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consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Fraudulent passport websites mimic official government sites, charging $60 to several hundred dollars on top of regular passport fees and collecting personal information from victims. The legitimate passport service is exclusively available through Travel.State.Gov; forms are free, appointments are free, and paying third parties does not expedite processing. Victims should report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and monitor for identity theft at IdentityTheft.gov.
nbcnewyork.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, consumers lost $1.14 billion to romance scams, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim—the highest for any imposter scam category, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Romance scammers build trust with victims over time, often through social media, to manipulate them into sending money or providing account access. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for money, refusal to meet in person, and attempts to isolate victims from family and friends.
rd.com
· 2025-12-08
Work-from-home job scams are fraudulent job postings designed to steal personal information or trick applicants into paying upfront fees for fake background checks, training, or equipment. According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million job seekers encounter these scams annually, resulting in over $2 billion in losses. To protect yourself, job applicants should verify company legitimacy through official websites, watch for red flags like requests for payment before employment or overly quick hiring processes, and be cautious of positions advertised on social media or through direct messages rather than official job boards.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities to gain victims' trust and access to their financial accounts, with U.S. consumers losing $1.14 billion to romance scams in 2023 and a median loss of $2,000 per victim—the highest among imposter scams. These scams typically develop over time on social media platforms, with about 40% of victims reporting initial contact there, and 73% of victims being men. Warning signs include requests for money, refusal to meet in person, isolation attempts, and pressure tactics, though victims often struggle to recognize the fraud because they trust the person manipulating them.
secureworks.com
· 2025-12-08
The film "Thelma" depicts a 93-year-old woman who loses $10,000 to a grandson impersonation scam, reflecting a real crisis: the FBI reported over 101,000 elder fraud victims aged 60+ in 2023, with tech support, romance, confidence, and investment scams being the most common types. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology and create artificial urgency to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or making payments, and victims often experience lasting emotional harm including shame and loss of confidence. Key prevention strategies include educating oneself about scams, trusting instincts when requests seem unusual, verifying the identity of callers, an
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, according to FBI IC3 data. Criminals obtained victims' personal information through data brokers and used it to perpetrate tech support scams (18,000 victims, $589.8 million lost), investment fraud (6,400 victims, $1.2 billion lost), and romance scams (6,700 victims, $356.9 million lost). The article advises seniors to use data removal services, place fraud alerts with credit agencies, and remain cautious of phishing
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
An X user shared a story of successfully turning the tables on a romance scammer who attempted to con him out of Rs 1,000 via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. The user outsmarted the scammer by pretending payment failed twice, then convincing the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test," after which he blocked them. The article outlines common dating app scams including romance scams, location scams, and fake investment schemes, while offering protective measures such as identity verification, skepticism toward early money requests, and use of app security features.
marbleheadcurrent.org
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Marblehead woman fell victim to a tech support scam where fraudsters posed as federal investigators and convinced her that hackers had compromised her computer and identity, ultimately persuading her to withdraw $7,500 and mail it to California wrapped in foil and bubble wrap. Thanks to quick action by Marblehead Police, the package was intercepted and returned before delivery, allowing the victim to recover her money. The scam illustrates how perpetrators manipulate victims through urgency and fear, targeting their emotions rather than logic, and police emphasize that residents should never call numbers on suspicious pop-ups or provide personal information over the phone.
ajc.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2021, elderly couple Dorothy and George Williams of Southwest Atlanta hired contractor Steven Chastain for home repairs, paying him $147,000 (including a $60,000 upfront payment) after he promised quality work and claimed to be a man of God. Chastain, a known scam artist with a history of targeting homeowners, never obtained permits and abandoned the project after stripping the house down to its frame, leaving the couple unable to recoup their losses despite his later conviction for felony theft by deception and theft by conversion. The Williams family has spent three years displaced from their home, living without plumbing, running water, or proper walls, and Dorothy suffered health
organiser.org
· 2025-12-08
The Enforcement Directorate arrested two individuals, Arvind Singh and Trilok Singh Dhillon, in connection with an alleged Rs 2,100 crore liquor scam that operated in Chhattisgarh under the previous government regime. Dhillon is accused of money laundering through bank accounts and firms used to layer proceeds from the scam, while Singh allegedly played an active role collecting cash and supplying illegal liquor and duplicate holograms. The case involves approximately 70 accused including bureaucrats, liquor suppliers, government officials, and political figures, with multiple arrests and a 9,000-page chargesheet filed by the Economic Offence Wing.
