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in Grandparent Scams
henricocitizen.com
· 2026-03-18
Dear Savvy Senior,My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?--Almost 80
Dear Alm...
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-03-17
By the People, for the People
News
Older adults are often targeted by fraudsters, but awareness and caution can help protect against financial losses.
Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:00am
Got story updates? S...
mexc.com
· 2026-03-14
Crypto ATM fraud surged to $333 million in the US in 2025, with complaints received by the FBI growing 33% in the year as scam networks became more industrialized while tapping into advanced AI deepfa...
shorelinemedia.net
· 2026-03-12
Dear Savvy Senior,
My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?
–Almost 80
Dear ...
thepilot.com
· 2026-03-11
Each year, seniors are often targeted by scammers and fall victim to some type of financial fraud, leading to significant losses. In 2023 alone, older adults lost approximately $3.4 billion to various...
banklesstimes.com
· 2026-03-11
Minnesota lawmakers are advancing legislation that would impose a statewide ban on virtual currency kiosks, a sharp escalation from the state’s regulatory approach just two years ago.
The bill, curre...
lakecountyexam.com
· 2026-03-10
Dear Savvy Senior,
My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?
- Almost 80
Dear...
lavalnews.ca
· 2026-03-09
A fraud artist living in Laval who was facing more than 30 charges in Atlantic Canada after taking part in a scheme to cheat senior citizens while posing as a policeman, a lawyer and a bail bondsman h...
ckom.com
· 2026-03-09
It’s Fraud Prevention Month, an important time to highlight scam attempts right here in Saskatchewan.
Recent data from Saskatchewan RCMP shows fraud reports in the province rose 81 per cent between 2...
pictouadvocate.com
· 2026-03-06
Goodwin photo
New Glasgow Regional Police Const. Ken MacDonald, left, chats with Kathleen Campbell during a Safe Senior Police Academy event at the Pictou County Wellness Centre.
It’s important for ...
washingtonjewishweek.com
· 2026-03-05
Everyone has been told not to share personal information with strangers or give money for a scenario that seems too good to be true. Yet during 2024, scammers stole $12.5 billion from Americans, accor...
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-03-04
Scammers can clone almost anyone’s voice by using artificial intelligence and then use it to fake emergencies, kidnappings or making pleas for money. Tania Luviano Hurwitz with NBC 7 and Telemundo 20 ...
ibtimes.com.au
· 2026-03-02
Minnesota lawmakers have introduced legislation that would impose a complete ban on cryptocurrency kiosks — commonly known as crypto ATMs or Bitcoin ATMs — across the state, marking one of the most ag...
timesrepublican.com
· 2026-03-01
As Chief of Police, our agency remains vigilant in providing information to our community members when we observe increasing crime trends. We look to track these occurrences not only to ensure we have...
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-27
Romance scams targeting seniors generate over $1B in annual losses according to the FTC.
Retirees are primary targets due to available funds and lower technological proficiency.
The analyst who call...
wlwt.com
· 2026-02-27
Sheriff's offices in Warren and Butler counties are warning residents about a rise in imposter scams involving callers posing as officials and demanding payment.
A lieutenant with the Warren County S...
patch.com
· 2026-02-27
MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Middletown Township Police Department is reporting a concerning trend in elder fraud cases within the community.
Recently, there have been numerous instances where perpe...
king5.com
· 2026-02-27
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aol.com
· 2026-02-27
Romance scams targeting seniors generate over $1B in annual losses according to the FTC.
Retirees are primary targets due to available funds and lower technological proficiency.
