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in Robocall / Phone Scam
mycentraloregon.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit warned tax professionals to guard against evolving identity theft schemes targeting their businesses and clients, including fraudsters posing as new clients via phishing emails, fake calls and texts, and attempts to steal sensitive tax information like Central Authorization File (CAF) numbers and practitioner credentials. These scams threaten both tax professionals and their elderly and vulnerable clients who may be victims of fraudulent tax return filings. The warning is part of an annual awareness campaign called "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" aimed at educating tax professionals on security threats and identity theft prevention.
cpapracticeadvisor.com
· 2025-12-08
nsjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Overseas criminal networks are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through sophisticated internet and telephone scams, with losses to those over 60 estimated between $28.3 billion and $137 billion per year. Law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed and under-resourced to investigate these crimes, particularly those originating overseas where stolen funds are quickly converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign accounts, allowing perpetrators to escape prosecution. The problem is projected to worsen as the aging population increases and AI technology makes fraud easier to execute, while many victims remain unreported due to shame and police departments that fail to treat financial fraud with appropriate seriousness.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams using generative AI have surged 118% in the US between 2022 and 2023, with scammers creating convincing job ads on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter to steal applicants' personal data. To protect yourself, verify company details before applying, never share personal information (address, Social Security number, bank details) with unverified contacts, and be suspicious of offers that seem too good to be true; scammers are also using AI deepfakes in romance scams to appear authentic during video calls.
centraloregondaily.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a holiday season alert warning consumers about gift card scams, where criminals contact victims via phone, text, email, or social media to trick them into purchasing gift cards and surrendering the card numbers and PIN codes. Common scammer tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating government agencies, tech companies, family members, or utility providers, and remaining on the phone while victims purchase cards to prevent discovery. Consumers are advised to ignore pressure to act quickly, never share gift card numbers or photos, and verify emergency claims by contacting the person directly.
forbesindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams powered by generative AI have surged 118% between 2022 and 2023 in the US, with scammers using AI to create convincing job postings and communications on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to steal jobseekers' personal data. Similar AI-driven fraud tactics are also being employed by romance scammers using deepfake technology to deceive victims during video calls. Jobseekers should verify company details before applying, never share personal information without meeting someone in person, and remain skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
timesfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax fraud scams target consumers throughout the year, not just during filing season, with fraudsters continuously attempting to exploit taxpayers. The IRS regularly publishes lists of the most common tax-related schemes used by scammers to defraud consumers seeking to fulfill their tax obligations.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** SIM Swap/Mobile Account Takeover Fraud
Multiple Guardian Money readers had their mobile phone accounts hijacked by fraudsters who then accessed their bank accounts and stole thousands of pounds. Fraudsters typically compromised victims' email accounts first, then impersonated them to mobile providers to obtain replacement SIM cards, allowing them to intercept two-factor authentication codes and drain bank accounts—with reported losses including £6,000 and £3,500. While some banks like RBS refunded victims, the article emphasizes that strong unique passwords, enabling two-step verification on email and banking accounts, and immediately reporting compromised emails are critical defenses against this increasingly common
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community events calendar for the Poway, California area (July 11-13) listing various public activities and services, including a veterans resource fair, educational programs, craft activities, a blood drive, barrel racing, food collection, and musical performances. The content does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse and is therefore not relevant to the Elderus database.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Cyberfraudsters in Bengaluru are impersonating RO (reverse osmosis) water purifier service providers to exploit residents seeking maintenance during rising dengue cases. The city police have received approximately 100 complaints of this scam, where fraudsters call claiming urgent servicing is needed, then demand advance payments for appointments or parts—collecting sensitive information that may be used for identity theft or future scams. Police advise residents to verify service calls thoroughly and avoid making advance online payments to unsolicited callers.
theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity has become a household concern in Singapore as digital device usage increases, with common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, grandparent scams using deepfakes, romance scams, and charity fraud targeting everyday users. Industry expert Vishak Raman recommends adopting strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular software updates, separate networks for smart devices, and household education to mitigate risks. The advice emphasizes verifying authenticity of communications, never granting remote access to unsolicited callers, and confirming identities before sending money or sharing personal information.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated investment scam organization operating call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted previous fraud victims by posing as government compensation agents, then pivoted to selling them worthless cryptocurrency after building trust. The scheme, which stole 5.4 billion won from victims, exemplifies evolving fraud tactics that now include fake trading platforms, purchased victim databases from dark markets, and manipulation through social media channels like Telegram and KakaoTalk to circumvent new financial regulations taking effect in August.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated scam operation with call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted victims of previous investment fraud by posing as government compensation agents, then resold their personal information to accomplices who impersonated securities employees to solicit cryptocurrency purchases, resulting in 5.4 billion won in stolen funds. Investment scams are evolving to circumvent new capital market regulations by operating through encrypted messaging platforms and creating fake trading systems (HTS) that display fabricated profits; one victim lost 250 million won after depositing funds into a fraudulent trading platform, and police arrested nine members of a virtual asset exchange operation that stole 9 billion won from 133 people.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel in Bengaluru was defrauded of ₹73 lakh by scammers impersonating FedEx executives and police officers who claimed illegal items were found in his name and that he was under digital surveillance for money laundering. The victim transferred money to five accounts between June 13-26 after being convinced to undergo a fake "digital arrest" via Skype, though authorities later managed to freeze ₹30 lakh of the stolen funds.
inquirer.com
· 2025-12-08
American consumers lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable, losing over $3.4 billion to romance, grandparent, and technical support scams. While Congress designated May 15 as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, the editorial argues that symbolic gestures are insufficient and calls for substantial federal funding and coordinated legislation to combat fraud, as current efforts remain disjointed and banking institutions lack adequate support to prevent these crimes.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam involving fraudsters impersonating process servers has been reported to the Better Business Bureau, where callers claim to represent non-existent lawsuits, liens, or legal matters to intimidate victims into providing personal information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The scammers use pressure tactics, threats of legal action, and sometimes reference family members by name to create urgency and extract sensitive data. To protect themselves, consumers should verify any claims through their local court websites, avoid confirming information to unsolicited callers, and never share personal details about themselves or family members over the phone.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
The Payment Services Regulations are shifting fraud prevention responsibility to a 50:50 liability model, requiring banks to enhance detection of Authorized Push Payment (APP) fraud, where customers are tricked into authorizing payments to fraudsters. In 2023, APP fraud resulted in £459.7 million in losses across over 232,000 UK consumers through purchase, romance, investment, and impersonation scams. Banks must transition from monitoring outbound payments to focusing on inbound transaction processing, as receiving banks have better visibility into fraudsters' accounts and can more effectively block or freeze funds in real-time payment systems.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
Tether froze $29.62 million in stablecoins connected to Huione Guarantee, a Cambodian online marketplace that facilitates cybercriminal operations including pig butchering scams, money laundering, and trafficking-related crimes across Southeast Asia. Researchers documented $11 billion in transactions on the platform over three years, with the freeze occurring at law enforcement's request following investigations linking the marketplace to fraudulent and transnational criminal operations. The action highlights how Tether stablecoins have become the preferred cryptocurrency for regional cybercrime due to their stability and anonymity.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
During Amazon Prime Days sales events, scammers increase phishing and fraudulent website activity, with Amazon being one of the most commonly impersonated companies. Experts advise consumers of all ages to avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments from unknown sources, shop only on verified websites, and report suspicious activity to the Better Business Bureau. Those who fall victim should place a fraud alert on their payment methods immediately.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting Facebook by posting fake missing child alerts using recycled or unrelated photos, typically in community groups with comments disabled to avoid detection. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children advises verifying posts through official sources (law enforcement, NCMEC, credible news outlets) and watching for red flags including poor grammar, lack of specific details, disabled comments, and missing contact information for authorities. Legitimate missing person posts should come from verified sources and include the child's name, disappearance date, location, and direct contact information for law enforcement or the NCMEC hotline (1-800-THE-LOST).
