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rosen.senate.gov
Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) co-introduced the Stop the Scammers Act, which aims to restore Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) funding that was cut in a Republican budget bill and establish whistleblower rewards for reporting financial wrongdoing. The bill seeks to reinstate consumer protections against fraud and abusive practices by financial institutions, particularly to protect Nevada residents who are frequently targeted by online scams.
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au
In 2024, Australians lost A$2.03 billion to scams, a decline from A$3.1 billion in 2022, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting caused by victim shame and embarrassment. Investment scams were the costliest category at A$945 million, often featuring fake trading platforms and impersonated businesses, while remote access scams and other common schemes like romance and phishing scams continue to evolve. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence, data from breaches, and organized criminal syndicates to create convincing impersonations, making it essential for consumers to verify investment opportunities independently rather than clicking on
paymentsjournal.com
The FTC has documented a more than four-fold increase in older adults losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams over the past four years, with combined losses for seniors losing over $100,000 rising eight-fold from $55 million to $445 million. These scams typically involve criminals posing as representatives from known organizations, government officials, or tech companies to manipulate victims into financial transfers, and they are increasingly sophisticated—using tactics like spoofed emails and phone calls that exploit seniors' tendency to trust callers and respond to urgency and threats. Cybercriminals tailor their approaches by medium (phone calls for seniors, social media for younger users) an
justice.gov
Thirteen individuals, led by Oscar Manuel Castanos Garcia, were charged for operating a transnational "grandparent scam" call center in the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 elderly victims (average age 84) across the United States, resulting in more than $5 million in losses, including at least 50 victims in Massachusetts. The scheme involved callers posing as grandchildren in distress or their attorneys, instructing victims to send cash via rideshare drivers or mail, and often requesting additional payments through fabricated stories. The defendants allegedly laundered the illicit proceeds back to the Dominican Republic through money launderers and bank accounts in the United States.
americascreditunions.org
FinCEN issued guidance alerting financial institutions to a rising trend of scam payments involving cryptocurrency ATMs (CVC kiosks), where scammers contact victims—particularly elderly individuals—via unsolicited calls impersonating banks, government agencies, or tech support to direct them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs. According to FTC data, older adults account for more than two-thirds of all losses from CVC kiosk scams, with criminals often instructing victims to structure transactions across multiple deposits or kiosks to evade reporting thresholds. The advisory identifies red flags for credit unions and CVC operators to detect suspicious activity, including unusual high-value withdrawals, elderly members with no
forbes.com
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner lost $240,000 in an imposter scam when a caller falsely claiming to be from JP Morgan Chase convinced him to wire funds to protect his account from fraudulent activity. Imposter scams are the second-highest fraud category, accounting for $2.95 billion in losses in 2024, and commonly originate via spoofed text messages that mimic legitimate banks; consumers should independently verify suspicious communications and never wire funds to "protect" accounts, as legitimate banks never request such actions.
nature.com
Vietnamese victims, particularly educated professionals, were lured to Cambodia through fraudulent job postings by Chinese-led criminal syndicates operating "pig-butchering" scams between 2018-2023, where they were trafficked, confined, and coerced into committing cyber fraud against others. This mixed-methods study of 10 cases and interviews with 12 Vietnamese police officers reveals complex multi-layered networks targeting skilled workers with promises of IT, programming, and customer service positions, creating "victim-offender overlaps" where trafficked individuals are simultaneously victimized and forced to victimize others. The research highlights the need for greater focus on the intersection of human trafficking, cyber
yahoo.com
A Pew Research Center survey found that approximately 73% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with credit card fraud, online shopping scams, and ransomware being the most common. Cybersecurity experts warn of evolving threats including phishing attacks via unsolicited calendar invites, multi-factor authentication scams, and malicious HTML attachments, and recommend protective measures such as adjusting calendar settings, verifying suspicious invites through trusted contacts, and remaining vigilant against social engineering tactics.