pmg-ky1.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau's June Hot Topics report highlights ten prevalent scams affecting consumers, including employment fraud on Facebook ($5,000+ loss), fake family emergency calls, medical bill scams, customer service imposters, invoice scams, sweepstakes fraud, phishing schemes, online shopping and hotel booking scams, and used car parts fraud. The BBB advises consumers to verify businesses at www.bbb.org before transactions, never send money over the phone or to unverified callers, check official accounts and court websites to confirm suspicious claims, and always pay with credit cards to enable dispute protection.
ibsintelligence.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered fraud is escalating rapidly, with deepfake fraud attempts jumping 3,000% year-over-year in 2023 as malicious actors exploit accessible generative AI tools to conduct sophisticated scams at scale. Key emerging threats include deepfakes targeting high-profile figures and biometric systems, increasingly convincing phishing and smishing attacks that exploit AI-generated authentic-appearing content, and social engineering schemes leveraging AI—all of which require businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and deploy AI-based defensive systems to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.
ksstradio.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common characteristics of scam calls targeting seniors by analyzing a recorded conversation between a scammer and a fraud researcher. Key red flags include calls to do-not-call-listed numbers, use of fake names shared across multiple scams, spoofed caller IDs, vague product information, and immediate requests for financial details rather than legitimate company information.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
On May 28th, a Pearland, Texas resident named Missy Edwards lost $17,633 to scammers who spoofed a Wells Fargo phone number and falsely convinced her there was fraudulent activity on her account, then tricked her into initiating a wire transfer herself. Because Edwards voluntarily sent the money under false pretenses rather than having it stolen outright, the bank may not reimburse her, and recovery is extremely difficult since the funds are typically converted to cryptocurrency, which law enforcement agencies struggle to track.
pulse.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides Ghanaians with practical strategies to avoid scams, emphasizing the importance of verifying sources, recognizing red flags like urgent requests and unsolicited sensitive information demands, and identifying inconsistencies such as poor grammar and unprofessional presentation. Key protective measures include conducting thorough research on companies, using secure payment platforms, seeking advice from trusted sources, and verifying regulatory compliance before engaging with any offer.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
An X user named Jay outwitted a romance scammer on a dating app who had requested ₹1,000 by pretending to attempt payment twice, then convincing the scammer to send him ₹20 as a "test transaction" before blocking them. The incident, which gained over two million views online, highlights the prevalence of dating app scams and demonstrates the importance of skepticism, identity verification, and reporting suspicious behavior to protect against romance fraud, investment scams, and other schemes on dating platforms.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A sound engineer in Chennai was extorted by an eight-member gang after meeting a woman through a dating app, who filmed him in a compromising position and demanded 27,000 rupees; four suspects were arrested. Dating app scams in Chennai are surging, with criminals using AI chatbots, deepfake videos, sextortion, and impersonation of law enforcement to target victims—often shifting conversations to encrypted platforms like Telegram and stealing personal/financial information. Experts recommend caution when contacts request app transfers or money, and advise reporting scams despite potential embarrassment, as many incidents go unreported due to victim fear.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old Menlo Park woman, Rebecca Violette, was sentenced to 28 months in jail for a decade-long rental scam in which she posed as an affluent investor, wrote bad checks for deposits, and then refused to pay rent, forcing landlords through costly eviction processes. Violette pleaded guilty to three counts of grand theft, three counts of passing bad checks, and one count of attempted theft, and had previously been convicted and jailed for the same scheme in 2014. The case demonstrates the importance of thorough background checks by landlords, as one prospective landlord avoided victimization by discovering her history through an online search.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
As Hurricane Beryl approaches Mexico, the Federal Trade Commission warns of disaster-related scams, including unlicensed contractors demanding advance payment for repairs with no written contracts, and online sellers offering discounted supplies that are never delivered. The FTC recommends verifying contractor credentials and insurance, obtaining written contracts, checking online reviews for authenticity, and seeking referrals from trusted sources to avoid fraudulent schemes following weather emergencies.