The analyst who call...
ksl.com
· 2026-02-25
Online scams and identity theft are widespread problems affecting 73% of U.S. adults, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics like AI-generated phishing emails and cloned voices to trick victims. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website security by checking that URLs begin with "https://" rather than "http://," adjusting browser settings to only allow secure connections, and carefully checking website spellings and domain extensions before sharing personal information. Taking these preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim.
sanmarcosrecord.com
· 2026-02-23
Financial advisor Jason Fischer warned that one in ten older adults fall victim to scams—particularly romance, collections, sweepstakes, imposter, and grandparent scams—often perpetrated by people the victims trust, though many cases go unreported due to embarrassment. Common red flags include unsolicited calls claiming to be from the IRS or utilities threatening immediate action, requests for money from supposed romantic partners built on trust over time, and prizes offered for contests the victim never entered. To protect yourself, Fischer emphasized that legitimate organizations like the IRS never call to demand immediate payment, and you should be skeptical of any request for money from unfamiliar contacts, even if they seem trustworthy.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-02-21
# Fraud Awareness Summary
The Boulder County Sheriff's Office launched a new training program to help people recognize and avoid fraud scams, after Sheriff's Victim Advocate Stephen Conley witnessed fraud impact his own family members through grandparent and tech support scams. The program, targeting seniors and the general public, teaches people to recognize warning signs like urgency, requests for secrecy, password demands, and money transfers—using the acronym SUPER as a memory tool. The key advice is to slow down when contacted with urgent demands, pause before acting, talk to someone you trust, and ask yourself "Could this be a scam?" before sending money or personal information.
fox44news.com
· 2026-02-21
The Brenham Police Department is warning about multiple scams targeting elderly residents, including impersonation calls from government agencies, fake tech support, romance scams, and fake lottery winnings. Red flags include pressure to act quickly, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, demands for personal information, and instructions to keep the matter secret. To protect yourself, slow down before acting, never share personal details over the phone or online, verify requests by calling organizations directly, and consult with family or trusted friends before sending money—and report suspected scams to local police, Adult Protective Services, or the FTC.
rockawaytimes.com
· 2026-02-19
Romance scammers and imposter fraudsters cost Americans billions annually—the FTC reported $12.5 billion lost in 2024, though actual losses may exceed $158 billion due to underreporting. These criminals use fake online identities to build trust and emotional connections before requesting money or personal information, with 11 million Americans age 50+ and residents in Rockaway/Broad Channel reporting such schemes, though no age group is immune. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, especially from people claiming to be overseas with high-profile jobs, and never send money or share personal/financial information with someone you've only met online.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# Fraud Prevention Summary
Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
vietnamnet.vn
· 2026-02-12
# Fraud Summary
Scammers in Vietnam executed a sophisticated multi-stage fraud targeting an elderly woman by hacking her phone, impersonating her grandson through a fake Facebook account and AI-generated video call, and claiming he urgently needed money for a computer. The criminals exploited her love for family by creating fake time pressure ("golden promotion hour") and eventually sent someone directly to her home to collect VND20 million in cash, then continued pressuring her to borrow additional funds from neighbors under false pretenses. To protect yourself, verify urgent money requests by contacting family members through known phone numbers, be suspicious of time pressure tactics, never send cash to strangers, and disable video call features if you're unfamiliar with technology.
t2online.in
· 2026-02-11
Senior citizens in India are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated online scams, with cybercrimes against older adults rising 86% in 2025, including "digital arrest" threats, AI-generated bank calls, and deepfake impersonation that exploit their unfamiliarity with technology and tendency to trust authority figures. The problem is acute because India's 15 crore senior citizens have rapidly adopted digital banking and payments out of necessity—especially for pensions and healthcare—but have received little formal training in online safety. Experts recommend that seniors should never share OTPs or personal information in response to unsolicited calls or messages, verify requests by independently contacting their bank or family members, and seek digital literacy training from trusted sources before conducting sensitive transactions online.
says.com
· 2026-02-09
Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to create convincing fraud messages, clone voices, and generate deepfake videos that are much harder to detect than traditional scams, affecting people across Malaysia and beyond. Recent victims include a woman who lost RM5,000 to fake boss emails and a 63-year-old man who transferred RM49,800 after receiving a call from an AI-cloned voice of a friend. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting the sender through a known phone number or in person, be skeptical of perfect messages from institutions you work with, and remember that legitimate banks and employers won't request money via gift vouchers or wire transfers.
