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elizabethton.com
· 2025-12-08
A 50-year-old man from Brooklyn seeking asylum in the U.S. was arrested and charged with fraud and financial exploitation of a Carter County woman in a tech support scam scheme. The victim was deceived by a fake virus notification that led her to withdraw $30,500 from her bank account and hand the cash to the suspect at her residence. The arrest was aided by photographs and identification information the victim provided to authorities, and investigators coordinated with the Department of Homeland Security after discovering the suspect's temporary visitor status and pending asylum application.
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Irfan Gill, 62, of Portage, Michigan, was convicted of seven counts of mail fraud and 11 counts of money laundering for operating an international telemarketing scam in partnership with a Pakistani call center from June 2018 to March 2022 that targeted over 1,400 elderly Americans. The scheme involved cold calls offering fake cable, satellite, and internet service upgrades; victims sent payments to Gill's post office boxes, which he deposited and partially transferred to the Pakistani solicitors via money transfer services. Gill faces up to 30 years in prison for the mail fraud charges and up to 20 years for money laundering, with
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Sebastian Chelemen, a 38-year-old Canadian national, was sentenced to 50 months in prison on July 11, 2024, for his role in a grandparent scam targeting elderly Americans between April and June 2023. Operating as a fake bail bondsman, Chelemen and co-conspirators in Canada called seniors posing as arrested grandchildren and collected over $380,000 directly, with co-conspirators obtaining an additional $78,000 through mailed funds, while attempting to fraudulently obtain at least $290,000 more. Chelemen was ordered to pay $460,350 in restitution and was found with over $
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers about four types of summer scams: fake toll charge texts claiming overdue payments, travel scams including fraudulent vacation offers and hijacked rental listings, disaster relief scams where imposters pose as repair workers or FEMA employees, and job scams requesting cryptocurrency payments or personal information. The agency advises consumers to verify contacts independently, never pay for free services or government relief, avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, and be wary of unannounced repair workers or unsolicited job offers.
autoremarketing.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned car dealerships to remain vigilant against phishing and smishing scams where fraudsters impersonate IRS representatives to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, downloading malware, or providing personal and financial information. The agency advised businesses to avoid clicking unsolicited email and text links, enable multi-factor authentication, and verify sender identity through independent contact methods to protect against these attacks and potential ransomware infections.
mycentraloregon.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS and Security Summit warned tax professionals to guard against evolving identity theft schemes targeting their businesses and clients, including fraudsters posing as new clients via phishing emails, fake calls and texts, and attempts to steal sensitive tax information like Central Authorization File (CAF) numbers and practitioner credentials. These scams threaten both tax professionals and their elderly and vulnerable clients who may be victims of fraudulent tax return filings. The warning is part of an annual awareness campaign called "Protect Your Clients; Protect Yourself" aimed at educating tax professionals on security threats and identity theft prevention.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
Overpayment scams—in which fraudsters send fake checks or donations and pressure victims to return the "excess" amount—continue to evolve beyond job offers to target non-profits, according to consumer advocates and Better Business Bureau experts. Recent victims include job seekers who were asked to purchase equipment with fraudulent checks and wire refunds via Bitcoin, and a Detroit non-profit that received a fake $7,000 donation with a request to return funds via wire transfer. Red flags include unsolicited job offers, requests for payment through cryptocurrency or specific accounts, and pressure to refund money quickly before checks clear.
nsjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Overseas criminal networks are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through sophisticated internet and telephone scams, with losses to those over 60 estimated between $28.3 billion and $137 billion per year. Law enforcement agencies are overwhelmed and under-resourced to investigate these crimes, particularly those originating overseas where stolen funds are quickly converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign accounts, allowing perpetrators to escape prosecution. The problem is projected to worsen as the aging population increases and AI technology makes fraud easier to execute, while many victims remain unreported due to shame and police departments that fail to treat financial fraud with appropriate seriousness.
technobezz.com
· 2025-12-08
Text message scams, or "smishing" attacks, are rising in sophistication and include fake bank alerts, fake prize notifications, impersonation of friends/family requesting money, and fraudulent delivery notices. These scams exploit urgency and emotional triggers to steal personal information and funds. Protection strategies include never clicking suspicious links or providing sensitive information via text, verifying requests through official channels, enabling two-factor authentication, and contacting companies directly using verified contact information.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams using generative AI have surged 118% in the US between 2022 and 2023, with scammers creating convincing job ads on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter to steal applicants' personal data. To protect yourself, verify company details before applying, never share personal information (address, Social Security number, bank details) with unverified contacts, and be suspicious of offers that seem too good to be true; scammers are also using AI deepfakes in romance scams to appear authentic during video calls.
