishing scams using AI-generated emails and deepfakes to steal employee tax documents, disaster relief fund scams exploiting tax extensions for disaster victims, and fake Offer in Compromise scams promising debt relief through robocalls and deepfake videos. According to LifeLock research, 56% of individuals have encountered AI-powered tax scams with realistic voices, and the IRS Criminal Investigation unit uncovered over $9.1 billion in tax fraud in 2024, with 81% of scam victims reporting financial losses. Taxpayers are advised to verify
ossoff.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
Senator Jon Ossoff pressed the Trump Administration's FTC to strengthen protections for Georgia's 1.2 million seniors, citing alarming increases in financial scams affecting the state's senior population. According to FBI data, losses from scams targeting Georgia seniors surged from $25 million in 2020 to $92 million in 2023, placing Georgia among the top five states for senior financial fraud. The senator emphasized the substantial financial and emotional toll on seniors and their caregivers, demanding stronger FTC action to restore confidence in the financial system.
wpde.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, 11 elderly South Carolinians lost an estimated $4.2 million in a fake hacking scam in which fraudsters used fake pop-up alerts claiming their financial accounts were compromised, then instructed victims to purchase physical gold and hand it over to couriers posing as security officials. The FBI warns that scammers use fake authority figures and manufactured urgency to convince victims to liquidate assets, with the scheme continuing until victims run out of funds or discover the fraud. This scam is part of a broader trend: scams targeting people aged 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, an 11% increase from
swlexledger.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning of a widespread fraud scheme targeting elderly residents where scammers impersonate cybersecurity representatives, bank officials, and government officers to trick victims into converting their assets into physical gold and surrendering it to couriers. During 2024, 11 South Carolina elderly victims lost approximately $4.2 million to this scam, which typically begins with fake device compromise warnings and involves creating false urgency to move assets out of financial accounts. The FBI advises victims to verify identities independently, avoid using provided contact numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI IC3 website, with elder victims able to seek assistance through the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple fraud cases were reported in Athens during February, ranging from $11,000 to nearly $2 million in losses. Victims included a man who lost $1.734 million in a fake investment scheme promising unrealistic returns (80-380% monthly profits), a woman whose identity was used to steal $184,693 through a fraudulent bank account, and an 83-year-old woman who lost $11,000 before bank employees intervened to prevent her from withdrawing an additional $60,000 for a gift card scam. Police recommend verifying communications through official channels, being suspicious of unsolicited contact, and not trusting caller ID.
langleyadvancetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
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dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Shan Hanes, former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank in Kansas, was sentenced to 24 years in prison in August 2023 for embezzling over $47 million through a cryptocurrency pig butchering scheme. The bank's collapse wiped out generational wealth for hundreds of residents, including the Tucker family ($1.4 million in lost shares) and the Houtz brothers (hundreds of thousands), while Hanes also stole from his church and investment club to fuel the scam.
abilene-rc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Abilene Police Department investigated two cryptocurrency scams in 2024, with each victim losing over $1,000 after depositing currency into local crypto ATMs. Police are raising awareness about these scams through posters and senior center presentations, noting that scammers typically build online trust relationships before directing victims to deposit funds into untraceable digital wallets. The FBI recommends avoiding unsolicited investment offers, never sharing financial information with online acquaintances, and reporting suspected scams to local law enforcement or ic3.gov.