nature.com
This research study compared video-based versus text-based anti-fraud educational materials for older adults aged 60 and above, finding that video interventions significantly outperformed text-only materials in improving comprehension, emotional engagement, and fraud prevention intentions. Text-based materials provided more detailed information but generated lower emotional engagement, while the study validated a combined multimodal approach integrating both formats to better address older adults' cognitive and emotional needs in protecting themselves against sophisticated fraud schemes.
algona.com
Iowa seniors face a significant threat from scam calls, with 85% of landline calls now classified as spam or unwanted, targeting the approximately 500,000 seniors in the state who rely on landlines. According to the FBI's 2022 Elder Fraud Report, 557 seniors over 60 in Iowa lost an average of $500 or more to scams, totaling over $12 million in losses statewide. The author calls for state and local authorities to develop comprehensive educational programs and anti-fraud resources to protect vulnerable seniors from increasingly sophisticated schemes.
mondaq.com
On August 4, 2025, FinCEN issued a warning about escalating criminal misuse of convertible virtual currency (CVC) kiosks, noting that over two-thirds of kiosk-related fraud losses in 2024 affected seniors who were targeted through tech support and government impersonation scams directing them to transfer funds via the kiosks. The notice also identified widespread operator noncompliance with Bank Secrecy Act requirements and documented use of CVC kiosks by drug cartels for money laundering through structuring transactions below reporting thresholds and using multiple machines across jurisdictions.
latimes.com
A Pew Research Center survey of over 9,000 U.S. adults found that approximately 73% have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with 32% reporting victimization within the past year and 24% tricked into sharing personal information. The most common scams include credit card fraud, online shopping fraud, and ransomware attacks, with newer tactics involving unsolicited calendar invites and multi-factor authentication exploits that direct users to phishing pages or malicious downloads. Cybersecurity experts recommend disabling automatic calendar updates, verifying suspicious invitations directly with trusted contacts, and remaining vigilant against phishing attempts.
bbc.com
Following the FCA's announcement of a forthcoming car finance compensation scheme, scammers have begun calling motorists and impersonating lenders to offer fake compensation in exchange for personal details. The FCA warned the public that no compensation scheme is currently in place and urged recipients of such calls to hang up immediately and not share any information, as the FCA never requests bank PINs or passwords.
southbendtribune.com
College students are frequently targeted by scammers offering fake credit cards, apartments, employment opportunities, and scholarships, often exploiting their inexperience with major financial decisions. To protect themselves, students should verify offers through reputable sources, research companies and landlords, avoid upfront fees for jobs or scholarships, and report suspicious activity to the Better Business Bureau. Common scams include rental fraud, phony employment offers requiring payment, tech support cons, fake online stores, and scholarship schemes disguised as legitimate financial aid opportunities.
govinfosecurity.com
Four Ghanaian nationals were extradited to the United States and charged with stealing over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) attacks targeting U.S. victims and organizations from 2016 to May 2023, with particular focus on vulnerable older men and women. The criminals, operating as part of a "sakawa" criminal organization, used fake identities and forged email accounts to trick victims into sending money or laundering stolen funds through shell company bank accounts in the U.S. before funneling proceeds to West Africa; three defendants have been extradited and face up to 75 years in prison, while one remains at large.
inkl.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted through crypto ATM scams using seven common tactics: fake tech support calls, grandparent emergency scams, romance fraud, government impersonation, fake investment schemes, utility bill threats, and QR code tricks. These scams exploit the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions and the emotional vulnerability of older adults through urgency, authority, and personal relationships. The article advises seniors to verify requests independently through official channels, avoid sending cryptocurrency for emergencies or payments, and consult trusted contacts before transferring money.
cutoday.info
Reports of high-value impersonation scams targeting adults 60 and over have surged dramatically since 2020, with losses exceeding $100,000 increasing eight-fold from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024, according to FTC analysis. Scammers impersonating government agencies, banks, or tech companies (including fake FTC agents) trick victims into transferring money by claiming urgent security threats or suspicious account activity, when the funds are actually stolen. The three primary deception tactics involve falsely claiming someone is using the victim's accounts, that their personal information is being used for crimes, or that their computer has security problems.
