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avpress.com
· 2026-09-15
The Protecting Elders from Wire Fraud Act, introduced by Representatives Whitesides, Salazar, and Davis, would require financial institutions to place holds up to 90 days on suspicious wire transactions from senior accounts to prevent financial exploitation. According to the FTC, seniors lost $334 million to fraudulent wire transfers in 2025 alone, with the actual amount likely much higher due to underreporting. The legislation would also require banks to contact trusted contacts when placing holds and provide legal protection for institutions acting in good faith.
ntd.com
· 2026-09-15
Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 37-year-old Indian student visa holder in Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran through a tech support and impersonation scam. Chagamreddy convinced the victim his identity had been stolen and instructed him to convert money into gold; the victim lost money before a family member recognized the scam and authorities arrested Chagamreddy with $500 and 23 ounces of gold in his vehicle. Evidence connected Chagamreddy to similar gold collection schemes targeting an 87-year-old North Carolina woman and a
myvillager.com
· 2026-09-15
Minnesota seniors lost $111.4 million to financial scams in 2025, with common schemes including romance scams, law enforcement impersonation, and extortion. A payment processing industry worker advocates for Congress to pass the TRAPS Act, which would establish a comprehensive federal task force to coordinate with local law enforcement in combating these crimes and recovering victims' funds, particularly those sent overseas.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2026-09-15
Five alleged leaders of the Black Axe cybercrime syndicate have been extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for orchestrating a decade-long international fraud campaign involving advance fee schemes and romance scams from 2011 to 2021. The defendants used fake identities, social media, and VoIP numbers to deceive victims into sending money by posing as romantic partners, and used coercion tactics including threats to publish intimate photos when victims refused payment. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and money laundering charges.
fox4news.com
· 2026-09-15
An elderly Frisco resident who lost $30,000 to an international gold theft ring assisted police in capturing a courier, helping authorities dismantle a scheme that defrauded over 200 victims of more than $250 million. Scammers posed as federal agents to convince seniors to withdraw cash and gold, which was melted into jewelry or converted to cryptocurrency and funneled overseas. Central figure Muzamil Ahmed was arrested at JFK Airport attempting to flee the country, with over 40 indictments issued and more than $130 million in gold seized.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-15
Scammers are using AI to identify widows from publicly available obituaries and targeting them with tax evasion scams, with one widow losing $7,000 after being told she needed to pay to preserve her inheritance from her late husband's alleged tax scheme. The FBI reports that Americans aged 60+ lost $7.7 billion to internet and cyber-enabled crimes in 2025, up 59% from 2024, with an average loss of $38,500 per case. AI enables fraudsters to quickly extract personal information from obituaries, create convincing fake communications, and target grieving widows who are vulnerable while managing financial and administrative tasks following their spouse's death.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-09-15
During Medicare Open Enrollment (beginning October 15), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives or licensed agents to target beneficiaries by using official-looking materials, promising unrealistic benefits, and pressuring them to quickly provide Medicare numbers or personal information through suspicious websites and advertisements. Red flags include unsolicited contact, requests for immediate enrollment decisions, and offers to reveal "new Medicare benefits" in exchange for personal data. Seniors can protect themselves by using free, unbiased counseling from Florida's SHINE Program and reporting suspected fraud to Medicare, the Florida Attorney General, or the FTC.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-09-15
A 27-year-old Broward woman was arrested following a SWAT standoff after repeatedly posing as a caregiver and building manager to steal from elderly residents, including $1,600 from one victim at a senior living facility. Jamisha Shamari Sylvain had been released from jail in May 2025 after previous arrests on similar charges, but continued targeting seniors by gaining access to their homes and stealing debit cards, credit cards, and cash. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging families to verify caregivers' credentials and monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity.
aol.com
· 2026-09-15
This article discusses Senator Ashley Moody's Senate Judiciary Committee testimony focusing on federal crime reduction efforts rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. While the article mentions elder fraud as a policy concern, it does not describe an actual scam, victims affected, or financial losses—instead covering legislative proposals like the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act and the SWIPES Act aimed at combating senior financial abuse.
einpresswire.com
· 2026-09-14
PurrtectMe.com is a free AI tool designed to help seniors aged 60 and older identify potential scams by analyzing suspicious emails, texts, or call scripts and providing instant, plain-language verdicts without requiring account registration. The tool aims to prevent financial losses by enabling older adults to verify whether communications are fraudulent before responding or taking action.