ossoff.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
Senator Jon Ossoff pressed the Trump Administration's FTC to strengthen protections for Georgia's 1.2 million seniors from financial scams, citing alarming increases in fraud losses from $25 million in 2020 to $92 million in 2023. Georgia ranked among the top five states most affected by senior financial fraud in 2023, creating substantial financial and emotional strain on seniors and their caregivers.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old senior citizen in Selangor lost RM4 million after falling victim to a social media investment scam that promised daily returns of up to 10%. The victim transferred funds across 10 different bank accounts after being recruited through a Facebook advertisement and added to a chat group, only discovering the fraud when asked to make additional payments to withdraw profits. Police advise caution against investment offers on social media with unrealistic returns and recommend contacting the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC 997 hotline) for suspected fraud.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old senior citizen in Petaling Jaya lost RM4 million after being lured into a fraudulent investment scheme advertised on social media, which promised unrealistic daily returns of up to 10% and directed her to transfer funds to multiple bank accounts. The victim discovered the scam only when scammers demanded additional payments to withdraw profits. Police warn the public to avoid suspicious investment offers on social media, particularly those promising unusually high returns.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Financial Exploitation via Unauthorized ACH Transfers**
Steven and Ashley Simpson of Charmco, West Virginia were arrested and charged with financial exploitation and computer fraud after allegedly stealing approximately $36,000 from an 82-year-old victim's bank account between August 2023 and December 2024. The couple obtained the victim's banking information from a payment check issued for construction work they performed, then used it to conduct unauthorized ACH transfers until the victim discovered her account was overdrawn. Both defendants face 103 counts of computer fraud and related charges, with bonds set at $50,000 and $100,000 respectively.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Janine Williamson, administrator of the Larry W. Cook Estate, is advocating for stronger protections against elder financial fraud following her uncle's loss of millions of dollars in a phishing scam. Williamson has met with banking industry leaders and is lobbying federal lawmakers to support legislation like Virginia's "Larry's Law," which would require financial institutions to train employees to identify and report senior exploitation, while also pursuing a $3.6 million negligence lawsuit against Wells Fargo and Navy Federal Credit Union. She is calling for a government-appointed Fraud Task Force to disrupt fraud schemes and help victims.
richlandsource.com
· 2025-12-08
A 71-year-old widow named Linda Talbott was scammed out of nearly $12,000 by a man posing as "James" in an online romance scheme that lasted almost two years. The scammer manipulated Talbott into providing her Social Security number (redirecting her checks to Alabama), cashing fraudulent checks, and isolating her from support systems, ultimately leaving her homeless and living in her car in a Walmart parking lot. Between 2019 and 2023, the FTC received over 269,000 romance scam reports with total losses exceeding $4.5 billion, with scammers typically building trust through fake profiles and promises of
thephuketnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam calls and online fraud in Phuket, Thailand have dramatically escalated, with victims jumping from 1,365 in 2022 (B10.9 million in losses) to 5,510 in 2024 (B413 million in losses). In January 2025 alone, Thailand recorded 31,165 technology-related fraud cases averaging 1,005 per day, with fraudulent online sales, job offer scams, and investment schemes causing over B2 billion in damages. Authorities recommend verifying suspicious calls by hanging up and blocking the number, using caller ID apps, and remembering that legitimate government notifications arrive as physical letters, not
astroawani.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology poses a growing fraud threat in Malaysia, with cybercriminals using AI-generated voices, faces, and digital identities to conduct romance scams, investment fraud, and phishing attacks. In 2023, authorities reported 454 deepfake fraud cases resulting in RM2.272 million in losses, with criminals impersonating prominent figures and creating fake social media accounts. While Malaysia lacks specific deepfake legislation, CyberSecurity Malaysia is implementing detection technologies and awareness programs, though experts warn the public must remain vigilant as technology advances faster than regulatory and protective measures.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams in the UK have become increasingly sophisticated and target all demographics, not just the elderly—16–34 year olds actually account for half of online fraud victims due to their frequent use of quick payment methods and distracted smartphone habits. Fraud is the UK's most common crime with an estimated nine million victims last year, yet only one in 1,000 reported cases results in conviction, with scammers employing tailored techniques ranging from AI deepfakes in video calls to romance baiting on dating apps. The article emphasizes that no online platform is safe and that even highly educated, tech-savvy individuals are vulnerable to sophisticated social engineering tactics.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting senior citizens and pensioners through sophisticated digital scams including QR code fraud, OTP theft, fake investment schemes, malicious apps, and impersonation of bank representatives and government officials, resulting in significant losses of lifelong savings. Cybersecurity experts attribute these attacks to seniors' limited awareness of digital threats and recommend education and vigilance in identifying fraudulent tactics such as fake customer service numbers and online marketplace scams. An awareness webinar organized by FCRF and Paytm on February 24, 2025, aims to help seniors learn how to identify scams, protect their bank accounts, and report cyber fraud.
