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This article is not about elder fraud or abuse. Governor Spencer Cox's proposed 2026 Utah state budget includes the WISE Initiative, which would eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits for over 150,000 seniors and make targeted investments in senior services including home-based care, food access, and fraud prevention protections. The article focuses on general budget recommendations and senior support policies rather than reporting on specific fraud incidents or elder abuse cases.

Harold Richardson, 75, from Kent, lost £4,000 in a Microsoft impersonation phone scam in which fraudsters convinced him to grant remote access to his computer, allowing them to steal personal information and banking details. Though he eventually recovered most of the money, the process was lengthy and caused significant stress. The article notes that phone scams are widespread in Britain, with adults aged 35-55 actually losing the largest average amounts (£1,826), and recommends using the "Stop, Check, and Call Back" method to verify unexpected callers before sharing any personal information.

I cannot provide a summary of this content because the text provided appears to be only a website navigation menu and header structure from a local news station (KFYR-TV), not the actual article content about Medicare enrollment scams. To summarize the article for the Elderus database, please provide the full body text of the "ND Today - Medicare Enrollment Scams" article that is referenced in the title dated November 29, 2024.

Romance scams cost Australians $201 million annually and involve scammers creating fake identities to build trust through love bombing and manipulation before requesting money for investments, travel, or emergencies. People with acquired brain injuries are particularly vulnerable to these scams, with over half of surveyed clinicians reporting clients affected, because they struggle to recognize red flags and assess complex social situations. While romance scams cause significant financial loss, the emotional trauma—including shame and difficulty accepting the relationship was fake—can be equally or more damaging, though sharing survivor experiences can reduce stigma and help prevent future victimization.

Romance scams cost Australians A$201 million last year, with scammers using fake identities and emotional manipulation through dating platforms and social media to exploit victims. People with acquired brain injuries are particularly vulnerable, with over half of surveyed clinicians reporting clients affected by romance scams, as cognitive difficulties make it harder to recognize red flags and complex manipulation tactics. Sharing experiences from survivors with brain injuries can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help prevent future scams.

Scammers stole over $1.6 billion from victims in the first five months of 2024—a 20% increase from 2023—though actual numbers are higher due to underreporting. Researcher Nichole Lighthall at UCF's Adult Development and Decision Lab found that while most older adults recognize scams as a problem, they feel disempowered to prevent them, and scams range from minor losses of $50 to financially catastrophic amounts. Lighthall's research aims to empower seniors with knowledge and solutions, noting that modern scammers use increasingly relentless tactics like impersonation texts, robo-calls, and social engineering because

During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by falsely claiming they need Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank account details for new cards or fake medical equipment claims. Medicare never unexpectedly contacts beneficiaries to request personal information, sell coverage, or charge for cards, and consumers should hang up suspicious calls and verify by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or report scams to that same number.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Experts advise that legitimate Medicare programs and private insurers rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited, and recommend hanging up on suspicious callers, avoiding robocalls, and contacting insurers directly through official toll-free numbers to verify requests. Caregivers should help elderly relatives enroll early to avoid deadline pressure, which makes people more vulnerable to scams.

During Medicare's open enrollment period (through Dec. 7), the Federal Trade Commission warns of scammers impersonating Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by requesting Medicare numbers, bank account details, or credit card information under false pretenses such as issuing new cards or processing fake medical equipment claims. Seniors should never share personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to be from Medicare, verify suspicious calls by hanging up and dialing Medicare's official number (1-800-633-4227), and treat Medicare numbers with the same protection as credit cards.

During Medicare's open enrollment period, seniors become vulnerable to scammers who exploit the need for personal information by impersonating Medicare officials, offering fraudulent card replacements, and promoting fake supplemental coverage plans. A 2023 data breach of 900,000+ Medicare beneficiaries' information from contractor Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation highlighted the risks, though Medicare has since implemented protective measures like the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier to replace Social Security numbers on cards. To protect themselves, seniors should shield government ID numbers, access Medicare.gov directly rather than through suspicious links, and be wary of unsolicited calls or visits claiming to represent Medicare.

