Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
3,505 results
in Identity Theft
readthereporter.com
This educational piece observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) and emphasizes that elder abuse—including physical, emotional, neglect, and financial mistreatment—affects approximately 5 million U.S. older adults annually, with older victims losing roughly $30 billion yearly to financial fraud, yet only one in 14 cases are reported. The article provides prevention guidance including recognizing common scams (lottery schemes, identity theft, phishing), using technology safeguards (bank alerts, direct deposits), maintaining social connections, and leveraging reporting resources such as Adult Protective Services, local law enforcement, and the National Center on Elder Abuse to combat exploitation.
wjtv.com
A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, FTC, CDC, and Census Bureau data ranked U.S. states by online dating safety, identifying Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire as safest and Nevada, Alaska, and Georgia as most dangerous based on rates of violence, STIs, romance scams, identity theft, and registered sex offenders per 100,000 people. The research highlights that romance scams pose significant fraud risks to online daters, with victims targeted for cash or personal information used for identity theft, and recommends safety precautions including refusing money requests, meeting in public places, and avoiding sharing private information with unvetted contacts.
yahoo.com
A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, FTC, and CDC data ranked states by online dating safety risks, including romance scams, identity theft, STIs, violent crime, and registered sex offenders per 100,000 people. South Carolina ranked among the 10 most dangerous states for online dating, alongside Nevada, Alaska, Georgia, and Florida, while Vermont and Maine were identified as safest. The study notes that while dating apps facilitate connections (with 1 in 4 couples meeting online), users should avoid money requests, meet in public locations, and refrain from sharing personal information until after meeting someone in person.
chroniclelive.co.uk
This educational article outlines eight common WhatsApp scams and prevention strategies. The scams include impersonation schemes (where fraudsters pose as family members or romantic interests), verification code theft, cryptocurrency and investment fraud, and malware distribution, with each targeting different types of personal information or money from victims. The key advice emphasizes verifying sender identity through independent channels, never sharing sensitive codes or personal data, researching investment opportunities thoroughly, and reporting suspicious activity to WhatsApp and authorities.
powerretail.com.au
Delivery package scams are the most prevalent fraud affecting Australians, with 73% of survey respondents reporting receipt of fake delivery messages and over 25% falling victim to losses, including some exceeding $20,000. Over 80% of Australians receive between one to ten scam texts and calls weekly, with more than half initially believing fraudulent messages were legitimate before detecting the deception. Australia Post warns that scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and urges the public to verify communications, emphasizing that Australia Post never requests personal information, financial details, or payments via unsolicited contact.
news-journalonline.com
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 556 into law, which allows financial institutions to delay suspicious transactions from seniors aged 65+ or vulnerable adults for up to 15 business days (extendable to 30 days) while investigating potential fraud. The bill addresses the rising threat of scams targeting elderly Floridians, who lost nearly $294 million to fraud in 2023, with seniors nationwide losing over $3.4 billion that same year to schemes including fake calls, investment fraud, and romance scams. The law takes effect January 1, 2025, and requires banks to notify trusted contacts and develop employee training programs to identify and prevent financial exploitation.
macombgov.org
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office and Chase Bank are co-hosting two free educational presentations on June 18, 2024, to help seniors recognize and avoid scams. Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido will distribute an informational booklet covering common scams targeting seniors including identity theft, telemarketing fraud, internet fraud, home improvement fraud, and caregiver fraud, with discussions on recent financial scams and protective measures. The events are open to all Macomb County residents at two college campuses with no reservations required.