islandpacket.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "What can I do about all these scams? Tips and tricks to keep you and your loved ones safe"
Beaufort County, South Carolina residents—particularly older adults—face a high risk of scams, with the state ranking seventh nationally for fraud cases. Common schemes targeting seniors include cryptocurrency scams (up 900% since 2020), contractor fraud, phone solicitation, and religious impersonation scams. The FTC advises identifying scams by recognizing when scammers impersonate legitimate organizations, create false urgency or prize claims, and pressure immediate action or unusual payment methods.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps to target at least four elderly men between 2021 and 2022, drugging them with prescription sedatives and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars through a scheme the FBI called a "romance scam on steroids." Three victims died, including one whom Phelps allegedly sedated, transported across the U.S.-Mexico border in a wheelchair, and abandoned in a Mexico City hotel room; she also stole their vehicles, drained bank accounts, used credit cards for luxury purchases, and attempted to access their social security and retirement accounts. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud,
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 23 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to support the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and its federal employees, following the Trump administration's directive to halt ongoing investigations into deceptive and abusive financial conduct. The CFPB has returned over $20 billion to defrauded consumers since its 2011 creation, and the coalition warns that shutting down the agency could reduce oversight of major banks and prevent consumers from reporting fraud, potentially recreating conditions similar to those preceding the 2008 financial crisis.
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Two women in Bengaluru lost a combined approximately Rs 19 lakh to online astrologers operating on Instagram who promised to resolve their personal and financial problems through paid rituals. The scammers gained victims' trust through initial small payments, then coerced them into escalating payments for elaborate rituals (claiming issues like Shani dosha), before disappearing with the money and offering minimal refunds. Police warn that these cyber fraudsters use psychological manipulation and social media to exploit vulnerable individuals, with a consistent pattern of building trust, making alarming predictions, demanding large sums, and then vanishing.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
A thriller writer whose husband ran a fitness company fell victim to an investment scam despite her extensive study of con artist psychology. The con artist, using a generic name and fake LinkedIn credentials, exploited the couple during a vulnerable period—the husband was financially stressed from a struggling post-pandemic business while the wife was severely ill during pregnancy. The fraudster used emotional manipulation, fabricating stories about fatherhood and sharing fake family photos, to build trust and eventually defraud them of funds for promised business expansion.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Naperville residents reported losing nearly $5.5 million to scams in 2024, representing a dramatic increase from previous years, according to police authorities. The most common fraud schemes included arrest warrant extortion, "pig butchering" (romance/investment scams), phishing, and online marketplace fraud, with victims ranging from age 15 to 91. Police note that actual losses likely exceed reported figures, as many victims don't report due to shame, and funds paid via gift cards or cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 40-year-old software engineer in India lost Rs 33.75 lakh in a share trading scam after being added to a messaging group where a fraudster posing as a stockbroker lured him with promises of high returns through fake trading software and IPO investments. After the victim transferred money to multiple bank accounts, the scammer prevented him from withdrawing or selling his shares. To avoid such scams, verify trading platforms through official channels, avoid unsolicited investment groups, be skeptical of unusually high returns, watch for red flags like restricted withdrawals, and report suspected fraud to authorities immediately.
rbcwealthmanagement.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency investments carry substantial risk and have become a prime target for scammers, with crypto-related fraud losses reaching $5.6 billion in 2023, a 45 percent increase from the previous year according to the FBI. Common crypto scams include fake investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns, phishing schemes using counterfeit websites, celebrity endorsement fraud, and Ponzi schemes that recruit investors but misuse funds. Individuals considering cryptocurrency investment should familiarize themselves with these scam tactics and verify the legitimacy of any platform before providing personal information or money.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams are evolving with AI technology, with pump-and-dump schemes and copycat tokens emerging as major threats in 2025. Scammers use AI agents to artificially boost coin prices before selling for profit, and create fraudulent tokens mimicking legitimate projects to deceive investors seeking early-stage opportunities. Experts advise investors to conduct thorough due diligence on projects, communities, and founders before investing, and to be suspicious of sudden price surges with no performance history.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two brothers, Zubair and Muzzammil Al Zubair, and Michael Leon Smedley, the chief of staff to the mayor of East Cleveland, were charged in a 32-count superseding indictment with fraud, money laundering, tax fraud, and public corruption spanning from June 2020 through August 2023. The Al Zubair brothers executed multiple schemes including investment fraud, SBA COVID-19 loan fraud, cryptocurrency mining scams, and international arms trafficking fraud while falsely claiming to be a member of the UAE royal family and a legitimate hedge fund manager. Smedley allegedly leveraged his city position to provide official letters, city business
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Susan Halls Skinner, a former Capital High cheer coach and property manager also known as Sue Bannon, was sentenced for embezzlement and elder exploitation. The case involved her misappropriating funds while managing properties and exploiting elderly individuals. Specific details regarding dollar amounts or sentencing terms were not included in the provided excerpt.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A 60-year-old San Luis Obispo man was defrauded of $2,717 by his caregiver, 37-year-old Jessica Hamilton, and her boyfriend Rafael Gonzales, who made unauthorized cash advances, ATM withdrawals, and purchases at entertainment venues between October 2024 and January 2025 using the victim's debit card that he had entrusted to Hamilton for medication payments. Hamilton and Gonzales were arrested on February 8, 2025, with Hamilton facing charges including felony elder abuse, felony embezzlement, felony conspiracy, and felony dissuading a witness after she attempted to persuade the victim
cardrates.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that financial scams against older Americans in 2023 resulted in losses as high as $61.5 billion, with individuals over 60 reporting fraud more frequently than any other age group. Tech support fraud, where criminals impersonate legitimate tech employees to gain access to victims' accounts, is the leading fraud type targeting seniors. Huntington Bank launched a Caregiver Banking program in December 2024 that allows older adults and those needing financial assistance to securely share account access with trusted caregivers or family members to help prevent fraud exploitation.