**Article:** "Senior Citizens Targeted by Technology Scams: How to Identify and Protect Against Fraud" by Beth Swift, Washington Evening Journal Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by technology scams including impersonation fraud, prize/sweepstakes schemes, tech support scams, charity fraud, and IRS threats, with older adults disproportionately victimized because they typically have savings and good credit. The article identifies key warning signs—unsolicited contact, artificial urgency, requests for money or personal information, unrealistic offers, and poor communication quality—and advises seniors to verify caller identity independently, never share sensitive information, consult trusted contacts before responding to requests

During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by falsely claiming beneficiaries need to provide Medicare, Social Security, or bank account numbers for new cards or medical equipment claims. Medicare never unexpectedly contacts beneficiaries by phone, email, text, or social media to request personal information, sell coverage, or collect payment for cards. Beneficiaries should hang up on suspicious calls, verify directly with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, and report scams to the same number or their local Senior Medicare Patrol.

An educational meeting was held in Memphis where the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs taught seniors about common scams targeting older adults. Key advice included being skeptical of unsolicited calls, never sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers, and hanging up on suspicious contacts. The top scams affecting seniors include government imposter calls (especially during Medicare enrollment), fake tech support, sweepstakes scams, and grandchild-in-distress schemes, with scammers exploiting emotional manipulation and targeting older adults for their typically greater assets.

Identity theft and fraud affect Americans at alarming rates, with the FTC estimating true losses at $137 billion in 2022 despite only $9 billion being officially reported, prompting AARP to urge stronger consumer protections before Capitol Hill lawmakers. Veterans face particular vulnerability, with one in three targeted by scammers who impersonated the VA or pitched fraudulent investments, resulting in $477 million in reported losses in 2023. The article provides practical prevention advice for common scams including holiday shopping fraud, solar panel schemes, and veteran-targeted impersonation scams, recommending consumers type website addresses directly, verify offers through trusted sources, and research companies before providing personal information or

Pennsylvania SNAP recipients received fraudulent text messages claiming their EBT cards were deactivated and requesting they call a provided number to reactivate them, according to a warning from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The scam aimed to steal personal and financial information through identity theft, as the DHS confirmed it never requests such information via text message. Residents who receive suspicious texts about benefits should report them to the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-347-8477.

During Medicare open enrollment season (October 15 – December 7, 2025), scammers pose as Medicare representatives to target seniors in Rutherford County, Tennessee, using fake calls, phishing attempts, and impersonation schemes to steal personal information and financial details. Common tactics include requesting Medicare numbers or credit cards under the guise of "updating" information, falsely claiming Part D coverage is mandatory, and using scare tactics about benefit cancellation. Seniors should never provide personal information to unsolicited callers and instead verify directly with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or use legitimate resources like Medicare.gov or Tennessee's SHIP program for enrollment assistance.

**Summary:** New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning about health insurance scams targeting residents during open enrollment periods, which spike as New Yorkers seek coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace (open through January 31, 2025). Scammers use fear tactics threatening cancellation of Medicaid or other coverage unless payment is provided, phishing schemes offering gift cards to update accounts, and false claims that fees are required to enroll in state health programs—tactics that legitimate government agencies never employ. New Yorkers are advised to use only official channels like NY State of Health website or 1-855-355-5777 to enroll and to report suspected fraud to the Attorney

A 74-year-old woman in Hyderabad lost ₹37.9 lakh in retirement savings to a fake money laundering account scam, while a 63-year-old man lost ₹50 lakh to a WhatsApp stock trading fraud—part of a rising trend of sophisticated cyber crimes targeting India's elderly population. Research and expert analysis reveal that older adults are particularly vulnerable because they often underestimate their cognitive decline, experience reduced cognitive flexibility and increased impulsivity, and may be unaware of these changes, while scammers deliberately target lonely seniors and exploit emotional manipulation and false profit promises. India's estimated 3.8 million people living with dem

Veterans are frequently targeted by scammers using schemes such as VA loan refinancing scams, pension poaching, romance scams, and fake veteran charity frauds. The article provides protective measures including: never sharing personal information or sending money to unknown parties, resisting pressure to act quickly, consulting trusted contacts before responding to offers, verifying charities through organizations like the Better Business Bureau, and obtaining benefit information directly from state veterans' affairs agencies.

