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in General Elder Fraud
koamnewsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are exploiting emotional social media posts about missing pets, seniors, and children by editing them after users share them to request money or donations, making it appear the original poster endorses the scam. The BBB recommends verifying posts through official sources, checking for red flags like urgency, disabled comments, new profiles, and using reverse image searches before sharing, and advises deleting and reporting suspected scam posts to protect yourself and others.
coinweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI and Sarasota County Sheriff's Office reported an increase in sophisticated fraud targeting senior citizens, where scammers impersonate tech support or government officials to convince victims to liquidate assets into cash and precious metals, then arrange in-person courier pickups under the pretense of safeguarding the funds in protected accounts before disappearing. Victims have reported losses exceeding $300,000, with law enforcement emphasizing that hanging up on callers, avoiding suspicious links, and immediate reporting are key defenses against these well-scripted, pressure-based schemes.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Bitcoin ATM Fraud Surge Targeting Seniors**
Reported losses from Bitcoin ATM scams rose nearly tenfold since 2020, totaling over $110 million in 2023, with consumers over 60 being more than three times as likely as younger adults to fall victim. Scammers impersonate customer service representatives, government officials, or tech company employees, directing victims to scan QR codes and deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs that converts their money to cryptocurrency immediately transferred to fraudsters. One 76-year-old Indiana woman lost $31,500 after receiving a fake security alert, highlighting how scammers exploit urgency and confusion about
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is a standard website access verification message from News Group Newspapers (The Sun) blocking automated traffic and prohibiting content scraping. It contains no content relevant to the Elderus database.
dailyrepublic.com
· 2025-12-08
California's Senate Bill 278, authored by Sen. Bill Dodd, has passed the Legislature and heads to the governor for consideration to strengthen financial abuse protections for seniors and dependent adults. The legislation would hold banks and credit unions accountable for failing to act when they know or should know that an elder or dependent adult is subject to financial abuse, closing a loophole that currently allows institutions to avoid responsibility by claiming lack of actual knowledge of fraud. Proponents argue the bill represents a historic shift toward preventing senior scams before they occur through common-sense protective measures.
hastingstribune.com
· 2025-12-08
In January, a California financial advisor was convicted and permanently barred from the industry after pleading guilty to operating a fraudulent Ponzi scheme called "Northstar" that defrauded over 300 clients—predominantly elderly—of more than $24 million between 2000 and 2020. Elder fraud is rising nationally, with FBI data showing a 14% increase in reports and 11% increase in losses in 2023, with scams ranging from fake prizes and government impersonation to investment schemes and AI-enabled romance scams costing seniors over $3 billion annually. To protect themselves, seniors should verify financial advisors using free tools like BrokerCheck and the
spotonflorida.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece that alerts seniors to multiple scam types targeting their savings. While the article title indicates it covers 10 specific scams, the provided excerpt does not include the detailed descriptions of those scams. The article emphasizes the importance of vigilance against fraud schemes designed to exploit older adults' finances.
sunlive.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Police are warning the public about a phishing email scam impersonating law enforcement agencies, which claims to have found illegal material on the recipient's computer and threatens arrest within 72 hours unless they respond. Some variants of the scam attempt to extort money by issuing fake "fines" when recipients respond. Police emphasize they will never contact citizens unsolicited requesting passwords, credit card, or bank details, and urge people not to reply to such emails and instead report them to authorities.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Sarasota County, Florida is experiencing a rising trend of sophisticated scams targeting senior citizens, with the FBI and Sheriff's Office reporting losses exceeding $300,000. Criminals pose as tech support or government officials to convince seniors to convert assets into cash or precious metals, which couriers then collect, leaving victims with nothing. Law enforcement recommends seniors hang up immediately on suspicious calls, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report activity to local authorities or the FBI.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old man named Philip Waller nearly lost $10,000 to a tech support scam after receiving a fraudulent message claiming to be from Microsoft about a hacked computer. The scammer obtained remote access to his device, then impersonated a NAB bank employee and convinced Waller to authorize a $10,000 withdrawal by claiming they needed his help catching bank fraud. The bank's fraud detection systems caught the suspicious transaction and blocked it before the money was lost, ultimately protecting Waller from the scam.
midfloridanewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
A reader reported a prevalent scam involving fake prize/giveaway emails offering items from reputable retailers, requiring only a $5.95 shipping fee payable exclusively by Mastercard; after payment, victims receive no item but subsequently see multiple unauthorized charges on their card that banks refuse to dispute, claiming the transactions were authorized. The article confirms this scam is widespread (multiple neighbors reported identical experiences) and highlights related sophisticated scams targeting both individuals and businesses through spoofed emails, noting that Florida ranks third nationally in cybertheft complaints and victims have low chances of recovery despite reporting to law enforcement and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-08
The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office presented senior fraud awareness training to the Retired Active Men (RAMs) group on August 31, 2024, providing guidance on protecting against scams targeting seniors. Key protective strategies include trusting your instincts, avoiding pressure to make quick decisions, and verifying the identity of anyone contacting you before sharing information or money.
timesheraldonline.com
· 2025-12-08
California's State Senate approved SB 278, legislation that clarifies banks and financial institutions' legal duty to protect elders and dependent adults from financial abuse by holding them accountable when they should have known fraud was occurring but failed to act. The bill aims to incentivize financial institutions to implement fraud prevention safeguards upfront and support victims in suing institutions that negligently assisted in scams, addressing the rising tide of elder financial abuse cases in the state.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin ATM scammers defrauded seniors of $110 million in the past year, a nearly tenfold increase from 2020, with Americans over 60 being more than three times as likely to fall victim than younger adults. The typical scheme involves fraudsters posing as customer service representatives or officials contacting victims about identity theft or account breaches, then directing them to scan QR codes and deposit money into bitcoin ATMs that flows directly to the perpetrators. One victim, a 76-year-old Indiana resident, lost $31,500 after being targeted by scammers impersonating Apple support, bank representatives, and government officials.
ktvz.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies 10 common scams targeting seniors, who lose approximately $3 billion annually to fraud. The scams include romance scams, funeral fraud, grandparent impersonation schemes, phishing emails, Medicare fraud, fake tech support, and others that exploit seniors' trust, limited digital literacy, and valuable assets like homes and savings. The article provides protective advice such as setting social media accounts to private, verifying caller identities through stored contact numbers, and being skeptical of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
odt.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in New Zealand are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to defraud residents, with a BNZ survey finding that 9 out of 10 New Zealanders were targeted by scams in 2023 (a 13% increase year-over-year), and research showing 62% encountered scams monthly. While scams affect people of all ages, older adults are particularly vulnerable to certain types like romance scams due to larger financial assets, with identity theft, shopping, and investment scams being the most common and emotionally damaging. Banks, police, and Netsafe recommend avoiding urgency-driven requests, verifying communications directly with companies, using
concordmonitor.com
· 2025-12-08
Quit-claim fraud is an emerging scam where criminals forge property deed documents to illegally transfer homeownership without the victim's knowledge or payment, as happened at Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion. The scam exploits easily accessible personal and property information combined with advanced document forgery technology, and victims must pursue costly legal action to recover their property. New Hampshire offers free protection through a fraud alert system that notifies property owners via text or email whenever documents bearing their name are filed with the county registry of deeds.
kbsi23.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of bait-and-switch scams on Facebook where scammers post fabricated heartwarming stories (missing children, lost pets, seniors in need) with stolen or AI-generated images in local buy-and-sell groups, then edit the post after users share it to promote fraudulent sales, job offers, rental schemes, or donation requests designed to steal money or personal information. Social media engagement with scammers increased 63.8% from 2022 to 2023, making it the top scam contact method resulting in monetary losses that year. The BBB recommends verifying posts through official sources, performing reverse image searches, checking for red flags like disabled comments
dailydemocrat.com
· 2025-12-08
A California bill designed to strengthen protections against financial abuse of elders and dependent adults has been sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for signing as of September 2024. The measure aims to enhance legal safeguards and enforcement mechanisms to prevent financial exploitation of vulnerable populations.