tearsheet.co
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational/Industry Insights
Charlie, a fintech company serving Americans 62 and older, is addressing senior financial vulnerabilities through AI-driven fraud protection and personalized banking services. The company offers features like expedited Social Security access, advanced fraud safeguards, competitive deposit rates, and age-optimized design, while exploring additional products such as consumer-friendly home equity solutions and tax-optimized asset decumulation strategies for cash-poor, house-rich retirees. CEO Kevin Nazemi emphasizes the importance of ethical AI implementation and elegant fraud prevention measures—such as their "SpeedBump" 6-hour transaction pause—that protect seniors without creating
port.ac.uk
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 UK adults over 75 found that two-thirds experienced at least one telephone fraud attempt in the past six months, with 40 percent facing frequent daily, weekly, or monthly attempts—predominantly via landline calls (75 percent of frauds). The research revealed that these persistent scams cause significant anxiety and fear among older adults, with many reporting constant suspicion of communications and reduced quality of life, though the full psychological impact on this demographic warrants further investigation.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Beryl's power outages in the Pasadena, Texas area, scammers targeted senior citizens in assisted living by directing them to a fraudulent 800-number posing as a hotel booking service. One victim was charged $207 for a fake hotel reservation with an incorrect phone number and was unable to verify the booking when she arrived at the hotel; she successfully disputed the charge with her credit card company. The incident highlights how scammers exploit seniors during disasters when they are vulnerable and seeking emergency shelter.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Over Rs 5 crore was stolen from Bengaluru residents in 2023 through FedEx and other courier company impersonation scams, with 163 police cases filed in the city. Scammers contacted victims claiming packages in their names contained drugs or illegal items, then impersonated police and CBI officials via video calls to coerce victims into transferring money to multiple accounts. Notable victims included a retired Lieutenant Colonel who lost Rs 73 lakh, a lawyer extorted for Rs 15 lakh, and a software CEO defrauded of Rs 2.3 crore.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how artificial intelligence is being weaponized by scammers to create more sophisticated and convincing frauds. Scammers are using AI tools including deepfakes, voice cloning, and chatbots to personalize attacks, automate victim targeting, and make deceptive content more realistic and harder to detect. The article emphasizes that awareness of these emerging AI-powered scam tactics is essential for protecting oneself from increasingly advanced fraud schemes.
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Las Vegas widow lost over $1.3 million (including her retirement fund, inheritance, and home valued at $600,000) to a romance scammer who impersonated a German spiritual teacher over more than two years, beginning in 2021 after her husband's death. The scammer, believed to be from Nigeria, used a fake Facebook profile with stolen photos and progressively escalated requests for money, starting with gift cards and culminating in a fake safe transport scheme, leaving Likins without utilities or adequate food. The FTC reported romance scams totaled over $1 billion in losses in 2023, and the real man whose photos were stolen reports at least
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia filed a civil forfeiture action to recover approximately $2.5 million in USDT cryptocurrency seized by the FBI from a perpetrator in Thailand who operated "pig butchering" scams targeting U.S. citizens. Pig butchering schemes involve scammers building trust with victims through online communications before manipulating them into fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes, often extracting multiple payments before victims realize they have been defrauded. The forfeiture action demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to pursuing cryptocurrency-based fraud schemes across international borders and recovering assets to compensate victims.
nerdwallet.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines key strategies for avoiding financial scams, noting that 54% of Americans have experienced scam attempts in the past two years, with 18% losing money (median loss of $325, though 32% lost $1,000 or more). Experts recommend four main protective measures: hanging up and contacting companies directly using verified numbers, enabling multifactor authentication and monitoring accounts weekly, familiarizing yourself with common scam types, and recognizing that anyone—regardless of education or income level—can fall victim to fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. imposed sanctions on three Mexican accountants and four firms allegedly supporting a timeshare fraud operation run by the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel that targets Americans. Timeshare fraud perpetrated by Mexico-based criminals results in tens of millions in annual losses, with the FBI receiving over 600 complaints in 2022 alone totaling approximately $39.6 million, with elderly Americans being particularly targeted. The Treasury Department and FBI advised banks to remain vigilant against these schemes and reminded consumers to be cautious of unsolicited communications regarding timeshares and high-pressure sales tactics.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. imposed sanctions on three Mexican accountants and four firms linked to the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel for operating a multi-million dollar timeshare fraud scheme targeting Americans, particularly elderly victims. Timeshare fraud losses reached approximately $39.6 million in 2022 alone, with scammers using sophisticated tactics including impersonating U.S. Treasury officials and employing high-pressure sales tactics via unsolicited calls and emails. The Treasury and FBI issued guidance to banks and the public to remain vigilant against these schemes, recommending verification of company representatives and avoidance of time-sensitive offers.
apnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During Amazon Prime Day sales events, scammers intensify phishing and fraud attempts targeting shoppers through fake emails, lookalike websites, and unsolicited calls impersonating Amazon and other retailers. Common scams claim account or order issues to steal payment and personal information, with the Better Business Bureau reporting record phishing reports in 2023 and over 1,230 suspicious Amazon-associated websites appearing in June alone. Experts recommend consumers verify purchases directly on Amazon's app or website and remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scams that evolve to use artificial intelligence and create false urgency.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 older adults found that telephone fraud targeting people over 75 is widespread, with two-thirds of respondents experiencing at least one fraud attempt in the past six months and 75% of attempted frauds occurring via phone calls. One 78-year-old widow lost £100,000 to a scam impersonating her bank during a vulnerable period following her husband's death, though she recovered most funds after involving the Financial Ombudsman. Researchers emphasize the need for better safeguards including high-standard call blockers and training to protect vulnerable older adults from the daily or weekly scam calls many now experience.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by impersonation scammers who pose as the IRS, family members, or trusted businesses to steal money or personal information. The IRS warns taxpayers to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming money is owed, and to recognize red flags such as requests for payment via gift cards, threats of arrest, and pressure for immediate action—none of which the legitimate IRS employs. Scammers exploit age-related vulnerabilities and use technology like caller ID spoofing to gain credibility, making education about these tactics essential for protecting older adults.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 UK adults (80% over age 75) found that 40% experience phone-based fraud attempts on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, with two-thirds experiencing at least one attempt in six months. Three-quarters of attempted fraud was conducted via telephone (60% voice calls, 11% texts), with victims reporting significant impacts on mental health and quality of life; one elderly woman lost nearly £100,000 after being targeted following her husband's death. The research highlights phone fraud occurring "on an industrial scale" despite conflicting US data showing a shift toward email and text-based scams between 2020-2023.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two Irish nationals, Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for stealing over $435,000 from an elderly Shoreline, Washington homeowner through a contractor scam. The brothers posed as repair workers, falsely claiming the victim's roof had holes and foundation was cracked, then pressured him to write multiple checks for fake repairs and building supplies over several days in January 2024. The FBI investigation also connected them to approximately $50,000 in additional contractor fraud complaints in Oregon and Washington using similar tactics of fake photos and misrepresentation.
home.treasury.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned three Mexican accountants and four Mexican companies connected to timeshare fraud schemes operated by the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which primarily targets U.S. timeshare owners in Mexico, including elderly victims. The scammers operate call centers impersonating legitimate brokers and attorneys, defrauding victims through complex multi-year schemes involving fake timeshare exits, re-rentals, and investment offers, with victims often re-victimized through impersonation of law firms and authorities. The stolen funds are funneled through wire transfers to Mexican shell companies and then laundered by cartel-connected money
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
A University of Portsmouth study found that 40% of elderly UK adults experienced online fraud, with three-quarters of attacks targeting mobile phones through persistent phone calls (60%) and text messages (11%); the constant harassment negatively affected many victims' mental health. Cybercriminals exploit social engineering tactics like urgency and threats—particularly effective with seniors who fear harm to loved ones or legal penalties—and globally, fraud complaints among adults over 60 increased 11% year-over-year in 2023, with two-thirds of UK respondents experiencing at least one fraud attempt in six months.
arabtimesonline.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bangladeshi expatriate in Kuwait lost KD 1,015 after a scammer posing as a bank representative called him, claimed to need Civil ID updates, and convinced him to share his bank account number and OTP, which was then used to drain his account within minutes. Banks and the Ministry of Interior warned the public against such impersonation scams and advised people to never share sensitive financial information over the phone, even when callers claim to represent trusted institutions. The article outlines common scam tactics including phishing, automated withdrawal schemes, impersonation fraud, password cracking, and card skimming, and recommends consumers monitor statements, use strong passwords, and report suspected fraud promptly
news.bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Leicestershire County Councillor warned of a common scam in which fraudsters hacked into his online accounts and attempted to change passwords, then impersonated his bank to solicit personal information. Though the councillor was not defrauded—his two-factor authentication on key accounts prevented unauthorized access—he received a call from a scammer posing as a bank representative requesting address confirmation. Officials advise the public never to share personal or financial details with unsolicited callers and to enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts.
leicestermercury.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Leicestershire County Councillor and former police officer Ozzy O'Shea nearly fell victim to a sophisticated scam in which fraudsters gained unauthorized access to multiple accounts (email, Amazon, National Lottery, and his late wife's accounts) and attempted to impersonate his bank. He recognized the scam when a caller claiming to be from his bank used suspicious tactics and hung up when confronted. Trading Standards has used his experience to remind the public of protective measures including never confirming details to unsolicited callers, using unique passwords, enabling two-step verification, and reporting account hacks immediately.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Leicestershire County Council councillor narrowly avoided falling victim to a multi-account hacking scam after criminals gained access to his email, Amazon, National Lottery, ISA, and bank accounts and attempted to change his passwords. He was protected by two-step security verification already in place on most accounts and became suspicious when a caller claiming to be from his bank requested personal information. Council officials confirmed this scam is currently widespread and warned the public never to share personal or financial details with cold callers.