**Summary:** New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about health insurance scams during the 2024-2025 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which runs through January 31, 2025 (with December 15 deadline for January 1 coverage). Common scams include fraudsters threatening cancellation of Medicaid or coverage unless payment is provided, phishing scams offering gift cards to "update" accounts, and charging fees to enroll in marketplace insurance, none of which legitimate government agencies do. The Attorney General advises New Yorkers to use only official channels like NY State of Health (1-855-355-5777) for free enrollment assistance

Facebook accounts for two-thirds of purchase fraud losses in the UK, with research from TSB revealing the platform was responsible for 67% of purchase fraud cases by volume in 2024. Common scams include fake pet sales, non-existent electronics, concert and sports tickets, and cloned websites, with £42 million lost to purchase fraud in the first half of 2024 alone—averaging 375 cases daily. TSB recommends consumers use reputable websites, meet sellers in person before purchasing, and pay by card for maximum consumer protection, particularly during high-shopping periods like Black Friday and Christmas.

In 2023, cyberscammers stole $477 million from veterans, military personnel, and their spouses—a $63 million increase from 2022—affecting 30,948 military members, according to FTC data. Common scams targeting this population include romance scams (the most prevalent, costing over $40 million in 2020), veterans' benefit scams offering fraudulent benefit increases, phishing emails impersonating government agencies or the IRS, and rental property scams. The article provides details on these five major scam types and advises military members to be cautious of unsolicited offers and suspicious communications requesting personal information or upfront

From July 2023 to June 2024, the Department of Justice pursued over 300 enforcement actions against 700+ defendants who stole nearly $700 million from 225,000 elder fraud victims, while recovering $31 million and providing services to 230,000+ older adults. Investment scams caused the highest losses at $1.2 billion, followed by tech support scams ($590 million), business email compromise ($382 million), romance scams ($357 million), and government impersonation scams ($180 million), with the DOJ's National Elder Fraud Hotline receiving over 50,000 calls in the past year.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls, texts, and emails to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Medicare and most private insurers will not initiate unsolicited phone contact; instead, beneficiaries should expect written letters and can verify communications by calling official toll-free numbers directly. Older adults and caregivers should avoid providing personal information to unexpected callers, be wary of robocalls, start enrollment early to reduce deadline pressure, and consult reputable sources like Medicare.gov or state health insurance assistance programs.

Deepfake scams use AI to create hyper-realistic fake videos, audio, and images to defraud individuals and financial institutions, with approximately 3% of KYC fraud cases already involving deepfakes. Fraudsters exploit emotional manipulation by impersonating loved ones in distress calls requesting money or by creating fake identities to bypass security checks. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting the person directly, watch for audio-video lag in video calls, request official email follow-ups from known domains, limit personal information on social media, and use deepfake detection tools.

Senior citizens in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are demanding that election candidates address their key concerns, including improved healthcare services, timely pension disbursements, enhanced security measures, and digital literacy programs to protect against online fraud and cybercrime. The elderly are also advocating for better recreational spaces, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and dedicated senior citizen facilities, noting that candidates have largely overlooked their needs in favor of youth-focused policies.

Scammers are targeting British senior residents with phishing text messages falsely claiming winter heating allowance and cost-of-living support payments, directing them to fake GOV.UK websites that harvest personal and payment information. The campaign exploits recent UK government cuts to Winter Fuel Payments and uses approximately 597 unique domains disguised with lookalike GOV.UK addresses, with the phishing sites strategically designed to display only on mobile devices. The UK Police Regional Organised Crime Unit has warned pensioners to be vigilant against these fraudulent messages impersonating government departments.

The Better Business Bureau is warning seniors about two prevalent scams: holiday shopping scams involving fraudulent package delivery texts (which should never be clicked) and Medicare enrollment scams where criminals steal seniors' Medicare numbers and make fraudulent claims. The BBB advises seniors to verify package issues directly with retailers and monitor Medicare statements for unauthorized services or equipment, and is hosting an educational event in Baldwin County to help prevent victimization.

Attorney General Keith Ellison warned Minnesota veterans about "claim shark" scams operating before Veterans Day, in which unauthorized individuals and companies illegally charge veterans large fees or a percentage of benefit increases to assist with VA benefit claims they falsely promise to expedite or guarantee. Claim sharks use aggressive advertising, deceptive contracts, and high-pressure tactics while impersonating authorized representatives, and veterans can protect themselves by using only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Organization representatives who offer free assistance and by never sharing login credentials or signing contracts outside official VA representation forms.

The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers are sending phishing emails directing travelers to fake TSA PreCheck websites to steal enrollment and renewal fees. Travelers can avoid this scam by remembering that first-time TSA PreCheck applications require in-person payment at a TSA enrollment center, while renewals are only conducted online at the official site tsa.gov/precheck.