wral.com
· 2026-09-14
North Carolina law enforcement reports a 59% increase in elder fraud complaints in 2025, with seniors over 60 filing more complaints than any other age group, resulting in billions in losses including one case where an individual lost approximately $4 million from a phishing scam. Cary-area high school students have launched a nonprofit called Click With Confidence to educate seniors about avoiding common scams such as phishing emails, the "Grandparent Scam" using AI voice mimicry, and impersonation of government officials. Investigators advise seniors to pause and verify requests before acting, emphasizing that the IRS does not contact people demanding passwords or social security numbers.
trendingonweibo.com
· 2026-09-14
Scammers in Tianjin, China lured elderly customers with free eggs and fake health device trials, then moved them into private WeChat livestream rooms where ordinary products were sold as miracle cures for various ailments. The scheme exploited seniors' desire for bargains and fear of illness, with rigged "health checkups" designed to manufacture anxiety before high-pressure sales pitches in closed-door livestreams. Local market regulators have begun publicizing these cases as enforcement warnings, though they note that private livestream rooms are difficult to police and enforcement typically occurs after victims have already lost money.
amac.us
· 2026-09-14
Patients using MyChart and other healthcare patient portals are being targeted by phishing emails and text messages designed to steal login credentials, with scammers also impersonating healthcare providers to trick users into downloading malware or revealing personal health information. While the MyChart system itself has not been breached, successful attacks could expose sensitive medical records, insurance details, and personal identifying information that criminals could use for medical identity theft, fraudulent insurance claims, or sale on the dark web. Patients are advised to access their accounts only through official apps and to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear legitimate.
lavocedinewyork.com
· 2026-09-14
Six Nigerian nationals alleged to be members of the Black Axe criminal syndicate were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of approximately $6 million. The suspects used social media, dating sites, and VoIP services to build emotional connections with victims before manipulating them into sending money for fabricated emergencies, legal fees, and inheritance claims. The investigation involved South African law enforcement's Hawks unit, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service, with prosecutors alleging the network also used money laundering tactics including shipping electronics and opening U.S. bank accounts to transfer stolen
fincrimecentral.com
· 2026-09-14
Six Nigerian nationals affiliated with the Black Axe organization were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges for defrauding over 100 victims of more than R100 million (approximately $6 million) between 2011 and 2021. The organized scheme involved online deception, identity theft, manipulated payment instructions, and international fund transfers routed from the United States through South African accounts. The defendants face conspiracy and wire fraud charges, with potential sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment.
bignewsnetwork.com
· 2026-09-14
Six Nigerian nationals affiliated with the Black Axe criminal network were extradited from South Africa to the United States in September 2021 to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for operating romance scams that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men, arrested in Cape Town in 2021, allegedly targeted pensioners and businesspeople by establishing fake online relationships and convincing victims to send money. The extradition was coordinated through Interpol as part of broader international efforts to disrupt organized cybercrime networks responsible for romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and fake investment schemes.
ballymoneytimes.co.uk
· 2026-09-14
The Police Service of Northern Ireland and ScamwiseNI are distributing "The Little Book of Big Scams" to senior citizens in Ballymena and Carrickfergus to help them recognize and avoid fraud. The resource covers common scams affecting older adults, including courier fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and rogue traders, providing practical guidance on warning signs and protective measures. The initiative aims to prevent vulnerable residents from becoming victims and potentially losing hundreds of pounds.
newhampshirebulletin.com
· 2026-09-14
Cryptocurrency ATMs have become a major fraud threat in New Hampshire, with scams totaling over $3 million documented by the Hampton Police Department alone and affecting primarily seniors through untraceable transactions. Governor Kelly Ayotte and law enforcement celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 482, which implements new restrictions on crypto kiosks including identity verification, transaction limits of $2,000 per day, a two-day waiting period, and fraud refund requirements—though it stops short of an outright ban. The bill, effective December 16, represents a "first step" in protecting residents from what Detective Raymond Lamy called one of the fastest-growing fraud threats against New Hampshire's senior population.