cryptotvplus.com
· 2025-12-08
Since 2019, crypto ATMs have facilitated at least $160 million in illicit transactions globally, with scammers increasingly targeting elderly victims by impersonating loved ones and directing them to deposit cash into these machines. The Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over 15,000 digital asset scam complaints from people aged 60 and older in 2023 alone, with losses exceeding $1 billion and 2,000 complaints involving Bitcoin ATMs. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have responded by shutting down hundreds of illegal crypto ATMs and prosecuting operators, while researchers have identified patterns of suspicious cross-border transactions to help detect fraudulent activity.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 90-year-old woman in Mumbai became the victim of a financial fraud exceeding Rs 10 crore when a former neighbor, Bala Raman Krishnan, and his wife conspired to gain unauthorized access to her demat and savings accounts, transferring securities and funds worth approximately Rs 10 crore to their accounts after altering her contact details and making the wife a nominee without consent. The Bombay High Court expressed strong disapproval of the Chembur Police's handling of the case, criticizing the investigation as inadequate for failing to include forgery and IT Act charges and questioning the lack of thorough bank detail analysis. The court directed the Deputy Commissioner of
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Reported losses from Bitcoin ATM scams surged nearly tenfold since 2020, reaching over $110 million in 2023, with consumers over 60 being more than three times as likely to fall victim compared to younger adults. Scammers impersonate customer service representatives, government officials, or tech company employees to convince victims that their accounts have been compromised, then direct them to scan QR codes and deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs that immediately transfers the funds to the fraudsters. The proliferation of Bitcoin ATMs in high-traffic retail locations combined with readily available personal data on the dark web has enabled this fraud scheme to flourish.
dugout.ph
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This educational article advocates for Media and Information Literacy (MIL) training as a protective tool for senior citizens who face heightened vulnerability to online scams and misinformation due to limited digital skills and age-related cognitive decline. MIL programs teach seniors critical thinking skills, fact-checking techniques, and source evaluation methods to safely navigate digital platforms, with successful initiatives like SUM (Seniors United Against Misinformation) demonstrating the effectiveness of community-based training and family support in empowering seniors to resist fraud and misinformation.
joplinglobe.com
· 2025-12-08
Durable medical equipment (DME) scams represent a significant Medicare fraud threat, with scammers using telemarketing, internet ads, and in-person events to target beneficiaries seeking common items like braces and walkers. The Missouri Senior Medicare Patrol advises beneficiaries to be aware of these schemes to protect themselves and Medicare dollars, which are spent in the billions annually on legitimate DME.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
Senate Bill 278 (SB 278) was approved by the California Legislature and awaits the Governor's signature to become law, establishing clearer requirements for banks and credit unions to combat elder and dependent adult financial abuse. The bill requires financial institutions to create emergency contact programs and delay transactions of $5,000 or more for at least three business days when an elder or dependent adult is involved, allowing time to verify the transaction's legitimacy and contact an emergency financial contact. This legislation aims to close loopholes in current law that allow financial institutions to avoid accountability by claiming ignorance of fraud, thereby better protecting California's vulnerable populations from increasingly common financial scams.
abc45.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman with dementia in Asheboro, North Carolina, lost $25,000 to a scammer who posed as a tech support representative after she contacted a fictitious number online seeking device help. The scammer convinced her to purchase gift cards and send cash over several days of contact, resulting in approximately $4,000 in gift cards and $25,000 in cash. The Asheboro Police Department is urging elderly residents to verify suspicious requests with loved ones or local authorities before sending money and encouraging retailers to intervene when customers make large gift card purchases.
saltwire.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article advises seniors on financial management and fraud prevention, emphasizing the importance of budgeting, tracking expenses, and saving for emergencies. It warns pensioners to be vigilant against common scams including investment fraud, romance scams, and financial elder abuse, recommending they only work with registered financial institutions and advisers, while noting that the Flourish 55+ Healthy Activity Centre offers seminars to help South Shore seniors protect their finances.
planadviser.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides guidance on cybersecurity best practices for retirement plan sponsors to defend against fraud, account takeovers, and emerging threats like AI-generated deepfakes. Key recommendations include implementing a comprehensive program covering people (employee training), processes (regular policy reviews and updates), and technology (data protection and incident response plans), along with adding IT representation to plan committees and conducting rigorous vendor due diligence. The article references the SPARK Institute's cybersecurity framework and Department of Labor guidelines as resources for establishing security controls and resilience measures.