greenvilleadvocate.com
· 2025-12-08
Spoofing and phishing scams are increasingly common, with scammers using disguised online identities to steal personal and financial information from victims. Law enforcement recommends three key prevention steps: never share personal information or send money via gift cards to unknown callers (legitimate companies don't request this), avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, and verify caller identity by independently contacting the official organization. Victims can report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or 877-382-4357, or to local law enforcement.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scam victims in Northeast Ohio face a secondary threat from recovery scams, where fraudsters posing as lawyers from fake firms promise to retrieve lost funds but instead steal additional money. Between February 2023 and February 2024, such fictitious law firm schemes targeting crypto victims resulted in nearly $10 million in losses reported to the FBI. The FBI's Cleveland Midwest Cryptocurrency Task Force warns victims against recovery schemes and advises reporting all suspected scams to the BBB Scam Tracker or FBI.
radiotexaslive.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is warning Texas residents about an increasing number of scams operating in the state, noting that criminals are becoming more sophisticated by using AI tools to improve their fraud techniques. The agency advises people to never share banking information or purchase gift cards in response to unsolicited requests via text, email, or messaging apps, and to verify requests for money directly with family members before sending funds. Victims are urged to contact law enforcement immediately if they are scammed.
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are defrauding victims across the country, including Alabama, by using stolen photos and videos from legitimate dealerships to sell classic cars that don't exist. Victims typically lose $5,000 to $30,000 after sending deposits electronically, with little chance of recovery as the money is often moved offshore and scammers disappear after payment. The Better Business Bureau recommends personally inspecting vehicles and paying in person rather than sending money electronically to avoid this scam.
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the Coweta County Sheriff's Department in phone calls, claiming victims failed to appear for jury duty and threatening legal consequences to pressure them into paying money. The scam uses personal information and legal terminology to appear credible, creating a false sense of urgency that makes vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals, more likely to comply before verifying the caller's legitimacy. Law enforcement advises that courts and police never request personal information, Social Security numbers, or payment over the phone, and recommends hanging up and independently verifying caller identity if such a call is received.
newsregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, though actual losses are likely far higher due to underreporting and unreported crimes. Older adults are disproportionately targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, and may be less comfortable with technology, with tech-support scams, romance scams, and investment frauds being the most common schemes. Prevention through education—such as being cautious of unsolicited contacts, verifying businesses online, and never sharing personal information with unverified sources—can help mitigate the psychological and financial
lancasteronline.com
· 2025-12-08
**70-year-old Mark Heath lost his entire $161,000 retirement savings to a "pig butchering" romance scam** in which a woman named Libby Collins contacted him on Facebook, built an emotional relationship with him, and convinced him to invest in cryptocurrency and NFT schemes through multiple transfers. After his son identified the scam during the holidays, Heath contacted the FBI, but the money and the scammer had already disappeared, leaving him dependent on Social Security and his son's financial support.
westerniowatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Des Moines County Sheriff's Office warned the public about jury duty scams in which fraudsters impersonate court officials, demand payment or personal information via phone, and threaten arrest to coerce victims into paying fines through prepaid cards or electronic transfers. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs, personal information, and official-sounding details to appear legitimate, though legitimate courts never demand payment by phone or serve warrants this way. Residents are advised to verify any court contact independently and report suspected fraud to law enforcement.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Ernakulam rural police in Kochi issued a warning against cyber fraud after scammers defrauded residents of at least Rs 3 crore over four months, with victims losing approximately Rs 2 crore through fake online trading schemes and another Rs 1.15 crore in an impersonation scam where fraudsters posed as investigative officers. Notable cases include a senior citizen from Aluva who lost Rs 1.15 crore after scammers falsely claimed a Supreme Court warrant was issued and demanded money for a "security check," while other residents lost between Rs 22 lakh and Rs 50 lakh in trading fraud schemes; police
bernama.com
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia's elderly population faces significant digital literacy gaps, with only 3.4% of those aged 60+ using the internet in 2020, making them vulnerable to scams and unable to access essential services. Senior citizens lost RM552.5 million to internet fraud between 2021-2023, highlighting the urgent need for targeted digital literacy programs that teach password security, phishing identification, and safe online practices. Improving digital skills among older adults would reduce fraud victimization while enabling them to access healthcare, maintain social connections, and participate in modern society.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Robert Louis Sanchez, a 57-year-old from New Mexico, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his role in a grandparent scam that targeted hundreds of elderly victims across the United States, resulting in over $3 million in losses. The scheme involved scammers calling seniors posing as grandchildren in distress (claiming car accidents or legal trouble) and then sending couriers to collect cash from victims' homes, with the money subsequently deposited in banks or laundered through cryptocurrency exchanges. Four other conspirators have also been convicted and sentenced, with charges pending against additional participants in the operation.
belltimescourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Following disasters, scammers target vulnerable victims through recorded calls promising government grants, flood insurance, or disaster assistance in attempts to steal credit card and banking information. Key prevention strategies include asking detailed questions of service providers, independently verifying identities by contacting organizations directly, avoiding high-pressure decisions, and consulting trusted sources before committing to any offers or contracts. Residents should report suspected scams to the Iowa Attorney General's Office and consult FEMA resources to verify legitimate disaster assistance.
norfolkdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, U.S. consumers reported losing over $10 billion to fraud—a 14% increase from 2022—with investment scams accounting for $4.6 billion and imposter scams for $2.7 billion of those losses. Government imposter scams are increasingly prevalent, particularly those falsely claiming to be law enforcement or court officials demanding immediate payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to avoid arrest or jail. The FTC advises consumers never to send money to unsolicited government callers or share personal and financial information with unverified sources.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
AI-enabled scam tools available for as little as $5 online enable fraudsters to create convincing voice clones and impersonate victims using personal data harvested from public social media accounts. Common AI scams target victims with fake emergency scenarios—such as claims that a friend is in jail needing bail or facing a medical crisis—to manipulate them into sending money to fraudulent accounts. To protect against these schemes, individuals should keep social media accounts private and always verify the authenticity of urgent requests before sending funds.
crozetgazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Patsy Froehlich fell victim to a remote access scam when a fake PayPal representative tricked her into allowing screen-sharing access to her computer, manipulating her into attempting a $20,000 bank transfer she believed was a refund correction; her bank caught the suspicious transfer and prevented the loss. The article also describes a separate Publisher's Clearinghouse prize scam targeting Andrew Taylor, who was asked to purchase gift cards as a supposed legal requirement to claim a $5.1 million prize, and notes that scammers increasingly use urgency, emotional manipulation, and emerging technologies like AI to defraud victims.
wsiu.org
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of "grandparent scams" where fraudsters impersonate family members using phone calls, texts, or AI-generated voices to create false emergencies and extract money from vulnerable people. In a Hazelwood, Missouri case, a scammer posing as a grandson requesting bail money was stopped when a caretaker verified the grandson's safety; the BBB documented nearly 200 instances of this scam in 2023 with a median loss of $850 per victim. To protect yourself, verify caller identity through independent contact, question callers on personal details, avoid untraceable payment methods, and contact police if someone demands in-person money collection.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are sending text messages impersonating highway toll authorities and transponder companies like E-ZPass, requesting payment for small unpaid tolls (typically $11-$13) to avoid larger late fees, with links that expose victims to malware and identity theft. The scam, which began in spring and has accelerated in recent months, is tailored to specific states with URLs mimicking legitimate toll services, and has prompted warnings from the FBI, state transportation departments, and the Federal Trade Commission.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
The ABC15 Let ABC15 Know team identifies four common summer scams targeting consumers: fraudulent event/concert tickets sold through fake websites and social media, phony travel booking sites offering non-existent deals, vanishing vacation rental scams on legitimate platforms, and fake vacation prize schemes requiring upfront fees. The article recommends protective measures including verifying website authenticity, booking directly from official providers, paying with credit cards rather than peer-to-peer apps, researching rental properties, and trusting instincts when offers seem suspicious.
swissinfo.ch
· 2025-12-08
A network of fraudulent investment platforms linked to Cyprus uses fake celebrity endorsements and fabricated news articles to lure victims into investing money that is never actually invested in stocks or real financial products. The scam, which includes platforms such as InvesaCapital, OBRInvest, and ForexTB, targets investors internationally—including many in Switzerland—who are pressured by manipulative phone calls to deposit increasingly larger sums, resulting in total losses ranging from tens of thousands to over CHF100,000 per victim. Swiss authorities have confirmed dozens of criminal charges related to this network, though prosecution is often difficult due to perpetrators operating abroad.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A 93-year-old grandmother (the real-life inspiration for the movie "Thelma") nearly fell victim to a grandparent scam in which a caller impersonating her grandson claimed he was in jail and needed $10,000, though her family stopped her before she sent money. Imposter fraud caused $2.7 billion in losses in the prior year, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated voice deepfakes to exploit victims through fear and urgency tactics, affecting an estimated 25% of adults according to a 2023 survey.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to the Elderus database. It is a entertainment piece ranking the greatest country music singers of all time based on chart performance and accolades. It contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or elder financial exploitation.