During Medicare open enrollment season, seniors become vulnerable to scams impersonating Medicare, where fraudsters use stolen Medicare numbers to order unauthorized products and services or harvest personal information. Experts advise seniors to be suspicious of unsolicited contact about Medicare plans, review benefit statements for fraudulent charges, and pause before providing personal information or making payments, especially when feeling pressured near enrollment deadlines. Resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network offer free support for scam victims to identify fraud and recover compromised identities.

During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and Medicare numbers from beneficiaries through unsolicited calls and high-pressure tactics, sometimes fraudulently claiming extra benefits for early enrollment or offering unnecessary services. AARP Pennsylvania advises beneficiaries to review Medicare statements carefully, reject unsolicited offers, and verify that legitimate contact comes only after they initiate calls to Medicare, with scams reportable to law enforcement or AARP's fraud hotline at 1-877-908-3360.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls and texts to pressure older adults into disclosing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. The National Council on Aging advises that legitimate Medicare programs do not make unsolicited calls and warns against providing personal information over the phone; instead, recipients should hang up and call back directly through official toll-free numbers, and caregivers should help seniors plan coverage early to avoid deadline pressure.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers impersonate Medicare officials and insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to steal Social Security numbers and sensitive information from older adults. According to the National Council on Aging, legitimate Medicare and private insurance companies rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited—communications typically come by mail—so recipients should hang up on unexpected callers asking for personal information and instead call back through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers and older adults can protect themselves by starting enrollment early to avoid deadline pressure, verifying contacts through Medicare.gov or state health insurance assistance programs, and trusting their instincts when interactions seem suspicious.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Experts advise that legitimate Medicare and private insurance companies rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited, and recommend hanging up on suspicious callers, avoiding automated calls, and verifying contacts directly through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers should help seniors enroll early to avoid deadline pressure that makes them vulnerable to fraud.

As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers impersonate Medicare officials and insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Medicare and its private insurance partners (like Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna) will not initiate contact by phone, and recipients should hang up on unsolicited callers asking for personal information and instead call back directly through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers should help seniors start their coverage selection early to avoid deadline pressure, verify information through reputable sources like medicare.gov, and remain cautious of phishing emails, texts, and robocalls.

Electronic benefit fraud targeting South Carolina's SNAP program has surged dramatically, with reported cases increasing from 302 in August to 1,962 in October, affecting thousands of low-income households who depend on food assistance. North Charleston resident Rawshawn Clark lost $632 in benefits to unauthorized charges, and victims face challenges reclaiming stolen funds and accessing alternative resources while waiting for replacement benefits. The South Carolina Department of Social Services recommends SNAP users download the official Connect EBT app, change their PIN regularly, monitor charges closely, and report fraud within 30 days to the toll-free line (1-800-554-5268) to recover stolen benefits.

Baby boomers are increasingly returning to work in various capacities rather than fully retiring, creating demand for financial services tailored to gig work and consulting income. Simultaneously, elder financial fraud has become a critical issue, with Americans over 60 losing over $38 billion in 2023 to financial exploitation—triple the 2022 amount—with tech support scams being the most common type reported. Adult children are increasingly taking on responsibility for managing aging parents' finances, with 80% of consumers interested in digital tools that provide fraud alerts, spending controls, and financial monitoring, representing a potential $2 billion annual revenue opportunity for financial institutions offering Senior Financial Management services.

Social Security scams target retirees by impersonating government agencies to steal personal information or demand immediate payment under threat of legal action or benefit suspension. Common tactics include creating false urgency, requesting payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and demanding secrecy. Victims should hang up immediately, file reports with the Office of the Inspector General and Social Security Administration (800-269-0271), and contact the three major credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on their accounts.

Scammers are targeting seniors during Medicare open enrollment (deadline December 7) by calling or texting them to help choose plans, then requesting personal information including Medicare ID numbers. The Better Business Bureau warns seniors to never share Medicare IDs, only work with trusted professionals, and remember that Medicare never initiates contact—seniors must reach out to Medicare themselves.