tulsaflyer.org
· 2026-09-14
Senior citizens in the Tulsa area are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams, particularly on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, with scammers often exploiting trusted relationships and legitimate legal tools such as power of attorney and guardianship. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma warns that seniors, who hold the most wealth in the country, are the easiest demographic to victimize, though many scams are preventable. Seniors can contact Legal Aid free of charge at 1-888-534-5243 or the SPLASH helpline at 855-488-6814 for assistance and legal advice.
dallasexpress.com
· 2026-09-14
Four North Texas boarding home operators were indicted in federal court for exploiting elderly and vulnerable residents through two separate fraud schemes: one involving the fraudulent sale of a 79-year-old woman's home for over $156,000, and another involving the theft of more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits from a deceased resident. Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, and Shakoya Crenshaw face conspiracy and false statement charges in the first case, while Krystle Locke faces theft of government money and identity theft charges in the second case. The defendants allegedly used positions of trust and power of attorney to carry out the schemes involving unlicensed boarding homes.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-14
A North Carolina high school student founded Click With Confidence after his grandfather's business collapsed following a 2022 phishing scam, and the organization now deploys over 30 teenagers to senior centers to educate older adults about fraud recognition and safe technology use. The effort addresses a growing crisis: the FBI recorded 201,266 fraud complaints from Americans 60 and older in 2025 with losses totaling $7.75 billion, while the IRS opened 255 elder fraud investigations from fiscal 2021-2026 involving approximately $885.86 million in alleged fraud. Click With Confidence provides in-person presentations, digital mentorship training, and a browser extension to help seniors identify
gazettengr.com
· 2026-09-14
Ejiroghene Okuma, a U.S.-based financial adviser, was sentenced to seven years in prison for wire fraud after stealing approximately $9 million from an elderly client whose sister's estate he administered. Between February 2022 and January 2023, Okuma exploited his position of trust by opening unauthorized accounts and draining the victim's bank accounts, using the stolen funds to purchase a $5.2 million residence, a $1.4 million beach club membership, and make other luxury purchases. The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to wire fraud and received an additional three years of supervised release following his conviction.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2026-09-14
Senior citizens in Guwahati are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals exploiting their smartphone use through digital arrest scams, fake investment schemes, and malicious APK files, with police reporting 18-20 cases daily. Victims have lost between Rs 45-50 lakh in digital arrest scams, with one individual losing as much as Rs 3.5 crore in investment fraud schemes. Fraudsters impersonate police, RBI officials, and government agencies through WhatsApp and Telegram, using fear tactics and fake refund promises to extract money from elderly residents.
facebook.com
· 2026-09-13
Robin Massing has been accused of defrauding a senior citizen and is facing charges related to theft from a Delaware County Little League team. The article does not provide specific details about the dollar amount involved or the exact nature of the fraud scheme.
military.com
· 2026-09-13
A 37-year-old Indian national on a student visa was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding a Vietnam veteran in Oklahoma through a tech support scam, extracting nearly $65,000 by posing as Microsoft support and a fake federal officer. Chagamreddy was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and also victimized an 87-year-old woman from North Carolina; he will face deportation proceedings after his sentence.
moneywise.com
· 2026-09-13
Scammers are targeting veterans with fraudulent postcards claiming enrollment in a nonexistent "Veterans Savings Program" that promises additional monthly payments of up to $185, then attempting to extract personal information like Social Security numbers and bank account details when victims call. Veterans should discard any postcards mentioning this program and instead contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 to verify benefit information. The FTC and VA recommend using the vsafe.gov website and VSAFE Fraud Hotline (833-38V-SAFE) to report suspected fraud and protect against scams.
transcripts.cnn.com
· 2026-09-13
This transcript is not about elder fraud or scams. It covers President Trump's visit to Ireland for meetings with Irish leaders and attendance at a golf event. While the transcript mentions "Nigerians Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in Romance Scams" in the headline, the actual content provided does not include details about that story. I cannot summarize elder fraud content that is not present in the provided text.