tristatealert.com
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown warned consumers about the rising threat of imposter scams that use sophisticated technologies, including AI-generated voices, to impersonate trusted figures such as government officials, bank representatives, law enforcement, and family members in order to steal money or personal information. Common scam types include government imposters threatening fines or arrest, family/friend imposters claiming emergencies, and tech support scams demanding payment for unnecessary repairs. To protect yourself, verify callers' identities by contacting organizations directly using official numbers, establish code words with family members, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, FTC, or AARP Fraud Watch
finance.yahoo.com
An AARP report found that 141.5 million U.S. adults (42%) have been victims of fraud, with those buying or selling homes facing elevated risk from cyber-thieves using peer-to-peer payment platforms, fake social media ads, and high-pressure tactics. Key protective measures include avoiding peer-to-peer payments with unknown vendors, using credit cards for online transactions, verifying service providers through official websites rather than unsolicited contacts, and confirming wire transfer instructions directly with legitimate lenders before sending funds.
independentri.com
Narragansett, Rhode Island police warned residents about increasing social media scams, including impersonation, extortion, identity theft, romance schemes, and sweepstakes fraud. Detective James Wass reported that while the number of reported cases fluctuated between 10-18 annually from 2020-2023, losses peaked in 2021 at $614,466 before declining, suggesting scammers may be targeting smaller payouts. The department advised residents to be skeptical of unsolicited sweepstakes and to resist pressure to act quickly.
riverreporter.com
**World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) highlights a critical public health issue affecting approximately five million older adults annually in the United States, with financial fraud being the most prevalent form, causing victims an estimated $30 billion in losses per year.** The article emphasizes that elder abuse—which includes physical, emotional, neglect, and financial mistreatment—requires community-wide prevention through awareness training, technology safeguards (bank alerts, secure document storage), and strong social networks. Older adults are advised to be cautious of unsolicited contact requesting personal information or urgent payment via unusual methods, and reporting mechanisms are available through multiple agencies with anonymity protections.
pennwatch.org
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities hosted multiple educational presentations throughout June to help seniors and the public recognize and prevent financial fraud and elder abuse. Programs covered topics including elder financial abuse recognition, cybersecurity, identity theft prevention, and investment fraud awareness, with sessions delivered through interactive formats like Fraud BINGO in partnership with organizations such as AARP Pennsylvania and local libraries across the state.
nbcwashington.com
Unpaid toll text message scams are rapidly increasing, targeting drivers across the country by falsely claiming outstanding toll balances and directing recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal credit card and personal information. To protect themselves, recipients should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify toll accounts directly through official state websites, and freeze credit with all three bureaus if compromised. The Identity Theft Resource Center and FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center track these incidents, which can result in identity theft and financial fraud.
therogersvillereview.com
This educational article warns university students about common scams targeting their demographic, including scholarship/financial aid fraud, student loan debt relief schemes, fake rental listings, employment scams, misleading credit card offers, and social media phishing. The key advice is to verify the legitimacy of any organization before providing personal or financial information, never pay upfront fees for legitimate services (scholarships, loan forgiveness, jobs), and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. While not specific to elder fraud, the article emphasizes vigilance and verification as essential protections against financial exploitation.
nasdaq.com
An AARP report found that 141.5 million American adults (42%) have been victims of fraud, with those buying or selling homes facing heightened risk from scammers using peer-to-peer payment apps, fake social media ads, and high-pressure tactics. Common scams targeting homebuyers include fake service provider ads on social media, unsolicited home warranty solicitations, wire transfer fraud, and account hacking, with experts recommending consumers verify service providers through official channels, avoid peer-to-peer payment apps for unfamiliar vendors, use credit cards for online purchases when possible, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
nbcchicago.com
A woman's Facebook account was compromised, and the hacker used it to post fraudulent Taylor Swift ticket ads, defrauding a buyer out of $1,000 who then showed up at the victim's home seeking the tickets. After Facebook failed to assist and the victim's bank initially refused to help, NBC 5 Responds' intervention led Chase Bank to reopen the case and refund the scam victim, though the hacker continues posting from the compromised account. The article recommends using strong unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and updating security contact information to prevent similar social media hacks.