guardian.co.tt
Shiva Bissessar, managing director of Pinaka Consulting Ltd., is advocating for public-private partnerships to combat online scams, which disproportionately affect elderly and youth populations. According to FBI data presented at international conferences in 2024, investment fraud caused over $6.5 billion in losses in the U.S., while phishing remains the most frequently reported crime type, with emerging threats including romance scams and AI-enabled deepfakes. Bissessar noted that Trinidad and Tobago lacks adequate data collection and classification systems to measure the true prevalence of these crimes locally, and calls for stronger coordination between authorities and social media platforms to address online harms.
webpronews.com
WhatsApp dismantled 6.8 million accounts linked to scam operations, many originating from call centers in Southeast Asia, in response to phishing, investment fraud, and other deceptive schemes targeting the platform's 2 billion users. The crackdown, powered by AI collaboration with firms like OpenAI, targeted fraud ecosystems including fake job offers and romance scams, with India alone seeing nearly 100 lakh accounts banned in January 2025. WhatsApp is introducing new safety features like in-app reporting and a "Safety Overview" tool, though experts note that scammers continue to adapt quickly and that international cooperation remains essential for long-term prevention.
the420.in
In 2024, Americans aged 60 and above lost a record $700 million to scams according to the FTC, representing a 30% increase from 2023 and a sixfold jump since 2020, with the most severe losses occurring among those defrauded of over $100,000 each. The predominant scams involved criminals impersonating government officials, law enforcement, and major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon, using urgency tactics to pressure victims into transferring funds via Bitcoin ATMs or handing over cash and valuables. The FTC recommends that seniors never send money or share financial information to unverified sources and instead independently verify claims through official contact information
abc6onyourside.com
The Ohio Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to be vigilant against scams, as the Federal Trade Commission reports consumers lost over $5 billion to investment scams in 2024. The article provides advice on protecting personal finances and keeping money secure from fraudulent schemes.
ghanaweb.com
Three Ghanaian nationals—Isaac Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, and Derrick Van Yeboah—were extradited to the United States to face charges for orchestrating an international fraud scheme that defrauded victims of over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) operations. The transnational criminal organization targeted both individuals and businesses by tricking them into sending money under false pretenses, with the FBI intensifying its crackdown on such cyber-enabled crimes through international law enforcement cooperation.
ainvest.com
This investment newsletter discusses the financial vulnerability of aging populations, noting that 49.2% of seniors have low financial literacy and that the U.S. loses $28 billion annually to elder financial exploitation. The article highlights particular vulnerability among older women and marginalized communities, and recommends that investors address this demographic crisis through allocation to annuity products, AI-powered fraud detection systems, and financial literacy education programs as both a social and financial opportunity.
miamitimesonline.com
U.S. Senator Rick Scott, who chairs the Committee on Aging, held a roundtable in Florida to address a "growing threat" of elder fraud targeting seniors through increasingly sophisticated schemes including grandparent scams, fraudulent investments, and government imposter emails, often originating from foreign call centers. Stakeholders reported that seniors lose significant sums—including one case where a victim lost over $400,000—and often fail to report crimes due to embarrassment, while Medicare fraud alone costs tens of billions through false billing. The roundtable emphasized that awareness, prevention, stronger penalties, and coordinated efforts among banks, government, and law enforcement are essential to combat what is described as a "national crisis" an
southernmarylandchronicle.com
Federal Trade Commission data reveals a more than four-fold increase since 2020 in reports from adults 60 and older losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams, with combined losses exceeding $100,000 jumping from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Common tactics include fraudsters posing as government officials, banks, or tech companies to convince victims to transfer funds via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or courier delivery under false pretenses of account protection or legal issues. The FTC reported $12.5 billion in total scam losses nationally in 2024, with older adults accounting for $2.3 billion an
fontanaheraldnews.com
Nathan Dawood, 54, of Burbank, was found guilty of embezzling approximately $2.2 million from an elderly victim's inherited estate and retirement savings by fraudulently transferring funds to his own accounts and convincing the victim to transfer property ownership to companies he controlled. Dawood was convicted on six counts of wire fraud and nine counts of money laundering, with sentencing scheduled for December 8, 2024, where he faces up to 20 years in federal prison per wire fraud count. The FBI investigated the case, which occurred during the second half of 2019 when Dawood initially offered to help the victim manage inherited real estate and retirement accounts.