centraloregondaily.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation issued a holiday season alert warning consumers about gift card scams, where criminals contact victims via phone, text, email, or social media to trick them into purchasing gift cards and surrendering the card numbers and PIN codes. Common scammer tactics include creating false urgency, impersonating government agencies, tech companies, family members, or utility providers, and remaining on the phone while victims purchase cards to prevent discovery. Consumers are advised to ignore pressure to act quickly, never share gift card numbers or photos, and verify emergency claims by contacting the person directly.
forbesindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams powered by generative AI have surged 118% between 2022 and 2023 in the US, with scammers using AI to create convincing job postings and communications on legitimate platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed to steal jobseekers' personal data. Similar AI-driven fraud tactics are also being employed by romance scammers using deepfake technology to deceive victims during video calls. Jobseekers should verify company details before applying, never share personal information without meeting someone in person, and remain skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
yen.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
**Hajia 4Reall Sentenced in Romance Scam Case**
Ghanaian musician Hajia 4Reall received a one-year-and-one-day prison sentence on June 28, 2024, for her involvement in a $2 million romance scam case in the United States. The article documents her dining with friends in the US shortly after her verdict, showing her in good spirits despite the conviction.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police issued an alert about a rental scam in which a woman was defrauded after being instructed to pay with gift cards. The scam involved requests for multiple gift cards and sharing of gift card numbers. AARP identifies these red flags—requests for multiple cards or to share card numbers—as key warning signs of gift card scams.
paturnpike.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is warning of a resurgent smishing scam in which fraudulent text messages claiming to be from "Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services" trick recipients into clicking links and sharing personal financial information by threatening additional charges for overdue tolls. The scam targets random individuals and mirrors similar schemes reported by toll agencies nationwide. Consumers should verify account information only through official channels like the PA Turnpike website or app, and report suspicious messages to the FTC or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
nptelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated overseas criminals steal tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans through internet and telephone scams, with the problem projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet most perpetrators evade capture and conviction. Victims—particularly older adults—rarely recover their money, losing life savings to romance scams, grandparent scams, technical support fraud, and other schemes, while law enforcement agencies lack sufficient resources to investigate and prosecute the overwhelming volume of cases. The challenge is compounded by difficulty tracking stolen funds converted to cryptocurrency or transferred to foreign bank accounts, leaving authorities struggling to keep pace with what experts describe as a "crisis level" crime wave.
dailyprogress.com
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated overseas scammers are stealing tens of billions of dollars annually from Americans, with the crime wave projected to worsen as the U.S. population ages and technology advances, yet law enforcement agencies lack resources to catch perpetrators and most victims never recover their money. Common scams targeting Americans include romance schemes, grandparent fraud, technical support fraud, and other confidence schemes, with particular vulnerability among older adults who have lost life savings. The challenge is compounded by the ease of committing fraud without consequences, the difficulty of investigating international crimes and cryptocurrency transfers, and the overwhelming volume of cases that stretch thin police and prosecutorial resources.
my.uq.edu.au
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide provides steps for victims of cybercrime, hacks, scams, and data breaches to contain risks and recover. Key actions include: immediately contacting your bank, changing passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, reporting the scam, and seeking support through services like IDCARE or employee assistance programs. The resource also outlines warning signs of compromised accounts (unauthorized login attempts, suspicious charges, device performance issues) and specific recovery procedures for work accounts, personal accounts, and situations involving organizational data breaches.