tcpalm.com
· 2025-12-08
An 81-year-old Port St. Lucie man recovered $315,000 after falling victim to an elaborate online investment scam conducted through WhatsApp that promised large financial returns. The victim was lured into a fake online investment school, given access to fraudulent accounts showing fake returns, and ultimately invested $315,000 across three transactions (including $100,000, $15,000, and $200,000 for cryptocurrency) before realizing the scheme when asked to pay $1 million in taxes to withdraw funds. Police were able to recover the money after PNC Bank detected fraud and shut down the accounts before the scammers could transfer the funds, though no arrests have been
blocktelegraph.io
· 2025-12-08
Since 2020, cryptocurrency scams have caused billions in losses to elderly victims, with crypto investment schemes defrauding victims of over $2 billion in 2022 and $4.6 billion in 2023. Scammers increasingly use sophisticated tactics such as romance scams and impersonation schemes (posing as professors or financial advisors) to build trust before luring victims into fraudulent investments, often freezing accounts when victims attempt withdrawals. The complexity of cryptocurrency transactions and limited law enforcement resources have made fund recovery extremely difficult for victims.
standard.net
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how scammers psychologically manipulate victims by exploiting emotions like greed, fear, and need, and by impersonating trusted authorities to create artificial urgency. The piece outlines key fraudulent tactics including social engineering, building false legitimacy through fake websites and documents, and emotional manipulation, then provides protective strategies such as verifying sources independently, resisting pressure to act quickly, and maintaining healthy skepticism toward unsolicited offers.
staffordshire.gov.uk
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Staffordshire consumers are being warned of increased fraud risks as criminals leverage AI technology, including deepfakes, voice cloning, and phishing messages, to make scams more convincing and difficult to detect. Trading Standards officers are concerned that traditional scam tactics are becoming harder to identify when enhanced with AI-generated content such as fake celebrity endorsements and artificial voice recordings. Authorities advise victims to immediately contact their bank and report incidents to Action Fraud or call police on 101.
vinepair.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses various scams perpetrated by bartenders and servers against their employers and establishments, including schemes such as reselling personal inventory for profit, reprinting old receipts to pocket customer payments, submitting fraudulent gift card tips that later bounce, and purchasing discounted drinks without making them to resell at full price later. The article highlights that workplace fraud in the hospitality industry is more common than many realize, with employees exploiting gaps in payment systems and inventory tracking to steal thousands of dollars monthly.
gbc.gi
· 2025-12-08
Not suitable for Elderus database summary. This article is primarily about a religious appointment (Charles Azzopardi's installation as Gibraltar's Bishop) and only briefly mentions fraud statistics. While it does contain relevant fraud information about 18 suspected cases targeting NatWest and Gibraltar International Bank customers with over £1.5 million reported stolen, the main news focus is not on elder fraud or abuse, making it outside the scope of an elder fraud research database.
wsfa.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported that government impersonation scams cost Americans $2.7 billion last year, with a 90% surge in cash payments to scammers between 2022 and 2023, with median losses reaching $14,740 per victim. Scammers pose as federal agencies (FTC, IRS, SSA, FBI) via texts and emails to demand cash payments, which are preferred by criminals because they leave no paper trail. The FTC and partnering federal agencies warn that legitimate government agencies never request money or personal information via text or social media, and urge victims to report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania House Bill 2064, sponsored by State Representative Joe Hogan, passed the House with bipartisan support (152-49 votes) and is headed to the Senate. The legislation aims to protect seniors from financial exploitation by requiring financial institutions and fiduciaries to report suspected abuse, temporarily halt suspicious transactions, and share information with area agencies on aging, while granting them immunity from liability. According to Hogan, tens of thousands of dollars are lost weekly to scams and fraud in Bucks County alone, making this decade-long legislative effort critical to safeguarding seniors' assets.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Telehealth fraud, identified as the New York StateWide Senior Action Council's Medicare Fraud of the Month for July 2024, typically involves telemarketers obtaining seniors' Medicare information, paying providers to sign unnecessary orders without proper patient interaction, and submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for durable medical equipment, lab services, or pharmaceuticals. The Council advises seniors to schedule telehealth appointments directly with their providers, guard their Medicare cards, reject unsolicited offers for free services, and review billing statements for suspicious charges, with Medicare fraud estimated to cost taxpayers over $60 billion nationally per year.