algona.com
Iowa seniors, particularly those relying on landlines, face persistent scam calls with 85% of landline calls classified as spam or unwanted. According to the FBI's 2022 Elder Fraud Report, 557 seniors over 60 in Iowa lost an average of $500 or more to scams, totaling over $12 million in losses statewide, with common tactics including impersonation calls requesting bank details. The author advocates for increased state and local resources to educate and protect Iowa's approximately 500,000 seniors who still use landlines.
netflix.com
Romance fraud, where scammers use fake online personas to gain trust and steal money, has risen significantly with dating app popularity and costs Americans over $1 billion annually. Cecilie Fjellhøy, a victim featured in the 2022 documentary "The Tinder Swindler," teams up with private investigator Brianne Joseph in the Netflix series "Love Con Revenge" to investigate real romance fraud cases and help victims reclaim their lives and expose perpetrators.
vovworld.vn
Meta's Decode Scam campaign identifies seven prevalent online scams targeting internet users: messaging scams (smishing) using fake links, romance scams building fake relationships to extract money, investment scams promising unrealistic returns, impersonation scams stealing identities, online shopping scams with fake websites, job scams exploiting job seekers, and account hacking scams. The campaign highlights how scammers manipulate victims through trusted channels, emotional connections, or false promises of financial gain and employment opportunities.
wisn.com
A nationwide gold coin scam victimized more than 50 people in Wisconsin, resulting in over $15 million in losses. A New Berlin couple lost $526,095 after scammers posing as U.S. Treasury officials convinced them to convert their cash to gold coins for protection; however, they stopped a fourth transfer after seeing a news report and contacted police, who arrested courier Roshan Shah during a sting operation when he attempted to pick up a decoy package filled with rocks instead of gold coins.
wmnf.org
A U.S. Senate Aging Committee report found that seniors lost over $4.8 billion to fraud and scams last year, with Senator Rick Scott warning the actual figure may be higher due to underreporting. Miami-Dade County leaders highlighted rising scams including condo/HOA fraud and cybercrime, with one case involving a man in his 60s losing $400,000 to cybercrime, and cautioned that artificial intelligence is increasing scam sophistication. Authorities urged seniors to avoid sharing personal information over the phone and report suspected fraud to law enforcement immediately.
wlrn.org
Scammers are targeting senior citizens with increasingly sophisticated schemes including AI-generated scams, cryptocurrency theft, and robocalls, resulting in losses exceeding $4.8 billion for Americans over 60 in the past year alone, according to Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz. Common tactics include impersonation of grandchildren, government officials, and businesses, with victims often too ashamed or fearful to report the crimes. Law enforcement officials are calling for enhanced tools and resources to track scammers, rapid reporting by victims, and heightened awareness of emerging threats like HOA and condo fraud targeting elderly homeowners.
wlrn.org
Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging that scammers are using increasingly sophisticated schemes—including AI-generated scams, cryptocurrency theft, and robocalls—to target senior citizens, with losses exceeding $4.8 billion for Americans over 60 in the past year alone. The sheriff emphasized that victims often don't report scams due to shame and fear, and highlighted emerging threats including HOA fraud targeting elderly homeowners in South Florida. Law enforcement officials stressed the importance of rapid reporting to increase chances of recovering stolen funds and prosecuting criminals before they disappear and reinvent their schemes.