uscis.gov
This is not an article about elder fraud or scams. It appears to be a privacy notice and instructions for a USCIS immigration fraud reporting form (Form G-1530). It contains legal disclaimers about information collection, data sharing procedures, and paperwork reduction requirements—not a summary of a fraudulent scheme or elder abuse incident. I cannot provide the requested summary as this document falls outside the scope of elder fraud cases.
kwbu.org
Teresa Gingles, a geriatric physical therapist, founded the nonprofit Better At Last to address elder fraud, which disproportionately affects older Americans who lost an average of $33,000 per victim to scams in 2023. The organization is hosting a free "Protect Yourself!" conference on June 7 at the Waco Convention Center featuring 20+ speakers including fraud experts and law enforcement to educate seniors on protecting themselves against tech support scams, romance scams, investment fraud, and other schemes. The conference emphasizes community connections and trusted relationships as key defenses against elder fraud.
cgsentinel.com
Elder fraud complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center increased 14 percent in 2023, with victims aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion total and an average of $33,915 per victim. Tech support scams were the most commonly reported type of elder fraud, while investment scams proved the costliest, exceeding $1.2 billion in losses, with over 12,000 victims also targeted through cryptocurrency schemes. Oregon specifically saw elderly residents lose $44 million in 2023, with scammers exploiting older Americans' relative lack of technological proficiency.
kfoxtv.com
El Paso police reported a rise in identity theft scams targeting elderly residents over the past two years, with victims particularly vulnerable to text and phone scams due to high trust levels and limited awareness of technology capabilities. Sgt. Cristina Mendoza of the Financial Crime Unit identified key warning signs including unsolicited contact, pressure to pay in specific ways, and inability to verify the other party's identity.
prweb.com
According to an FBI report, Americans over 60 experienced elder fraud crimes at record levels, with victims losing an estimated $3.4 billion in reported losses. Common scams targeting seniors include the grandparent scam (impersonating grandchildren claiming arrest), sweepstakes fraud requiring upfront payment, gift card serial number schemes, and government imposter fraud. Elderwerks, a Palatine, Illinois nonprofit, is hosting free educational presentations on scam prevention and identity theft protection to help seniors and caregivers recognize and avoid these crimes.
foxnews.com
A Privacy Journal study analyzing FBI, CDC, FTC, and Internet Crime Complaint Center data ranked U.S. states by danger levels for online dating users, identifying Nevada, Alaska, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona as the five most risky states. The analysis considered romance scams, identity theft, fraud, violent crime, STD rates, and registered sex offender concentrations, with Arizona having the highest romance scam rate (9.2 per 100,000), Nevada the second-highest (8.1 per 100,000), and Georgia leading in identity theft and fraud victimization rates. The findings highlight that geographic location can predict vulnerability to various threats when using dating apps.
wthr.com
The FBI reported that scammers stole $3.4 billion from people over 60 in 2023, prompting a free educational workshop scheduled for June 10 in Indianapolis to teach seniors and caregivers about evolving fraud tactics, including how artificial intelligence is being exploited by scammers. The workshop, featuring FBI forensic accountants and Indiana's consumer protection director, will focus on top scams including tech scams, data breaches, and romance schemes.
wthr.com
Rapper Sean Kingston and his mother, Janice Turner, were arrested and charged with conducting an organized fraud scheme that allegedly netted over $1 million through identity theft, grand theft, and bank fraud between October and March, including stealing approximately $500,000 in jewelry, $200,000 from Bank of America, and $160,000 from a luxury vehicle dealer. Kingston waived his right to fight extradition and agreed to be returned to Florida to face charges, where both defendants are expected to address the allegations in court. Kingston has prior probation for trafficking stolen property, and his mother has a 2006 conviction for bank fraud.
herald-review.com
A Mount Zion woman was charged with stealing over $100,000 in cash and property from an elderly female victim between May 2022 and July 2023. Ali L. Fisher, 31, faces two counts including financial exploitation of an elderly person and obtaining control of property through deception, with the alleged theft totaling more than $40,000 in additional cash. Fisher was arrested on May 14 and released on pretrial release pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 24 in Macon County Circuit Court.