vox.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams have become a sophisticated and growing threat, with complaints increasing 500 percent from 2015 to 2022 as scammers use AI and personal data to craft convincing, targeted messages about unpaid fines, packages, and other common scenarios. In 2024 alone, phone scammers stole over $25 billion, averaging $450 per victim, with risks increasing when messages include personal details like names or addresses. The article advises consumers to verify suspicious texts independently, avoid clicking links from unknown senders, and recognize red flags like unusual domain extensions, as human vigilance remains the most effective defense against increasingly sophisticated text fraud.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Queens woman lost nearly $700,000 to scammers who posed as FTC officials and claimed her Social Security number was compromised, convincing her to drain her bank accounts and purchase gold bars and coins as "asset protection." The scammers maintained contact for over a month, threatened her with surveillance and jail time to prevent disclosure, and disappeared after collecting the gold and cash via courier; her family discovered the fraud only when she posted a GoFundMe page on Facebook. This elaborate scheme involving spoofed phone numbers, fake government emails, and precious metals represents a variation of investment scams targeting seniors that the FBI has previously warned about.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency remains vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated scams as technology advances. Experts warn of two major threats in 2025: AI-driven pump-and-dump schemes where scammers use hundreds of thousands of AI agents to artificially inflate coin prices before selling off for profit, and copycat token scams where fraudsters create fake or misleading tokens mimicking legitimate projects to deceive investors seeking ground-floor opportunities. The article advises investors to be suspicious of sudden price surges without history, conduct thorough due diligence on projects and founders, and avoid rushing into investments based on FOMO (fear of missing out).
kob.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that romance scams continue to target people seeking relationships online, with scammers building trust to solicit money or banking information from victims. Key prevention measures include never sending money to unknown individuals, moving relationships slowly while asking questions, and immediately ending contact if someone requests financial information. The FBI's Albuquerque office highlighted these concerns as part of broader fraud prevention efforts.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 30-year-old Florida man was ordered to pay over $1.1 million for operating EmpiresX, a $100 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors across 50+ countries from 2020-2021. The article explains common crypto scams including Ponzi schemes, pig-butchering scams (which combine romance fraud with fake investment schemes), and advises protection strategies such as verifying investment legitimacy, being cautious of unsolicited financial offers, and understanding that cryptocurrency transactions are difficult to reverse or recover.
moonstone.co.za
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a rapidly growing romance scam that combines fake romantic connections with cryptocurrency fraud schemes, primarily targeting victims on dating platforms and social media. South Africans lost over R125 million to online dating scammers in 2022, with scammers now using AI and deepfake technology to create increasingly convincing fake profiles and lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes. These operations, run by international crime syndicates that often exploit trafficked workers, build long-term emotional trust before pressuring victims to send cryptocurrency, which is then laundered through shell companies and criminal networks.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A speaker will present "Break Your Bank, Break Your Heart: Avoiding Romance Scams" at the La Canada Community Center on February 28, 2025, addressing the growing threat of romance scams targeting seniors. The presentation will cover the warning signs of romance scams, how to avoid them, recovery strategies, common victim characteristics, and ways to strengthen emotional resilience against these emotionally and financially devastating schemes.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Thirty New York organizations, including AARP, have signed a letter supporting Governor Hochul's proposal to allow banks to place holds on transactions suspected of involving elder financial exploitation. According to FBI data, elder fraud complaints increased 14% nationally in 2023 with associated losses up 11%, and New York ranks among the top five states for elder fraud complaints and monetary losses. An AARP survey found 88% of New Yorkers age 45 and older support the proposed measure to protect vulnerable seniors from scammers using sophisticated methods to target older adults.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
An Indian national, Moinuddin Mohammed, was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for his role as a courier in an international money laundering conspiracy that defrauded elderly victims of nearly $6 million. The scheme involved fraudsters impersonating U.S. government officials to convince victims to surrender cash, gold, and savings; identified victims lost between $151,500 and $470,000 each, with 21 total victims nationwide. Mohammed was ordered to pay approximately $960,000 in restitution and forfeit an additional $36,000 in seized assets.
