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techflowpost.com
· 2026-02-26
In fraud parks, a single ChatGPT account handles over half of the work.
Author: Kuli, TechFlow
OpenAI recently released a report detailing how individuals have misused ChatGPT for malicious purposes...
buffalospree.com
· 2026-02-26
The time to build security and reduce stress for your loved ones is now, and, while it can seem overwhelming, DIY tools and free community resources are available to help.
Making funeral arrangements...
theindependent.sg
· 2026-02-26
SINGAPORE: A worried son has turned to social media for advice after his elderly mother became entangled in what he believes is a Facebook scam.
On Wednesday (Feb 25), he shared on the r/askSingapore...
channelnewsasia.com
· 2026-02-26
Singapore
Government officials impersonation scam cases jumped 123.6 per cent last year, however.
There were 37,308 scam cases in 2025, a 27.6 per cent drop from the 51,501 cases recorded in 2024. (...
asiaone.com
· 2026-02-26
In 2022, Nurul Shifa found a focus group discussion on Telegram that promised rewards for simply sharing her thoughts.
However, she soon found herself embroiled in an investment scam that saw her nea...
devdiscourse.com
· 2026-02-26
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police have detained three individuals charged with deceiving a 75-year-old woman in a sophisticated digital fraud scheme. The perpetrators, identified as Yoge...
usatoday.com
· 2026-02-25
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams are surging, with victims losing thousands to thousands of dollars to scammers who pose as love interests or impersonate celebrities on dating apps and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. Victims—ranging from individuals to vulnerable populations like the elderly and those dealing with mental health issues—are being manipulated into sending money via gift cards, wire transfers, and cash, with some losing entire retirement savings or monthly mortgage payments. To stay safe, be cautious of online romantic connections who quickly ask for money, verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a celebrity, and never send gift cards or wire money to someone you haven't met in person.
womansworld.com
· 2026-02-25
# Romance Scams Target Midlife Women Seeking Connection
Romance scams prey on emotionally vulnerable people—particularly midlife women seeking companionship—who are targeted online through dating apps, social media, LinkedIn, and text messages by criminals looking to exploit their empathy and access their money. According to AARP's Fraud Watch Network, these scams have nothing to do with intelligence but rather exploit emotional vulnerability, with criminals using flattery and manipulation to build trust before asking for money. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like requests for money, meetings that never happen, and overly quick declarations of love, and if you or a loved one becomes a victim, report it to the AARP Fraud Watch Network for support and guidance.
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.
wdtn.com
· 2026-02-25
# Fraud Scheme Summary
A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his role as a courier in a fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of over $500,000. Victims, predominantly seniors aged 65 and older, were targeted through text messages impersonating customer service representatives or government officials who falsely claimed their bank accounts were compromised and warned of arrest warrants or asset seizure to pressure them into withdrawing large amounts of cash or buying gold bars. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from supposed officials, never withdraw large sums of money based on phone or text claims, verify requests directly with your bank or government agency through official channels, and report suspicious communications to authorities immediately.
carrollspaper.com
· 2026-02-25
# Fraud Prevention Workshop for Seniors
Iowa State University Extension is hosting a free fraud prevention workshop on March 5 aimed at protecting older adults, who are disproportionately targeted by scammers—with elder financial fraud being the most common form of elder abuse affecting over 50 million Americans aged 62 and older. The program will teach participants how to identify warning signs of common scams and learn practical strategies to protect their finances and assets. Anyone age 60+ or their caregivers can register free of charge at www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/stay-independent or by calling 712-792-2364.
newsnationnow.com
· 2026-02-25
A major international elder fraud network was dismantled in St. Louis, involving scammers who posed as computer tech support to convince elderly victims their retirement accounts were compromised, then sent local couriers to collect their life savings converted into gold bars. Five people, including 23-year-old courier Dariona Lambert, pleaded guilty to the scheme that defrauded seniors across ten states of millions of dollars. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited pop-up warnings about compromised accounts, never give out personal information to callers claiming to be tech support, and be suspicious if anyone requests you pick up or deliver packages from elderly people or government agencies—legitimate businesses don't operate this way.