hayspost.com
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in Cape Town in 2021 are being extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for their roles in a romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men are alleged members of the Black Axe criminal network, which targeted pensioners and businesspeople through sophisticated online relationships. They will be handed over to FBI and U.S. Secret Service officials for prosecution in the United States.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-13
A 70-year-old retiree lost over $2,400 (1,800 pounds) in an Amazon impersonation scam after fraudsters called claiming suspicious activity on his account and used social engineering tactics, including a fake verification call and warnings about a compromised IP address, to convince him to authorize 12 separate bank transfers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 96,000 consumers reported being targeted by Amazon impersonators over one year, with almost 6,000 reporting losses totaling over $27 million, and adults 60 and older being four times more likely than younger people to lose money with a median loss of $1,500. The scammers explo
shawlocal.com
· 2026-09-13
This article describes a free community health fair organized by the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition to help older adults prevent falls and stay healthy and independent. The event on September 17 will feature presentations on topics including elder fraud and senior travel, along with local resources, a free breakfast, and interactive demonstrations. No scam, fraud incident, or financial loss is described in this article.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after being targeted by a government impersonation scam in which a fraudster posing as an FTC agent claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammer instructed her to purchase gold and later demanded she cash out her and her deceased husband's pension accounts, threatening arrest if she contacted police. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community camera footage to track him down.
katv.com
· 2026-09-12
The IRS is warning of rising scams targeting seniors ahead of National Grandparents Day, noting that fraud schemes have evolved from local, in-person scams to sophisticated online operations involving perpetrators worldwide who exploit trust to gain access to personal information and bank accounts. Common schemes include romance scams targeting widowers on dating sites and "grandparent scams" where callers pose as grandchildren claiming emergencies and requesting urgent money transfers. Authorities recommend warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for personal or financial information, and pressure to act quickly, and advise victims to immediately cut contact, notify police and banks, and report to resources like the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
moneywise.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after falling victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as FTC agents claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The victim withdrew her own and her deceased husband's pension accounts to pay the scammers in gold and cash as demanded. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community surveillance footage, though it remains unclear whether the victim's money was recovered.
katv.com
· 2026-09-12
The IRS is warning of rising scams targeting seniors ahead of National Grandparents Day, with federal investigators in Little Rock urging families to monitor elderly relatives' finances closely. The scams affecting this population are reportedly common and continuously evolving in their methods.
timescolonist.com
· 2026-09-12
A 61-year-old Victoria man facing eviction after losing money to scammers impersonating Elon Musk was able to stay in his apartment after community fundraising raised over $6,000 to cover his back rent. The victim was targeted for nearly two years while recovering from cancer, with fraudsters promising him a Tesla and $3 million in exchange for regular "tracking" payments. His landlord agreed to accept the arrears and withdraw the eviction notice after the funds were collected.
americanpress.com
· 2026-09-12
Senior citizens are frequent targets of illegal robocalls and text message scams involving government imposters, fake utility threats, package delivery issues, romance scams, virus warnings, and bank fraud schemes. The author describes personal experiences with scams that cost him $500 and nearly cost him another $500, and recommends verification strategies such as independently calling verified numbers and utilizing resources like AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) to combat these schemes.
okayafrica.com
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerian nationals linked to the Black Axe criminal network were extradited to the U.S. to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for an online romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through elaborate fake online relationships. In response to violence against Nigerian migrants in South Africa, Nigeria's parliament indefinitely suspended official visits to the country.
hoodline.com
· 2026-09-12
A 37-year-old Indian student visa holder was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for acting as a courier in a gold fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, including a Delaware County, Oklahoma veteran who lost nearly $100,000 after being tricked by fake Microsoft support and federal officer impersonators into converting cash to gold. Venkateswara Chagamreddy was arrested during an undercover sting after collecting gold from multiple victims across three states within 48 hours, with evidence showing he received real-time instructions and victim photos from co-conspirators. The case reflects a national surge in elder fraud, with gold courier scams alone causing $311.8 million in losses across approximately
scvnews.com
· 2026-09-12
U.S. Representatives Whitesides, Salazar, and Davis introduced the bipartisan Protecting Elders from Wire Fraud Act, which would require financial institutions to place holds up to 90 days on suspicious wire transfers from senior accounts while legitimacy is determined. According to the FTC, $334 million was reported lost to fraudulent wire transfers in 2025 alone, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting. The legislation also directs banks to contact trusted associates when holds are placed and provides liability protection for institutions acting in good faith.
katv.com
· 2026-09-12
The IRS is warning of rising scams targeting seniors ahead of National Grandparents Day, with federal investigators in Little Rock urging families to monitor elderly relatives' finances closely as scams become increasingly common and sophisticated.