murrayledger.com
· 2026-02-06
Scammers have been targeting families of inmates at the Calloway County Jail, impersonating jail staff and falsely claiming they can release loved ones on ankle monitors in exchange for credit card information, with at least one person losing approximately $1,000. To protect themselves, families should know that the jail never requests credit card information by phone and only accepts bonds in cash, paid in person at either the Calloway County Judicial Building during business hours or at the jail after hours. Anyone contacted by someone claiming to represent the jail requesting payment over the phone should hang up and verify directly with the facility before providing any personal or financial information.
ctvnews.ca
· 2026-02-06
I appreciate you sharing this, but the article excerpt you've provided only contains a headline and introduction without the full story details. From what's available, an Edmonton woman named Jody fell victim to a grandparent scam where someone impersonated her grandson, but the article text cuts off before explaining how much money was lost, what specific tactics were used, or what advice authorities offer. To provide an accurate 2-3 sentence summary with actionable advice for readers, I would need the complete article text.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-02-05
Banks are increasingly freezing senior accounts in 2026 under new anti-fraud regulations designed to protect against the $3 billion annual wave of elder financial scams, but these protective measures often backfire by blocking legitimate transactions like large purchases or family gifts for days at a time. Seniors on fixed incomes face genuine hardship when their debit cards are declined at pharmacies and stores, as new federal rules allow holds of 5+ business days while banks conduct investigations, and state "Safe Harbor" laws encourage financial institutions to freeze accounts with legal immunity. To protect yourself, seniors should notify their banks before making large, one-time transactions, maintain detailed records of legitimate spending patterns, and ask about their institution's fraud hold procedures to avoid being caught off-guard.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-05
Banks are freezing senior accounts at record rates in 2026 due to aggressive anti-fraud measures designed to combat the $3 billion annual wave of elder financial scams, but these protective tools often backfire by blocking legitimate transactions like large purchases or family gifts. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these freezes because new federal rules allow holds lasting up to 5+ business days with minimal recourse, turning inconveniences into crises for those on fixed incomes. To protect yourself, seniors should notify their banks before making large one-time transactions, maintain clear documentation of legitimate spending, and ask about their bank's fraud hold policies to understand potential delays.
record-eagle.com
· 2026-02-05
Modern scammers are using AI-generated voice clones to impersonate family members and target seniors with convincing "grandparent scams," as illustrated by a case where a 74-year-old woman nearly fell victim to a fraudster impersonating her grandson. Unlike traditional scams, these high-tech schemes use publicly available social media content to create nearly perfect replicas of loved ones' voices, making them extremely difficult for even savvy seniors to detect. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be cautious about what personal videos you share online, and stay skeptical of urgent requests that discourage you from telling others.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2026-02-04
Chatham-Kent Police are warning about an increase in "Grandparent Scams" targeting older adults, in which scammers call pretending to be a family member in urgent need of money to create pressure for quick payment. Four incidents were reported last week, with two resulting in actual money transfers to the scammers. Police advise that legitimate authorities will never request money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers over the phone, and recommend residents verify unexpected requests by contacting loved ones directly through known phone numbers.
cnhi.com
· 2026-02-04
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated voice clones and deepfake technology to impersonate loved ones and government officials, targeting older Americans with devastating results. In 2024 alone, seniors lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud—a 43% increase from the previous year—with victims over 60 losing an average of $83,000 compared to $19,000 for younger victims. To protect yourself, verify requests for money by contacting family members directly through known phone numbers, be skeptical of emotional urgency or requests for secrecy, and hang up and independently confirm the caller's identity before sending any funds.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-02-04
Banks implemented aggressive fraud-prevention measures in 2026, including AI monitoring and new "Speed Bump" regulations that can freeze accounts for up to 5 business days on suspected fraudulent activity, but these safeguards are locking seniors out of their own funds and creating financial crises. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because AI systems flag normal changes—like using a new device or developing a tremor that affects typing speed—as suspicious behavior, and the formal review process to unlock accounts can take a week or more. To protect yourself, seniors should inform their banks about upcoming large transactions in advance, designate a trusted contact who can be easily reached, and ask their financial institution to adjust sensitivity settings on AI monitoring systems to account for age-related changes.