BBC Scam Safe Week is a multi-platform educational initiative launching programs across television, radio, and online to help the public recognize and avoid scams, which have become increasingly prevalent during the cost-of-living crisis. Expert contributors highlight that "pig butchering" romance-to-investment scams are currently the most profitable fraud scheme, with victims losing tens of thousands of pounds or more, and emphasize that people of all ages—particularly 16-34 year-olds—are vulnerable targets. The campaign stresses that self-education is essential since authorities can only convict 0.1% of fraud cases, and that scamming has become a sophisticated criminal enterprise rather than isolated incidents.

Tamil Nadu police issued a warning about a pension scam targeting senior citizens, in which fraudsters impersonate government officials and trick pensioners into sharing bank details or scanning QR codes under the pretense of facilitating pension benefits like old age or widow pensions. Between January and October 2024, approximately 28 complaints were filed regarding this scam, resulting in financial losses when money is debited from victims' accounts instead of pension payments being received. Police advised pensioners to verify caller identities, avoid sharing personal information over the phone, never scan QR codes from unknown sources, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.

The Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police warned of an impersonation scam targeting pensioners, in which fraudsters pose as government officials to extract bank details and personal information through phone calls, QR codes, and WhatsApp screen-sharing requests. Between January and October 2024, approximately 28 complaints were reported to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, with victims experiencing unauthorized debits from their accounts after providing sensitive financial information. Senior citizens relying on pensions are particularly vulnerable to this scam, facing both significant financial losses and emotional distress.

During Medicare open enrollment, seniors are targeted by scammers through unsolicited phone calls, texts, and phishing links seeking their Medicare numbers, which are as sensitive as Social Security numbers. Common tactics include offering lower plan prices, requesting payment for plan selection help, or promising free gifts in exchange for personal information. The Better Business Bureau advises seniors to hang up on unsolicited callers, verify requests directly with legitimate companies like Healthcare.gov or Medicare, and watch for red flags such as pressure to act immediately or offers that seem too good to be true.

Citizens Advice research found that approximately 9 million people in the UK (18% of the population) fell victim to financial scams in the past year, with over three-quarters of victims exposed through social media. The most common scams included fake debt advice (3 million affected), friend-in-need scams (2.5 million), pension scams (2.5 million), investment scams (2.5 million), and parking QR code fraud (2.5 million), with one cryptocurrency trading scam victim losing his savings, home, and health after being pressured into a fake trading platform.

Hundreds of pensioners lost their life savings to pension scammers in recent years, with 559 reported cases in the last year resulting in £17.75 million in losses and an average loss of £46,959 per victim. Pension scams take various forms—including fake pension reviews, unauthorized early withdrawals, and fraudulent transfer schemes—and have proliferated through social media and online advertising, exacerbated by economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis. Experts argue the UK's pension fraud reporting system is inadequate and call for greater preventative measures and bank protections for vulnerable older customers.

An Australian couple lost $1,000 from their Centrelink payments after scammers impersonating a charity deceived them into providing sensitive information including their driver's license and myGov details. The National Anti-Scam Centre warns that criminals are increasingly targeting financially vulnerable Australians by posing as legitimate charities and government assistance programs to steal personal information and divert payments. People should independently verify organizations offering financial assistance and never share personal identifying information through social media or unsolicited contacts.

A text message scam is targeting vulnerable UK residents by impersonating the "UK Government Living Allowance Office" and falsely claiming recipients can receive a winter heating subsidy, with fraudulent links directing victims to fake government websites designed to steal personal information. The scam exploits recent government cuts to Winter Fuel Payments that reduced eligible recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million pensioners, creating confusion and urgency that scammers weaponize to pressure victims into acting quickly. Security experts advise recipients to verify messages independently and avoid clicking unsolicited links, especially those claiming to be from government bodies.

This article is a promotional piece about digital identity solutions for elderly care, not a scam or fraud incident. It discusses how AI-powered identity verification systems can help protect seniors from identity theft and fraud while improving access to healthcare and financial services, and highlights successful implementations of such technologies in elderly care settings.

UK Finance's Half Year Fraud Report 2024 revealed a 16% rise in fraud cases compared to 2023, though total losses decreased 1.5% to approximately £1.5 billion. Authorized push payment (APP) fraud cases dropped 16% to 97,344 with losses falling 11% to £213.7 million, while romance scams, investment scams, and impersonation scams also declined; however, unauthorized fraud on cards, cheques, and remote banking surged 19% to 1.5 million cases totaling £358 million. Only 59% of fraud losses were returned to victims, though banks prevented £710.