okcfox.com
· 2026-09-11
An Indian national on a student visa was sentenced to 30 months in prison for orchestrating a tech support scam targeting a Vietnam veteran in Oklahoma in August 2025. The suspect, Venkateswara Chagamreddy, posed as Microsoft support and a federal officer to convince the elderly victim that his identity had been stolen and connected to federal crimes, ultimately defrauding him into transferring money converted to gold. Chagamreddy was arrested when he arrived to collect the package, and investigators indicate he worked with another individual to defraud multiple victims over a 48-hour period; he was ordered to pay nearly $100,000 in restitution.
ottawapolice.ca
· 2026-09-11
Suspects impersonating Ontario Provincial Police officers and judges have defrauded seniors in Ottawa's Kanata area through a roofing scam, convincing victims to pay tens of thousands of dollars for misrepresented or undelivered services. The Ottawa Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents to be vigilant when contacted by individuals claiming to represent government agencies, law enforcement, or courts. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2026-09-11
Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 37-year-old Indian man on a student visa in Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding an elderly Vietnam veteran in a tech support scam that resulted in the loss of gold and cash. The scheme involved fake Microsoft support, federal officer, and Treasury Department impersonators who convinced the victim to convert money to gold, which Chagamreddy collected in person; he was arrested during a second pickup arranged by law enforcement. Chagamreddy was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and evidence showed he targeted multiple elderly victims across multiple states within 48 hours, collecting gold
hindustantimes.com
· 2026-09-11
Indian student visa holder Venkateswara Chagamreddy, 37, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in an elder fraud scheme targeting elderly people through impersonation scams, including one against a Vietnam veteran from whom he defrauded $99,496. Chagamreddy posed as various officials including Microsoft support, federal officers, and Treasury Department representatives to convince victims to purchase gold and hand over their money, and he traveled across multiple states to collect payments from victims. He was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and faces removal proceedings after completing his sentence.
midislandtimes.com
· 2026-09-11
A 32-year-old Queens woman was arrested for defrauding a 70-year-old victim in an elder scam where the victim was told she was involved in a crime in India and needed to withdraw funds to rectify it. The victim withdrew and wired $919,200 between June 29 and July 27, and was later instructed to purchase an additional $300,000 in gold bars before realizing the fraud and contacting police. The suspect, Tierigeli, was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2026-09-11
Criminals in Australia are tampering with Apple gift cards on supermarket shelves through "card draining," where they open packaging, record card numbers and redemption codes, reseal the packages, and then drain the balance once an unsuspecting customer activates the card by purchasing it. The fraud often goes undetected for weeks or months because gift cards are frequently stored for later use, allowing criminals time to steal the full balance before the purchaser realizes the theft. The scam has been discovered at major supermarkets across multiple Australian states, affecting customers who believe they are buying legitimate products from legitimate retailers.
yahoo.com
· 2026-09-11
Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 37-year-old Indian national on a student visa, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for defrauding a Delaware County Vietnam veteran of approximately $65,000 through a romance/investment scam involving fake gold purchases and fabricated hotel expenses in Hong Kong, with additional attempts to extract $200,000-$500,000 from the victim's retirement accounts. Chagamreddy was also convicted of scamming an 87-year-old North Carolina woman and ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution. The case is part of a broader Department of Justice crackdown on elder fraud that
loganbanner.com
· 2026-09-11
Americans lost a record $9.3 billion to crypto-related scams in 2024, with investment fraud schemes like pig butchering accounting for $5.8 billion of that total, and victims over 60 losing $2.8 billion. Pig butchering scams typically begin with friendly communication and fake trading platforms before victims realize their accounts are fraudulent and their savings are gone. Legal action through lawsuits can help victims recover lost assets by tracing financial transfers and identifying responsible parties through available digital records.
taylorvilledailynews.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in Cape Town in 2021 are being extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for operating romance scams that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men, affiliated with the Black Axe criminal network, targeted pensioners and businesspeople through sophisticated online relationships. Their extradition follows broader Interpol operations against West African organized crime groups involved in cyber-enabled financial fraud.
cnn.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in Cape Town in 2021 are being extradited to the US to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for their involvement in romance scams that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men are allegedly part of the Black Axe criminal network, which is known for cyber-enabled financial fraud targeting victims through fake online relationships. Among the victims were pensioners and businesspeople who were deceived through sophisticated online schemes.