amac.us
· 2026-02-25
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with nearly $3 billion from government imposter scams where criminals pose as Social Security Administration officials to steal money or personal information. Seniors are deliberately targeted through threats of arrest or promises of benefit increases, with scammers demanding payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The key protection: legitimate government employees will never threaten you or demand immediate payment, so anyone receiving such communications should hang up, ignore it, and report it at ssa.gov/scam.
latimes.com
· 2026-02-25
The Los Angeles Times reports on active scam operations targeting elderly residents across Southern California. Authorities are seeking public help identifying suspects involved in coordinated schemes that use distraction tactics, impersonation, and social engineering to defraud older adults of their savings. The cases highlight the scale of organized elder fraud in the LA region.
katc.com
· 2026-02-24
# Scam Alert Summary
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office has reported a recent surge in scams that have cost victims hundreds of thousands of dollars, though some attempts were successfully prevented. Both adults and elderly residents have been targeted, with the Adult and Elderly Services Unit actively investigating these crimes. To protect yourself, the sheriff's office recommends following their posted safety tips and remaining vigilant about unsolicited contact, unusual payment requests, and offers that seem too good to be true.
fox2now.com
· 2026-02-24
A network of international fraudsters operating an elder scam has been dismantled in St. Louis, with five people pleading guilty to targeting elderly victims through fake computer tech support warnings and stealing millions in converted gold bars. The scheme involved overseas criminals recruiting local couriers—like 23-year-old Dariona Lambert who was caught picking up nearly $1 million from a St. Louis senior—to collect victims' life savings from their homes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited pop-up warnings about compromised accounts, never give personal information to callers claiming to be tech support, and alert authorities if asked to withdraw large sums or handle suspicious packages.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-24
A St. Louis-based elder fraud ring that operated internationally has been dismantled, with five people pleading guilty including 23-year-old Dariona Lambert, who served as a "courier" picking up victims' life savings converted to gold bars. The scheme typically began with fake computer tech support pop-ups warning of compromised accounts, followed by persistent psychological manipulation to convince elderly victims to withdraw their savings. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited pop-up warnings about compromised accounts, hang up on unexpected tech support calls, and question any requests for large cash withdrawals or unusual deliveries—legitimate companies never ask you to convert money to gold bars or meet strangers for cash pickups.
aol.com
· 2026-02-24
A major fraud ring operating in Texas stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them with arrest to coerce them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The scheme is part of a growing crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports and losing nearly $2.4 billion to scams in 2024 alone. To protect yourself and elderly relatives, remain skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages from officials making threats, remember that legitimate authorities won't demand payment by gift card or wire transfer, and verify any official claims by contacting the agency directly using a number from their official website.
localnewsmatters.org
· 2026-02-24
Two men have been sentenced to nearly four years in prison in Marin County for posing as licensed roofing contractors and defrauding elderly homeowners out of over $340,000 in 2024. The scammers, who targeted seniors ages 78-85, used fake business cards, invoices, and websites to convince victims to sign contracts and pay large down payments for roof repairs that were never completed. To protect yourself, authorities recommend verifying any contractor's license through California's Department of Consumer Affairs website before agreeing to any work or making payments.
republicworld.com
· 2026-02-24
An Indian national named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, who overstayed his student visa, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars. Working as a courier for an international scam operation, Sathawane visited victims' homes to collect cash and gold after they were deceived into believing their retirement savings were at risk, personally handling over $6.6 million in stolen assets across multiple states over four months. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls or visits claiming their assets are in danger, verify such claims directly with their financial institutions using official contact numbers, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately.
reviewonline.com
· 2026-02-24
Ohio's Attorney General is launching a statewide campaign partnering with banks, healthcare providers, and pharmacies to help identify and stop financial exploitation of elderly people before it happens, since seniors are particularly vulnerable to scams and fraud. Front-line professionals like bank tellers, doctors, and pharmacists will receive training to spot warning signs such as unusual withdrawals or sudden changes in financial behavior. If you know an older person at risk, the article advises talking to them about potential scams, helping them understand what to watch for, and offering support if they need to report abuse.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-24
# Fraud Summary
A Texas crime ring stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The FTC reports that fraud targeting seniors has surged, with people over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports in 2024 and losing approximately $2.4 billion to scams. To protect yourself and older relatives, be wary of unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to be government officials, especially those creating urgency or threatening arrest—legitimate authorities will never demand immediate payment or asset transfers over the phone.