manilatimes.net
· 2025-12-08
This article uses the movie "Inside Out 2" as a framework to explain how scammers exploit emotions to commit cybercrimes. It highlights fear-based manipulation tactics, where fraudsters impersonate banks and pressure victims to act quickly by threatening account access loss, demonstrating how emotional exploitation is central to cyber fraud schemes.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania has warned of an increase in utility scams targeting older adults during summer months when energy usage and bills peak, with fraudsters posing as utility company representatives and using threats of service disconnection or offers of discounts to obtain personal information or payments. A recent AARP poll found that 62% of Pennsylvania voters aged 50 and older expressed concern about fraud and scams including robo-calls and phishing emails. AARP advises residents to verify any unsolicited utility claims by contacting their utility company directly using the number on their bill, noting that legitimate companies send multiple notices before disconnection and never demand immediate payment over the phone.
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece, not a news report of a specific scam or fraud incident. Here's the summary:
State Senator Monique Limón is hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Seminar on July 9 at the Goleta Community Center, featuring expert panelists from multiple California state departments who will discuss detecting scams and protecting against fraud tactics. The free event aims to educate seniors and their families on the latest scam methods and prevention strategies.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
Hotel booking scams are increasing, with fraudsters creating fake websites that mimic legitimate hotels to steal payment and personal information from unsuspecting travelers. To protect yourself, book only through official hotel websites, verify the URL starts with "https" and displays a padlock symbol, avoid clicking links from texts or emails, and check for reviews and grammatical errors before entering payment information.
latrobebulletinnews.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. This appears to be a raw list of country names and administrative divisions, not an article about fraud, scams, or elder abuse.
To assist you with Elderus, please provide an actual news article, research report, or transcript related to elder fraud, scams, or abuse that you'd like summarized.
3newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
McAfee identified five cities with high rates of travel booking scams: Fort Myers Beach (FL), Sandusky (OH), Pocono Manor (PA), Waimea (HI), and Chicago (IL). Common scams include phishing fraud, rental scams (fake listings), and ticketing scams (fraudulent entertainment tickets), with families particularly targeted at attractions like Cedar Point amusement park. To protect yourself, book only through official channels and credit cards with fraud protection, avoid providing payment details on suspicious websites, and be skeptical of requests to complete transactions outside booking platforms.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam impersonating law enforcement officers from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is defrauding dozens of people daily, with scammers claiming victims missed court appearances and demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency to clear fake warrants. Detective Marissa Williams advises victims to request specific details from callers, independently verify identity by calling the agency directly, and report incidents to law enforcement, noting that many victims don't report due to embarrassment or believing nothing can be done.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-enabled scam software available for as little as $5 online is being used to defraud people through voice cloning and impersonation tactics. Scammers extract personal information and voice samples from public social media accounts to create convincing AI clones that impersonate victims to their friends and family, requesting emergency wire transfers for fabricated jail, medical, or business crises. To protect against these scams, individuals should keep social media accounts private and verify emergency requests directly with contacts before sending money.
greenwichfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Utility scammers impersonate water, electric, and gas company representatives via phone, text, or in-person visits, threatening immediate service disconnection unless customers pay outstanding bills urgently, often demanding payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers. The scams may also involve fake meter replacement offers, unauthorized home entry for "repairs" or "energy audits" to steal valuables or personal information, or promises of energy discounts to capture account details. To avoid these scams, consumers should hang up and call the utility company directly using a number from their official bill, never allow unscheduled entry into their home, request proper identification from utility workers,
yespunjab.com
· 2025-12-08
A Hisar resident lost ₹8,91,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam conducted through Telegram, where fraudsters using the alias "CAPTAIN AMERICA" convinced him to transfer funds to bogus bank accounts supplied by a bank employee accomplice. Haryana Police arrested three individuals involved in the scheme: the primary perpetrator who received the funds, the bank employee who sold the fraudulent accounts for ₹25,000 each, and a facilitator connecting with the scammers. Authorities advise citizens to avoid unknown Telegram investment groups and verify legitimacy before investing, and to report suspected fraud immediately to the Cyber Helpline (1930).