floridapolitics.com
U.S. Senator Rick Scott held a roundtable in Florida to address the escalating threat of scams and fraud targeting seniors, highlighting common schemes including grandparent scams, fraudulent investments, and government imposter emails. Speakers emphasized that seniors lose significant sums—including one case where a victim lost over $400,000—and that many large-scale operations originate from foreign call centers, constituting a national security concern; they also noted that Medicare fraud alone costs tens of billions of dollars annually through false billing and manipulation of member numbers. The roundtable stressed that awareness, prevention, and stronger legal penalties are essential to combat this crisis, while acknowledging that embarrassment often prevents victims from reporting
ftc.gov
FTC reports document a surge in imposter scams targeting retirees, with scammers posing as trusted government agencies and businesses to drain bank accounts and retirement funds through fake security alerts and false criminal accusations. From 2020 to 2024, reports of older adults losing $10,000 or more increased fourfold, while reports of losses exceeding $100,000 increased nearly sevenfold. These scams exploit older adults' vigilance about financial security by creating false urgency through phone calls and fabricated crises, instructing victims to transfer funds, use Bitcoin ATMs, or hand cash to couriers—tactics the real FTC and legitimate companies never use.
wired.com
This article describes a cybersecurity researcher's discovery of leaked data from North Korean IT worker operations that generate an estimated $250-600 million annually for the regime through remote job fraud schemes. The leaked emails, spreadsheets, and documents reveal how North Korean workers use fake identities and meticulous tracking systems to infiltrate companies globally and funnel earnings back to support weapons development programs. The operation involves dozens of workers organized into groups who systematically apply for tech positions at major companies and freelance platforms while coordinators help cover their digital tracks.
international-adviser.com
Investment scams are now among the most common consumer scams in the UK, often initiated through phone calls, emails, or social media with promises of guaranteed returns and exclusive opportunities. Common types include fake broker scams using cloned websites and cryptocurrency trading platform scams that show fake returns before freezing withdrawals; red flags include high-pressure tactics, lack of verifiable company addresses, requests for payment to personal accounts or cryptocurrency, and unregulated platforms. The FCA and consumer protection bodies recommend verifying company details on the FCA register, taking time to research independently, and avoiding firms that pressure quick decisions or request unusual payment methods.
spectrumnews1.com
Governor Andy Beshear announced the launch of StopScams.ky.gov, a new website designed to help Kentuckians report scams, learn prevention strategies, and access recovery resources. According to a 2024 FBI report, Kentuckians lose over $74 million annually to online scammers, prompting the state to partner with the Better Business Bureau and AARP to equip residents with tools to identify and avoid fraud. The site emphasizes a "pause, check, and protect" approach and offers scam alerts via email or text, along with free educational "Scam Jam" events throughout the state.
yahoo.com
Three Texas men were arrested for defrauding approximately 75 elderly victims of $1.5 million through a loan scheme in which they posed as business representatives offering to reduce utility bills, then fraudulently applied seniors' electronic signatures to 20-year loans ($13,000-$32,500 per victim) without consent. The article notes that elder fraud has become increasingly sophisticated, with 2023 losses exceeding $3.4 billion nationally among seniors aged 60+, now involving investment schemes, cryptocurrency fraud, and AI-enhanced techniques like voice cloning and deepfakes.
mondaq.com
Romance scams have evolved to exploit cryptocurrency investments rather than traditional forex trading, using dating apps as the initial contact point where scammers build emotional trust with victims before directing them to fake investment platforms. The scam operates by showing fabricated profits on fraudulent websites, then requesting additional "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw funds, with victims often investing money they cannot afford to lose and accumulating debt. The article advises protecting yourself by recognizing that emotional manipulation combined with promises of easy investment returns are classic warning signs, and following the principle of never investing more than you can afford to lose.
boredpanda.com
This article discusses various scams and questionable spending habits that millennials fall victim to, including multilevel marketing schemes, online sports betting, rage bait engagement, fake detox products, and premium food delivery services. The piece compiles Reddit comments from millennials admitting to these scams, though commenters debate whether some items (like detox products and food delivery) are actual scams or simply poor financial decisions and that similar issues affected previous generations.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois partnered with the Sparta Senior Center to present a free fraud prevention seminar educating seniors on online and phone scams, including impersonation schemes where fraudsters pose as federal agents to steal money. The presentation, held on August 20, covered common fraud schemes targeting seniors, details on prosecuted federal cases, and practical tips for detecting scams and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement.