harlanenterprise.net
· 2026-02-03
Scam attempts have surged in recent months with criminals using AI voice technology, spoofed phone numbers, and fake websites to target residents through schemes like the "Grandparent Scam" (where scammers impersonate grandchildren in distress), fake government impostor calls threatening legal action, and romance scams on dating apps. Victims should hang up on suspicious calls and independently verify emergencies by contacting known phone numbers, never trust callers claiming to represent government agencies demanding immediate payment, and be cautious of people on dating apps who quickly profess deep feelings. The key defense is maintaining skepticism, independently verifying claims, and consulting trusted family members or official agency websites before responding to any urgent requests.
mk.co.kr
· 2026-02-02
Voice phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers impersonating acquaintances and using personal details to trick victims into sending money—a threat that even celebrities like actors Sunwoo Yong-nyeo and Roh Joo-hyun recently fell victim to or narrowly escaped. In one case, a scammer impersonated actress Park Mi-sun claiming to have lost her phone, while in another, a caller offered a low-interest loan but suspiciously warned against contacting the bank. To protect yourself, hang up immediately if something feels off, independently verify any urgent requests by calling the person directly, and be wary of callers pressuring you not to contact your bank or tell others about the transaction.
gillettenewsrecord.com
· 2026-02-01
# Scams Cost Americans Billions in 2024
Scams and internet fraud have reached record levels, with the FBI reporting $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, and about 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. Common schemes include counterfeit websites selling fake merchandise, fraudulent charities that exploit disasters, cryptocurrency investment scams, and fake debt collection demands. To protect yourself, verify charities before donating, avoid clicking suspicious links, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers, and never pay on debts you don't recognize.
timesleader.com
· 2026-01-30
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday warned that scammers using advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, stole significant amounts of money from Pennsylvania residents in 2025, with seniors being particularly vulnerable to losing their savings. During National Identity Theft Awareness Week, Sunday spoke to about 40 people at a Kingston community center to educate seniors—one of the groups most targeted by fraud—on how to protect themselves. While the article doesn't specify detailed prevention tips, it emphasizes that AI has made modern scams harder to detect, making awareness and education critical for vulnerable populations.
itemlive.com
· 2026-01-30
Former Peabody Fire Chief Joe Mendonca joined local officials including Mayor Ted Bettencourt, District Attorney Paul Tucker, and State Auditor Diana DiZoglio at a senior center presentation to warn about growing fraud threats in the community. Essex County documented $11 million in scam losses last year—with officials suspecting the true number is double that—including cases in Peabody involving losses of over $100,000 since 2023. Residents should be wary of common scams involving Social Security, IRS impersonation, gift card requests, and AI-generated voice calls mimicking loved ones, and importantly, they should report suspected fraud to police rather than feeling shame, as underreporting prevents authorities from accurately tracking the problem.
pennwatch.org
· 2026-01-29
Americans aged 60 and older lost a record $4.9 billion to scams last year, prompting Attorney General Dave Sunday and AARP to warn seniors about increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics, including AI voice cloning that can replicate a grandparent's voice from social media audio. Seniors are targeted because they typically have substantial savings, were raised to trust strangers, and may be less familiar with modern digital threats like deepfakes and card shimming. Experts recommend establishing family code words and relying on behavior changes rather than software to protect against these scams.
mirror.co.uk
· 2026-01-28
# Scammers are increasingly targeting grandparents and older adults through phone calls, texts, and emails impersonating family members, police, or banks, with victims losing thousands of pounds in single interactions. Elder fraud has become one of the UK's fastest-growing financial crimes because criminals exploit the trust and psychological vulnerabilities of older people rather than relying on technical hacking, making them attractive targets with substantial lifetime savings and stable incomes. Families are urged to warn their grandparents and elderly relatives about these scams, particularly "grandparent scams" where callers claim to be in urgent need of money, and to be skeptical of unexpected contact from authority figures.