wthr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC) is warning the public about smishing scams in which fraudsters send text messages falsely claiming users have unpaid tolls and directing them to click malicious links to avoid late fees. The ITRCC reminds customers that it does not send text messages requesting sensitive information and advises recipients of suspicious messages not to respond or click links, instead verifying messages through the legitimate customer service number (574-675-4010) or filing complaints with the IC3.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** SIM Swap/Mobile Account Takeover Fraud
Multiple Guardian Money readers had their mobile phone accounts hijacked by fraudsters who then accessed their bank accounts and stole thousands of pounds. Fraudsters typically compromised victims' email accounts first, then impersonated them to mobile providers to obtain replacement SIM cards, allowing them to intercept two-factor authentication codes and drain bank accounts—with reported losses including £6,000 and £3,500. While some banks like RBS refunded victims, the article emphasizes that strong unique passwords, enabling two-step verification on email and banking accounts, and immediately reporting compromised emails are critical defenses against this increasingly common
mypunepulse.com
· 2025-12-08
A 63-year-old man in Pune was arrested after operating an illegal clinic for five years, posing as a doctor despite having no medical qualifications or credentials. The suspect charged patients 75-100 rupees per consultation at "Janseva Clinic" before authorities raided the facility, seized medical equipment and medications, and sealed the clinic. Authorities are urging the public to verify healthcare providers' credentials to prevent similar fraud.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community events calendar for the Poway, California area (July 11-13) listing various public activities and services, including a veterans resource fair, educational programs, craft activities, a blood drive, barrel racing, food collection, and musical performances. The content does not relate to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse and is therefore not relevant to the Elderus database.
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired engineer from Düsseldorf, Hans Müller, invested a substantial portion of his retirement savings in a fraudulent pig farming investment scheme that promised high returns but ultimately ceased all communications when he attempted to withdraw funds. With assistance from Midwessex Investigations, a private investigation firm specializing in fraud recovery, authorities conducted forensic analysis, cybersecurity tracking, and international law enforcement collaboration to identify the scammers and successfully recover Müller's financial losses.
trib.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. This appears to be a list of country names and territories rather than an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse.
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theindependent.sg
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity has become a household concern in Singapore as digital device usage increases, with common scams including phishing, tech support fraud, grandparent scams using deepfakes, romance scams, and charity fraud targeting everyday users. Industry expert Vishak Raman recommends adopting strong passwords, two-factor authentication, regular software updates, separate networks for smart devices, and household education to mitigate risks. The advice emphasizes verifying authenticity of communications, never granting remote access to unsolicited callers, and confirming identities before sending money or sharing personal information.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated investment scam organization operating call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted previous fraud victims by posing as government compensation agents, then pivoted to selling them worthless cryptocurrency after building trust. The scheme, which stole 5.4 billion won from victims, exemplifies evolving fraud tactics that now include fake trading platforms, purchased victim databases from dark markets, and manipulation through social media channels like Telegram and KakaoTalk to circumvent new financial regulations taking effect in August.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated scam operation with call centers in Seoul and Incheon targeted victims of previous investment fraud by posing as government compensation agents, then resold their personal information to accomplices who impersonated securities employees to solicit cryptocurrency purchases, resulting in 5.4 billion won in stolen funds. Investment scams are evolving to circumvent new capital market regulations by operating through encrypted messaging platforms and creating fake trading systems (HTS) that display fabricated profits; one victim lost 250 million won after depositing funds into a fraudulent trading platform, and police arrested nine members of a virtual asset exchange operation that stole 9 billion won from 133 people.
fashionjournal.com.au
· 2025-12-08
This article provides dating safety advice from a dating expert for travelers using dating apps during holidays. The piece covers 11 essential tips for avoiding romance scams, catfishing, and harassment—including not oversharing personal information, verifying matches, avoiding suspicious links, video calling before meeting, and meeting in public places while keeping friends informed of plans.
jamaica-gleaner.com
· 2025-12-08
A Jamaican banking fraud expert called for harsher prison sentences (at least 10 years) for bank employees who steal, citing a case where former National Commercial Bank employee Khadene Thomas stole $74.5 million from three customers but received only a 2-year sentence. The expert also highlighted various fraud schemes affecting the public, including a romance scam where a school vice-principal sent her life savings to an online "fiancé" and attempted to secure a $3 million loan before the bank intervened.
politiko.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to elder fraud research. It is an "about" page describing POLITIKO, a Philippine political news outlet, and the ABANTE-BILYONARYO GROUP media conglomerate that owns it. The content covers the organizations' journalistic mission, media portfolio, and audience reach, but contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or related topics that would be appropriate for the Elderus database.