alreporter.com
Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act to combat financial scams targeting older Americans, particularly those using cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The legislation would allow state and local law enforcement to use existing federal grant funding to hire personnel and deploy advanced tracing tools, addressing gaps that enable scammers to escape prosecution. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans aged 60 and older lost over $2.3 billion to fraud in 2024—a 21% increase from 2023—with experts estimating total unreported fraud at $61.5 billion, including growing "
postcrescent.com
A Grand Chute woman was defrauded of over $2.2 million in gold bars in a scam where she believed she was protecting her money, leading to federal charges against Antonio Peña and Brandi Durst for money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud. The scammers posed as Microsoft representatives, bank officials, and government agents to build trust, isolated victims from family members, and convinced them to convert retirement funds into gold bars, which the defendants would then steal. Gold bar scams have become increasingly common and specifically target elderly populations, as gold is difficult to trace and perceived as secure, making it ideal for money laundering schemes.
oag.ca.gov
California Attorney General Rob Bonta launched a new hospice fraud initiative to educate the public and provide reporting resources for victims of fraudulent end-of-life care practices that exploit vulnerable elderly and terminally ill patients through schemes like enrolling ineligible patients and billing for services never rendered. The initiative, addressing what has become an epidemic particularly in the greater Los Angeles area, equips individuals and families with tools to recognize red flags such as little actual care being provided, unexplained gifts, or dragging services without updates. Since taking office, the Attorney General has filed criminal charges against 109 individuals for hospice fraud-related offenses and conducted 24 civil investigations.
newindianexpress.com
Bengaluru has experienced a surge in online dating scams where fraudsters build emotional relationships with victims on matrimonial and dating apps before exploiting them through sextortion or fake investment schemes. Recent cases include a 32-year-old software engineer who lost Rs 79.3 lakh investing in a fraudulent trading app and a 37-year-old businessman who lost Rs 5.5 lakh in a sextortion scam. Cybercrime police advise against sharing personal or financial information with online strangers and warn against promises of quick financial returns.
financemagnates.com
This article is not relevant to the Elderus database. It is a promotional announcement for a fintech industry panel discussion about trading platform technology and risk management for brokers—not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It contains no information about elder fraud cases, scams targeting seniors, or abuse of older adults.
tradingview.com
WhatsApp removed 6.8 million accounts linked to "pig butchering" scams, which combine romance-baiting with fake investment fraud schemes that often result in cryptocurrency losses. Scammers used AI tools like ChatGPT to generate initial contact messages, then moved victims to Telegram where they were shown fake profits before requesting real money deposits. A study of 236 major cryptocurrency scam cases found total losses exceeding $60 billion, with pig butchering schemes accounting for 39 cases and representing one of the most damaging forms of fraud due to extended manipulation periods lasting months or years.
oregonlive.com
The Oregon Department of Justice warned residents of a rising "gold bar" scam targeting Pacific Northwest residents, in which scammers impersonating banks or government agencies convince victims their accounts are compromised and pressure them to purchase gold bars and hand them over to couriers. Recent victims in Eastern Oregon lost significant amounts—one woman lost $600,000 with an additional $300,000 in gold bars prevented by police intervention, and another lost $60,000 in a related silver bar scam. Officials emphasized that no legitimate financial institution or government agency requests customers to liquidate assets into gold and transfer them to strangers.
fintech.global
A UK study by Yaspa found that over 40% of fraud victims in the past year recovered no losses, with only 19% retrieving their full amounts—the average loss was £765 with just 34% recovered overall. Men lost significantly more than women (£943 vs. £476 average), and Northern Ireland experienced the highest regional losses at £2,290, while online shopping, fake emails, and Facebook Marketplace were the most common fraud platforms. The research highlights that push payment fraud is particularly difficult to recover from, though emerging AI-powered scams and lack of consumer awareness pose growing threats despite 75% of respondents claiming confidence in identifying fraud.