communitynewspapergroup.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach hosted an educational program called "Stay Independent: Spot, Stop and Avoid Fraud" at Vinton Public Library on September 24, 2024, designed for adults 60+ and their caregivers. The workshop provided information on identifying common fraud schemes targeting older adults, understanding why seniors are vulnerable to financial exploitation, and learning protective strategies, with the program noting that elder financial fraud is the most common form of elder abuse affecting over 50 million Americans aged 62 and older.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Maryland woman named Mae was targeted by scammers who used a fake Apple security alert to trick her into believing her bank account was compromised, then pressured her to withdraw cash and purchase gift cards (Target, Apple, Amazon) to "secure" her funds. Gift card fraud has become a leading payment method used by fraudsters against seniors, with an estimated $5.5 billion to $27.5 billion stolen annually through this method, as the cards are highly portable, anonymous, and easily converted to cash on the dark web or resold illegally. The article reveals that federal regulators have failed to adequately protect consumers from gift card fraud, while retailers, gift car
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment fraud targeting older adults is growing significantly, driven by emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence that make scams increasingly sophisticated and convincing. According to Kathy Stokes, AARP's director of fraud prevention, Americans lost a record $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023, with crypto-related schemes and AI-enabled fraud posing particular threats to financial security. Stokes emphasizes the importance of education and awareness as key protective measures for older adults vulnerable to these evolving fraud schemes.
reformer.com
· 2025-12-08
Lt. Adam Petlock of the Brattleboro Police Department conducted a scam prevention awareness presentation for seniors at the Brattleboro Senior Center on July 24, 2024. The presentation covered methods to identify common scams and strategies seniors can use to protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud.
messagemedia.co
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line is offering two educational classes on September 11 to help older adults detect, understand, and report healthcare fraud, waste, and abuse, including Medicare scams and how to protect beneficiary numbers. The free online classes, offered in partnership with the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Senior Medicare Patrol program, cover reading Medicare paperwork and identifying potential errors and scams targeting seniors. Registration is available through www.arrowheadaging.org or by calling 800-333-2433 by the registration deadline.
advantagenews.com
· 2025-12-08
An educational seminar on senior fraud protection is being held Tuesday, September 3rd at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, featuring a presentation from an Illinois attorney general's office expert on how seniors can protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams. State Representative Amy Elik is highlighting the importance of fraud awareness as scams targeting seniors become more complex.
philomathnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lose approximately $3 billion annually to scams, making them prime targets due to their savings, home ownership, good credit, and often lower digital literacy. The article identifies 10 common scams targeting older adults, including romance scams (fraudsters posing as romantic interests), funeral scams (exploiting grief over deceased spouses), grandparent scams (impersonating grandchildren in emergencies), phishing (fake emails from financial institutions), Medicare fraud, and tech support scams, among others. Prevention strategies include securing social media accounts, verifying contact information through reverse searches, and calling family members directly to confirm emergencies.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman with dementia in Asheboro, North Carolina, lost $25,000 to a tech support scammer who impersonated law enforcement, created a false sense of urgency and fear, and coerced her into purchasing gift cards and withdrawing cash at a gas station. Detective Marcus Pierce emphasizes that requests to load money on gift cards are a major red flag, and urges family members and community members to watch for elderly individuals attempting unusual cash withdrawals or bulk gift card purchases and to contact local law enforcement if concerned.
wbtw.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman with dementia in Asheboro, North Carolina lost $25,000 to a tech support scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement, used threats and fear, and manipulated her into withdrawing cash and purchasing gift cards. Detective Marcus Pierce emphasizes that tech scams are the most common fraud affecting elderly people, and urges the public to watch for red flags such as requests to load money on cards or large cash withdrawals, and to report concerns to local law enforcement.
kfdi.com
· 2025-12-08
Evergy warned customers about two recent scam attempts targeting both seniors and general customers: one falsely claiming the utility company would return $200 to seniors through its Evergy Cares Kansas Fund in exchange for account and personal information, and another offering immediate discounts in exchange for credit card numbers over the phone. Evergy clarified that its assistance program provides direct account credits (not cash refunds) only after customers initiate contact, and that legitimate rate changes require state regulatory approval rather than phone-based offers. The company provided guidance including verifying employee identity before sharing information, avoiding unsolicited emails/texts about bills, and reporting suspected scams through its website or local law enforcement.
ksal.com
· 2025-12-08
Evergy utility company is warning customers about two escalating scams: one targeting seniors by falsely claiming $200 refunds through the Evergy Cares Kansas Fund in exchange for account information, and another offering discounts in exchange for credit card numbers over the phone. The company emphasizes that legitimate assistance is provided directly to accounts only after customer-initiated contact, and regulated utilities cannot offer unsolicited discounts, advising customers to verify caller identity, avoid sharing personal information, and contact Evergy directly through official channels when suspicious.