srilankamirror.com
· 2025-12-08
Tamim Rahman, a British-Bangladeshi former owner of the Dambulla Thunders cricket team, faces charges in Colombo High Court for allegedly attempting to bribe a cricketer to fix a match during last year's LPL tournament. Rahman's counsel indicated willingness to plead guilty, and the case was scheduled for January 7 for further proceedings.
readingeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud targeting older adults has significantly worsened, with reported losses from investment scams reaching $147 million in 2022—a 213% increase compared to 2020, according to FTC data. Scammers continue to exploit seniors by attempting to steal personal and financial information for fraudulent purposes.
inquirer.com
· 2025-12-08
American consumers lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable, losing over $3.4 billion to romance, grandparent, and technical support scams. While Congress designated May 15 as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, the editorial argues that symbolic gestures are insufficient and calls for substantial federal funding and coordinated legislation to combat fraud, as current efforts remain disjointed and banking institutions lack adequate support to prevent these crimes.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing scam involving fraudsters impersonating process servers has been reported to the Better Business Bureau, where callers claim to represent non-existent lawsuits, liens, or legal matters to intimidate victims into providing personal information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and addresses. The scammers use pressure tactics, threats of legal action, and sometimes reference family members by name to create urgency and extract sensitive data. To protect themselves, consumers should verify any claims through their local court websites, avoid confirming information to unsolicited callers, and never share personal details about themselves or family members over the phone.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
The Payment Services Regulations are shifting fraud prevention responsibility to a 50:50 liability model, requiring banks to enhance detection of Authorized Push Payment (APP) fraud, where customers are tricked into authorizing payments to fraudsters. In 2023, APP fraud resulted in £459.7 million in losses across over 232,000 UK consumers through purchase, romance, investment, and impersonation scams. Banks must transition from monitoring outbound payments to focusing on inbound transaction processing, as receiving banks have better visibility into fraudsters' accounts and can more effectively block or freeze funds in real-time payment systems.
therecord.media
· 2025-12-08
Tether froze $29.62 million in stablecoins connected to Huione Guarantee, a Cambodian online marketplace that facilitates cybercriminal operations including pig butchering scams, money laundering, and trafficking-related crimes across Southeast Asia. Researchers documented $11 billion in transactions on the platform over three years, with the freeze occurring at law enforcement's request following investigations linking the marketplace to fraudulent and transnational criminal operations. The action highlights how Tether stablecoins have become the preferred cryptocurrency for regional cybercrime due to their stability and anonymity.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
During Amazon Prime Days sales events, scammers increase phishing and fraudulent website activity, with Amazon being one of the most commonly impersonated companies. Experts advise consumers of all ages to avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments from unknown sources, shop only on verified websites, and report suspicious activity to the Better Business Bureau. Those who fall victim should place a fraud alert on their payment methods immediately.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-08
Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil warned the public about AI-generated deepfake scams being used to impersonate people, including a recent incident where scammers created fake video calls impersonating singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza. The minister called on news agencies and social media platforms like Meta to educate the public about these threats and address the misuse of AI technology for fraudulent purposes.
tearsheet.co
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational/Industry Insights
Charlie, a fintech company serving Americans 62 and older, is addressing senior financial vulnerabilities through AI-driven fraud protection and personalized banking services. The company offers features like expedited Social Security access, advanced fraud safeguards, competitive deposit rates, and age-optimized design, while exploring additional products such as consumer-friendly home equity solutions and tax-optimized asset decumulation strategies for cash-poor, house-rich retirees. CEO Kevin Nazemi emphasizes the importance of ethical AI implementation and elegant fraud prevention measures—such as their "SpeedBump" 6-hour transaction pause—that protect seniors without creating
port.ac.uk
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A University of Portsmouth study of nearly 2,000 UK adults over 75 found that two-thirds experienced at least one telephone fraud attempt in the past six months, with 40 percent facing frequent daily, weekly, or monthly attempts—predominantly via landline calls (75 percent of frauds). The research revealed that these persistent scams cause significant anxiety and fear among older adults, with many reporting constant suspicion of communications and reduced quality of life, though the full psychological impact on this demographic warrants further investigation.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Following Hurricane Beryl's power outages in the Pasadena, Texas area, scammers targeted senior citizens in assisted living by directing them to a fraudulent 800-number posing as a hotel booking service. One victim was charged $207 for a fake hotel reservation with an incorrect phone number and was unable to verify the booking when she arrived at the hotel; she successfully disputed the charge with her credit card company. The incident highlights how scammers exploit seniors during disasters when they are vulnerable and seeking emergency shelter.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
The Capital District is experiencing an uptick in fraud scams targeting senior citizens since May, including bank account drains and fake prize schemes, prompting the Homeland Security Investigation Department and Schenectady Police to offer free fraud awareness courses. According to the FBI's 2023 Annual Elder Fraud report, over 101,000 U.S. adults aged 60 and older filed fraud complaints and lost more than $3.4 million, with law enforcement emphasizing the importance of reporting scams and verifying suspicious communications before responding.