indiatoday.in
· 2026-02-24
A 23-year-old Indian national, Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2025 for his role in wire fraud and money laundering schemes targeting senior citizens in the United States. The case has recently resurfaced on social media, where MAGA-aligned commentators have used it to push anti-immigrant rhetoric and criticize Biden-era immigration policies, claiming it demonstrates systematic fraud by foreign nationals. To protect yourself, seniors should be cautious about unsolicited calls or requests for personal information, verify caller identity independently, and report suspicious activity to authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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.
thecsrjournal.in
· 2026-02-23
An Indian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for defrauding elderly Florida residents out of $6.6 million by posing as a trusted authority figure and convincing victims to buy gold bars under false pretenses. The scam specifically targeted vulnerable seniors who surrendered their life savings, part of a larger problem in Florida where elder fraud victims lost over $33 million last year to similar schemes. The FBI warns consumers to verify any unsolicited requests for money or investments independently through official channels before sending funds.
newsweek.com
· 2026-02-23
The U.S. Treasury Department recently sanctioned a timeshare fraud network allegedly run by Mexico's CJNG cartel, which has been systematically defrauding American retirees through high-pressure call centers that drain their savings. The cartel, led by "El Mencho" who was recently killed by Mexican forces, has diversified beyond drug trafficking into various scams targeting Americans, including elder fraud and cryptocurrency schemes. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited calls about timeshare properties and luxury vacation deals, verify any offers independently through official channels, and never provide personal financial information to unknown callers.
the420.in
· 2026-02-23
# Article Summary
A 23-year-old Indian national living illegally in the U.S. on an overstayed student visa was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans across multiple states. Working as a courier for a larger conspiracy based in India, Sathawane made at least 33 trips to victims' homes between summer and fall 2025, collecting over $6.6 million in cash and gold by convincing seniors to liquidate their retirement accounts under false pretenses. To protect yourself: elderly Americans should be wary of unsolicited calls or visitors pressuring them to convert savings to cash or gold, verify any financial advice through trusted sources, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
english.tupaki.com
· 2026-02-23
A 23-year-old Indian man named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that victimized elderly Americans, causing approximately $15 million in losses. Sathawane acted as a courier in the operation, collecting cash and gold that elderly victims had been tricked into liquidating from their retirement savings, then delivering the valuables to co-conspirators overseas. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited offers involving liquidating savings or converting assets to cash or gold, verify any financial advice through independent sources, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
financialexpress.com
· 2026-02-23
# Fraud Scheme Summary
A 23-year-old Indian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of approximately $6 million. Operating as a "courier," he convinced seniors to liquidate their retirement accounts and hand over cash and gold, which he then delivered to co-conspirators based in India. Elderly citizens should be cautious of unsolicited requests to withdraw retirement funds or hand over valuables, and should report suspicious activity to authorities immediately—it was a victim's suspicion that helped law enforcement break the case.
salemnews.net
· 2026-02-23
Ohio's Attorney General is leading a statewide campaign partnering with banks, pharmacies, and healthcare providers to help detect and prevent financial exploitation of elderly residents, who are often vulnerable to scams and fraud. Frontline professionals like bank tellers, pharmacists, and healthcare workers are being trained to recognize warning signs such as unusual withdrawals or sudden changes in financial behavior, and to encourage victims to report abuse. If you suspect an elderly person is being exploited, reach out to them directly, educate them about common scams, and offer support in reporting the crime to authorities.
knoxtntoday.com
· 2026-02-23
Two Knox County men lost a combined $500,000 in a sophisticated Bitcoin scam after clicking on a deceptive Facebook advertisement, with one man losing his entire life savings of $375,000. Detective Wayne Doster spent months investigating the international fraud ring operated from Malaysia, ultimately leading to the arrest of Lee Kah Poh, a Malaysian national who came to Tennessee to collect the money. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities on social media, never click links from unknown sources, and verify any investment through official channels before sending money.
ctbythenumbers.news
· 2026-02-22
Connecticut and other U.S. states are facing a surge in financial cybercrimes, with 57,000 Americans falling victim to scams daily and losing nearly $160 billion annually—seniors are particularly vulnerable, losing an average of $33,000 per victim compared to non-seniors. International crime syndicates, primarily operating from Southeast Asia, orchestrate industrial-scale fraud operations including romance scams, imposter scams, and phishing schemes, with stolen funds quickly converted to untraceable cryptocurrency, making prosecution difficult. While state-level awareness campaigns and protective tips can help, Connecticut and the nation need stronger measures to combat these coordinated international criminal operations targeting vulnerable Americans.