wfirnews.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides support services for fraud victims in Virginia, which ranks 9th nationally for senior scams. The network offers resources and assistance, and individuals can access more information by calling 877-908-3360.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational podcast features AARP's Kathy Stokes discussing how to protect oneself from investment fraud, with particular focus on growing threats from cryptocurrency-related scams and the use of artificial intelligence by fraudsters. The piece emphasizes identifying warning signs of investment fraud and provides resources including AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) and guidance on recognizing common scam tactics targeting investors of all ages, though older adults face heightened risk.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Communities First Initiative, Jewish Community Housing Corporation, and Valley National Bank held a 2-hour educational workshop in South Orange, New Jersey to teach senior citizens how to avoid scams, fraud, and identity theft, addressing a significant rise in financial crimes targeting older adults. According to the FBI and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023 with victims losing an average of $33,915 each, totaling over $3.4 billion, with many seniors failing to report incidents due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence. The presentation aimed to provide seniors with tools and resources to recognize and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone and internet fraud.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
This news roundup covers three elder abuse and fraud-related stories: a legislative effort to strengthen financial abuse protections for older adults through a new bill; Willow Valley's decision to end its partnership with Acts Retirement-Life Communities; and allegations of severe neglect at a senior living community in connection with a resident's death. The articles collectively highlight ongoing concerns regarding elder financial exploitation, senior living management issues, and residential care accountability.
theprogressnews.com
· 2025-12-08
State Rep. Mike Armanini hosted two Senior Scam Jam educational events in Pennsylvania's 75th District in partnership with the Department of Banking and Securities to teach older adults how to recognize and avoid common scams leading to identity theft and financial fraud. The interactive seminars, held in DuBois and Ridgway in September, aimed to help seniors identify red flags, protect themselves and their families, and report suspected fraud cases.
shawlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the National Council on Aging, financial scams targeting seniors cost approximately $3 billion annually, causing both monetary losses and significant emotional distress to victims who are often targeted for their perceived vulnerability and trust. Common schemes include Medicare/health insurance fraud, phishing scams, investment fraud, and grandparent scams, all of which rely on deception to steal sensitive information or money. Seniors can protect themselves through education and awareness, with resources available including a free community workshop offered by Home Instead on September 12, 2024, at the DeKalb Public Library covering fraud prevention strategies and protection techniques.
bradfordera.com
· 2025-12-08
Rep. Mike Armanini is hosting two Senior Scam Jam educational events in Pennsylvania's 75th District to raise awareness about elder fraud among older adults. The events are designed to inform seniors about common scams and fraud schemes targeting their population.
thelundreport.org
· 2025-12-08
Oregon's Medicaid Fraud Unit, which established a specialized team in 2023 focused on elder and disabled abuse cases, recently secured two criminal convictions: in-home caregiver Tara Saunders pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal mistreatment and received 3 days jail plus 36 months probation, while registered nurse Phyllis Dodds pleaded guilty to the same charge and received 3 years probation for neglecting and mistreating three patients at Pacifica Senior Care in Klamath Falls, one of whom died. The dedicated team has prosecuted seven individuals total and pursued civil settlements, as Medicaid fraud referrals
mainepublic.org
· 2025-12-08
A partnership between Maine's U.S. attorney, AARP Maine, Hannaford, and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention launched a pilot initiative to combat elder fraud by distributing informational brochures about recognizing and reporting scams through pharmacy prescription bags at Hannaford stores statewide. Nearly 400 Mainers over age 60 filed fraud complaints last year reporting losses of approximately $7.1 million, with state officials noting that many incidents go unreported due to victim embarrassment and fear of competency being questioned. The educational materials highlight common scam tactics such as pressure for quick action and victim isolation, and encourage reporting to law enforcement to help identify perpetrators and potentially recover
newscentermaine.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, 397 Maine residents filed fraud complaints totaling $7.1 million in losses, prompting the U.S. Attorney's Office to launch the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program in September. The initiative distributes informational brochures through Hannaford pharmacy prescription bags at 60 locations statewide to educate older Mainers about common scam signs and reporting procedures, leveraging pharmacists' trusted relationships with customers. Nationally, over 101,000 Americans aged 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023.
marketscreener.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece from Chad White, General Counsel for Brookdale Senior Living, identifies four common senior scams: tech support/phishing scams, family/romance scams, non-payment scams, and "get rich quick" investment schemes. The content provides guidance on identifying and protecting against these fraud types to reduce victimization risk, and directs suspected victims to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.