pcmag.com
· 2026-01-26
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread in 2026, with scammers targeting vulnerable populations including laid-off workers, lonely people on dating apps, immigrants seeking legal help, and taxpayers through impersonation schemes. New threats include AI-generated deepfake videos and audio clips designed to trick people into sending money to criminals who pose as loved ones, immigration officers, or government agents. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact requests money transfers, verify identities through official channels before sharing personal information or funds, and remember that anyone—regardless of financial status—can become a victim of these evolving scams.
au.pcmag.com
· 2026-01-25
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, with scammers targeting vulnerable populations including laid-off workers, lonely people on dating apps, immigrants seeking legal help, and anyone receiving unsolicited calls or texts. A major emerging threat is the use of generative AI to create deepfake videos and audio to impersonate loved ones and trick people into sending money. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests through independent means (calling organizations directly), never send money via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards, and remember that scammers cast a wide net—anyone can be a victim regardless of income or credit score.
the-sun.com
· 2026-01-24
An 80-year-old Florida retiree lost $1.3 million after scammers convinced her to withdraw funds from her Chase account by posing as a legitimate investment opportunity; she made 30 large withdrawals over five months that Chase's systems flagged as suspicious but failed to stop. The woman is now suing Chase, arguing the bank should have done more to protect her given her long banking history with the branch and the unusually high transaction amounts for her account. **Actionable advice:** Seniors should be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers, never withdraw large sums of cash based on promises of returns, and consider asking trusted family members or advisors to review major financial decisions—banks may flag suspicious activity, but customers remain responsible for their own protection.
kltv.com
· 2026-01-23
Criminals are using AI voice cloning technology to impersonate loved ones in fake kidnapping scams, exploiting families' emotions to extract money. According to a 2023 McAfee survey, about 10% of people received calls from AI voice clones, and 77% of those victims lost money—one mother lost $3,270 after receiving a convincing call appearing to be from her daughter claiming she'd been kidnapped. To protect yourself, verify emergencies through a separate call or contact to the person directly, never wire money based on phone calls alone, and be aware that scammers need only a brief voice sample to create realistic audio impersonations.
oconnellfuneralhomes.com
· 2026-01-22
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through schemes like grandparent scams, fake tech support calls, government impersonation, and gift card fraud, exploiting their kindness, trust, and fear. In this podcast episode, St. Croix County Sheriff Scott Knutson discusses why these crimes are difficult to track and why victims often don't report them, emphasizing that awareness and family communication are key to protection. To help protect elderly loved ones, families should stay informed about common scam tactics, maintain open conversations about suspicious contacts, and encourage reporting of fraud attempts to authorities.
insidehalton.com
· 2026-01-22
# Grandparent Scams Surge in Ontario
Ontario police are warning seniors about a rising wave of "grandparent scams" where fraudsters call claiming a loved one is in legal trouble and needs immediate money for bail or legal fees. Scammers create urgency to prevent victims from verifying the story, often demanding payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency, and increasingly use AI technology to mimic victims' family members' voices. To protect yourself, verify emergency claims by contacting your loved ones directly, never send money to unknown accounts without confirmation, and be suspicious of callers who insist you keep the situation secret.
siliconcanals.com
· 2026-01-22
Fraud targeting seniors has quadrupled since 2020, with reported losses reaching $2.4 billion annually and actual losses potentially exceeding $81 billion when including unreported cases. Older Americans are disproportionately targeted because they typically have substantial savings, are home more often, and were raised to trust authority figures—vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Experts recommend that seniors stay skeptical of unsolicited contact, verify requests independently through official channels, and report suspected fraud to the FTC or FBI, while also speaking openly about incidents to reduce shame and help identify patterns.