highlandcountypress.com
· 2025-12-08
Casey Alexander, a 27-year-old UK national, was sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a cold-calling scheme targeting elderly American investors. The scam promised high returns on wine and whiskey investments held in European warehouses, defrauding over 150 victims of more than $13 million collectively, with one victim losing $300,000 over 18 months; Alexander was ordered to pay $202,195.58 in restitution.
fox19.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio ranked No. 6 nationally for elderly scams in the past year, with seniors losing over $3.4 billion to more than 110,000 reported scams across the U.S., according to FBI data. Law enforcement emphasizes the importance of reporting these crimes, as the sophistication of scams—including tech fraud and grandparent scams—is increasing, though many incidents go unreported. The article highlights tragic consequences, including a 73-year-old victim who robbed a credit union after being scammed for years, and an 81-year-old who fatally shot an Uber driver he mistakenly believed was involved in a bond scam targeting him.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Over Rs 5 crore was stolen from Bengaluru residents in 2023 through FedEx and other courier company impersonation scams, with 163 police cases filed in the city. Scammers contacted victims claiming packages in their names contained drugs or illegal items, then impersonated police and CBI officials via video calls to coerce victims into transferring money to multiple accounts. Notable victims included a retired Lieutenant Colonel who lost Rs 73 lakh, a lawyer extorted for Rs 15 lakh, and a software CEO defrauded of Rs 2.3 crore.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how artificial intelligence is being weaponized by scammers to create more sophisticated and convincing frauds. Scammers are using AI tools including deepfakes, voice cloning, and chatbots to personalize attacks, automate victim targeting, and make deceptive content more realistic and harder to detect. The article emphasizes that awareness of these emerging AI-powered scam tactics is essential for protecting oneself from increasingly advanced fraud schemes.
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Las Vegas widow lost over $1.3 million (including her retirement fund, inheritance, and home valued at $600,000) to a romance scammer who impersonated a German spiritual teacher over more than two years, beginning in 2021 after her husband's death. The scammer, believed to be from Nigeria, used a fake Facebook profile with stolen photos and progressively escalated requests for money, starting with gift cards and culminating in a fake safe transport scheme, leaving Likins without utilities or adequate food. The FTC reported romance scams totaled over $1 billion in losses in 2023, and the real man whose photos were stolen reports at least
wistv.com
· 2025-12-08
Moving scams cost consumers an average of $836 in 2024, with projected total losses of $32.2 million—a 30% increase from 2022. Common scams include fraudulent change-of-address fees, no-show moving companies that take upfront payment, and unlicensed businesses that steal or hold belongings hostage. To protect themselves, consumers should verify companies through online reviews, avoid paying the full amount upfront, use credit cards for deposits to enable dispute filing, obtain in-person estimates, and compare estimates to final bills.
nerdwallet.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines key strategies for avoiding financial scams, noting that 54% of Americans have experienced scam attempts in the past two years, with 18% losing money (median loss of $325, though 32% lost $1,000 or more). Experts recommend four main protective measures: hanging up and contacting companies directly using verified numbers, enabling multifactor authentication and monitoring accounts weekly, familiarizing yourself with common scam types, and recognizing that anyone—regardless of education or income level—can fall victim to fraud.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns consumers about scam risks during Amazon Prime Day (July 16) and other summer sales events, when scammers exploit shopping activity with fake websites, fraudulent links, and phishing messages. In June alone, cybersecurity researchers identified over 1,200 suspicious domains impersonating Amazon, with 85% suspected to be malicious, and AI-generated fake sites are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. The article recommends consumers manually enter URLs rather than clicking links, use credit cards for purchases, enable two-factor authentication, and verify prices across retailers to avoid falling victim to fraud.