wtov9.com
· 2025-12-08
A Texas man, Rockey Kuykendall, was arrested and extradited to West Virginia for defrauding an elderly Marshall County woman of approximately $53,000 through a prize-winning scam, in which he posed as a local representative claiming to deliver a cash prize and vehicle. The victim's alert family member reported the scheme, enabling detectives to trace checks and identify the suspect, with assistance from Texas National Bank and Marshall Police. Authorities indicate the investigation is ongoing and warn of increasing elder fraud cases, urging victims and their families to report suspected scams immediately.
kxlh.com
· 2025-12-08
Susan Skinner, property manager for Pheasant Glen Residences (a low-income housing facility in Montana), was sentenced to 10 years in detention for embezzling $71,000 from over 16 vulnerable tenants by pocketing their rent payments and fraudulently applying for emergency rental assistance benefits without their consent. Skinner pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft by embezzlement and one count of elder exploitation; she was ordered to pay full restitution of $71,000 and paid $40,000 immediately upon sentencing.
ktvh.com
· 2025-12-08
Susan Halls Skinner, a former property manager at Pheasant Glen Residences (a low-income senior housing facility in Helena, Montana), was sentenced to 10 years in detention for embezzling $71,000 from more than 16 vulnerable tenants and exploiting elders by applying for emergency rental assistance benefits without their consent. Skinner had systematically taken cash rent payments without crediting tenant accounts while managing the property for the Rocky Mountain Development Council; she pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft by embezzlement and one count of elder exploitation, and was ordered to pay $71,000 in restitution.
ukiahdailyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman lost money to a romance scam in which an online suitor fabricated emergencies (car accident, medical bills) to request loans totaling over $1,000. The executive director of the Ukiah Senior Center describes this as part of a widespread trend of financial fraud targeting seniors, including romance scams, impersonation schemes (government officials, grandchildren), and lottery scams. The article advises victims to verify requests before sending money, watch for red flags in online relationships, and report suspected fraud to law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission without shame.
ft.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, a UK sustainability consultancy lost £324,634 to an authorized push payment (APP) fraud scam where criminals impersonated a client's email to trick an employee into transferring funds; the victim spent 11 months and £100,000 in legal fees attempting recovery and ultimately declared the company insolvent. While new UK regulations implemented in October 2024 now mandate reimbursement up to £85,000 for APP fraud victims, fraud experts and affected individuals report the system remains broken due to police inaction, regulatory gaps, and inconsistent bank treatment of claims. APP fraud accounted for 40 percent of all fraud losses in the UK in 2
king5.com
· 2025-12-08
A Washington State House hearing examined a bill to protect vulnerable adults after an Olympia senior citizen lost $300,000 in a coercion scam where fraudsters convinced her to liquidate investments and wire funds to purchase gold coins. The proposed House Bill 1900 would require banks to flag suspected fraudulent activity on vulnerable adults' accounts and immediately notify state authorities, addressing a gap in federal law that leaves victims of coerced wire transfers without reimbursement protection. The bill's sponsor cited the victim's case as motivation to prevent others from losing their life savings to financial exploitation.
truthout.org
· 2025-12-08
This article concerns a federal government appointment rather than elder fraud, so it falls outside Elderus's scope of elder abuse and scams targeting seniors. The piece details how Frank Schuler IV, co-founder of a real estate firm that profited from "syndicated conservation easement" tax schemes condemned by the Senate and IRS, was appointed as a senior adviser to the GSA administrator—a position critics argue is inappropriate given Schuler's history exploiting tax provisions and costing the government billions in lost revenue.