mocoshow.com
· 2026-02-22
# Fraud Alert Summary
International call centers operating from India defrauded hundreds of Americans out of nearly $49 million since 2022 through government impersonation and tech support scams, with Maryland residents losing over $6 million. Law enforcement in Maryland and India dismantled the operations and arrested multiple perpetrators, though authorities warn the scams continue to target vulnerable people, particularly seniors. To protect yourself, authorities advise being skeptical of unsolicited calls, texts, or pop-ups demanding urgent payment, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never call demanding money or threatening arrest.
butlereagle.com
· 2026-02-22
Senator Elder Vogel Jr. is hosting a free educational seminar on March 9 at the Cranberry Township Senior Center to help protect seniors from fraud and scams, featuring guidance from the state attorney general's office on warning signs and prevention strategies. The event is open to the public and will also cover nursing home abuse warning signs. Interested attendees can register by calling Vogel's Rochester district office at 724-774-0444, though registration is not required.
boothbayregister.com
· 2026-02-21
People over 50 are particularly vulnerable to fraud, with over $11 million reported in scams during just a nine-month period in 2025, according to a presentation by Coastal Maine Regional Broadband and local police. Most scams involve impostors contacting victims through email, text, or phone with urgent messages designed to cloud judgment, sometimes building fake relationships over time to gain trust. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying unexpected contacts directly with the person, avoiding clicking links or sharing passwords, watching for language errors and mismatched email addresses, and declining friend requests from people already in your network.
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.
centralmaine.com
· 2026-02-21
Online romance scams exploit people's desire for genuine connection by creating fake profiles with stolen photos and elaborate backstories, sometimes targeting vulnerable populations like seniors and LGBTQ+ individuals by using circumstances (like living in hostile countries) that justify secrecy and distance. These scams are sophisticated and patient operations designed to build emotional trust over months before requesting money, making victims feel foolish for falling for them—but the con artists are deliberately manipulating basic human needs rather than relying on victims' stupidity. To protect yourself, use reverse image searches to verify photos, be skeptical of requests for money or secrecy from online connections, and remember that scammers are skilled manipulators who prey on loneliness and the universal desire for love.
fox8live.com
· 2026-02-21
Two scammers, Kenneth Akpieyi and Emuobosan Emmanuella Hall, were sentenced to over three decades in prison for orchestrating a romance fraud scheme that targeted vulnerable widows over 60, stealing nearly $10 million across multiple victims. The victims, including a 77-year-old woman from Louisiana who lost over $100,000, were approached through social media by the fraudsters who posed as romantic interests. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly request money or financial information, verify identities through video calls, and never send money to people you haven't met in person—especially if they claim to need emergency funds or have investment opportunities.
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.
wehoonline.com
· 2026-02-21
A West Hollywood man named James Kantor was sentenced to over four years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme targeting elderly and deceased people, where conspirators forged wills and trust documents to steal estates. The scheme began when one member of the group broke into homes of vulnerable people, and after discovering a deceased resident, the conspirators used stolen personal information to fraudulently access and transfer assets. If you have elderly relatives, especially those you're not in frequent contact with, regularly check in on them and monitor their financial accounts and important documents for suspicious activity.
the-sun.com
· 2026-02-21
Two men were sentenced to federal prison for running a sophisticated online romance scam that defrauded 31 elderly women, primarily widows, of nearly $10 million. The scammers created fake identities as military generals, engineers, and other professionals on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, then manipulated victims into sending money under false pretenses such as emergency repairs or business ventures. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic connections with people you've never met in person, verify identities through video calls, and never send money to strangers regardless of their claimed circumstances.
amac.us
· 2026-02-21
Foreign-based scam operations are increasingly targeting seniors, stealing billions of dollars annually by exploiting vulnerable populations and weak international law enforcement. AMAC, a senior advocacy organization with over 2 million members, is supporting HR 5490, the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act, which aims to strengthen enforcement against overseas fraud rings and improve coordination among federal agencies. Seniors should be cautious about unsolicited phone calls and emails, and they can help protect themselves by verifying caller identities and reporting suspicious contact to authorities.
1440wrok.com
· 2026-02-21
# Spring Break Travel Scam Warning
The Rockford Better Business Bureau is alerting consumers to a surge in travel fraud schemes targeting spring break planners, with scammers creating fake vacation rental listings, fraudulent booking sites, and sham travel agencies to exploit the increased demand for premium vacations. So far this year, 159 travel scams have cost consumers nearly $55,000 locally, while the FTC reports that travel scams nationwide resulted in over $122 million in losses in 2023 alone. To protect yourself, the BBB advises thoroughly researching travel companies before booking, avoiding suspicious deals that seem too good to be true, and being cautious about upfront payments and requests for personal information on third-party booking sites.
inkl.com
· 2026-02-21
Your Social Security number is highly valuable to criminals who can use it to commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, and file fake tax returns, yet many Americans share it too freely without realizing the risk until damage occurs. Scammers use convincing tactics like impersonating government agencies through calls, creating fake emails and text messages that look legitimate to pressure people into revealing their SSN. To protect yourself, never share your Social Security number in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts—instead, hang up and call official numbers directly from verified sources, delete suspicious emails, and avoid clicking links from unknown senders.
bankinfosecurity.com
· 2026-02-21
Cambodia shut down approximately 190 online scam centers and arrested 11,000 foreign nationals in a major crackdown on transnational fraud operations that were running romance and investment scams on a massive scale, generating tens of billions of dollars annually for criminal gangs. The scam centers, which primarily operated in Phnom Penh and southern Cambodia, exploited trafficked and forced workers to defraud victims, with prominent targets including Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Holding Group, who was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for overseeing multiple compounds since 2015. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify the legitimacy of financial institutions directly through official channels, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
tpr.org
· 2026-02-20
San Antonio's Department of Human Services is expanding fraud and abuse protections for seniors following a council member's request prompted by a rise in scams targeting elderly residents in the area. Scammers have been impersonating utility companies and solar firms to trick seniors into signing contracts for loans exceeding $95,000, sometimes resulting in liens on their properties. With over 316,000 residents aged 65+ in Bexar County and over 1,100 exploitation allegations reported in 2024, the city plans to increase preventative messaging and regularly report on elder fraud cases to council members.
paysonroundup.com
· 2026-02-20
# Elder Fraud Summary
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center tracked a significant number of elder fraud complaints in 2023, with one notable case involving a Payson woman who became a victim while attempting to safeguard her life savings. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to various scams that can result in serious financial losses. To protect yourself or elderly relatives, be cautious about unsolicited requests for money or personal information, verify callers' identities independently, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
carrollspaper.com
· 2026-02-20
# Fraud Prevention Program for Seniors
Iowa State University Extension is hosting a free fraud prevention workshop on March 5, 2026, in Carroll to help seniors and their caregivers protect themselves from financial scams, which disproportionately target older adults—elder financial fraud is the most common form of elder abuse affecting millions of Americans age 62 and older. The program will teach participants how to identify common scams, recognize warning signs, and implement protective strategies for their finances. Interested attendees must pre-register by contacting the Carroll County Extension Office at 712-792-2364 or through the Iowa State Extension website.
paysonroundup.com
· 2026-02-20
Police arrested two individuals in connection with a gold scam targeting a Payson woman who was deceived into surrendering her life savings to fraudsters posing as government agents investigating identity theft. The scam is part of a broader pattern of elder fraud that the FBI has been tracking, with the Internet Crime Complaint Center receiving numerous complaints about similar schemes in 2023. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, never send money or valuables to unknown parties, and verify any official investigation directly with the actual agency through their official phone number.
wrenews.com
· 2026-02-20
A Texas real estate investor named Devin Ward Elder pleaded guilty to defrauding approximately 345 investors out of $69.5 million between 2023 and 2025 through his company DJE Texas Management Group LLC, which offered investments in apartments, commercial properties, and other real estate projects. Elder used a classic Ponzi scheme, paying some investors with money from other investors while falsely claiming high returns with low risk, and eventually halted payments in March 2025 when the scheme collapsed. Investors should be extremely cautious of investment opportunities promising unusually high returns with minimal risk, verify that investment firms are properly registered and regulated, and request detailed documentation about where their money is actually being invested.