wgrd.com
A 72-year-old Michigan woman lost $40,000 after scammers posing as federal agents convinced her that her life savings were at risk due to identity theft and bank insolvency, then persuaded her to withdraw the cash for "safekeeping." When the perpetrators returned a week later seeking additional funds, an alert neighbor reported them to authorities, leading to the arrest of two men from Illinois. Authorities stress the importance of verifying the identities of anyone claiming to represent law enforcement or government agencies before transferring funds or sharing personal information.
mix957gr.com
A 72-year-old Michigan woman lost $40,000 after scammers posing as federal agents convinced her that her money was at risk due to identity theft and bank insolvency, then persuaded her to withdraw her life savings for "safekeeping." When the two men from Illinois attempted to return a week later for more money, an alert neighbor reported the activity to authorities, leading to their arrest. Authorities urge the public to verify the identities of anyone claiming to be law enforcement or government officials before providing personal information or transferring funds.
scamwatch.gov.au
Remote access scams involve criminals posing as representatives from banks or tech companies, convincing victims to download screen-sharing software that grants them control of devices to steal banking credentials and funds. Australians lost $15.5 million to these scams in 2023, with losses increasing 52% in early 2024, and seniors over 65 experiencing the greatest financial impact. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited calls requesting software downloads, never share passwords or security codes over the phone, and immediately contact your bank if you suspect fraud.
cbc.ca
A Go Public investigation found dozens of Facebook account takeovers targeting users, where scammers hijack accounts and impersonate victims to defraud their friends by posing as the account owner selling items (hot tubs, trucks, tractors) on behalf of an elderly parent in long-term care. In one documented case, Lesa Lowery's account was compromised in March after she clicked a phishing email link, and her friends were swindled out of a combined $2,500 before Meta responded, despite multiple reports during the active scam. Cybersecurity experts say Meta's failure to provide customer service or quickly address the widespread scam represents a basic security
wisbusiness.com
This article warns about Memorial Day-period scams targeting military members and veterans. A Wisconsin small business owner lost $166,515 to a fraudster impersonating an MBDA procurement director who ordered laptops but never paid. The BBB identifies common military-targeted scams including predatory loans, fake rental properties, misleading vehicle sales, fraudulent benefits buyouts, and high-pressure life insurance sales, recommending victims verify businesses, avoid wire transfers, protect their computer information, and research charities thoroughly before donating.
igberetvnews.com
Darlington Akporugo, 46, and Jasmin Sood, 35, were arrested on charges of operating an online romance scam that defrauded at least 13 elderly Americans of approximately $3.1 million between 2015 and 2022. The couple, who were engaged to be married in Houston, targeted widowed victims on social media and dating platforms, building trust before convincing them to transfer money to accounts they controlled. Both face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, with Akporugo facing additional charges including aggravated identity theft.
punchng.com
Darlington Akporugo, 46, and Jasmin Sood, 35, were arrested on charges of operating an online romance scam that defrauded at least 13 elderly Americans of approximately $3.1 million between 2015 and 2022. The couple, who resided in Fulshear, Texas, targeted widowed victims on social media and dating platforms, building trust before coercing them to transfer money to accounts they controlled. Both face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, with Akporugo facing additional charges including aggravated identity theft and fraud related to access devices.
ballmergroup.org
Fraudsters are impersonating Ballmer Group and its employees through email, social media, and phone calls to solicit monetary deposits, personal identification, investment opportunities, and registration fees from the public. Ballmer Group does not request payments, personal information, donations, or membership fees, and advises recipients of suspicious communications claiming to be from the organization to report them directly or to the Federal Trade Commission.
clarksvilleonline.com
The Better Business Bureau warns military members and veterans to be alert for scams around Memorial Day, which typically include high-priced military loans with hidden fees, fake rental properties using stolen photos, misleading vehicle sales targeting deployed soldiers, and fraudulent charities mimicking legitimate nonprofits. The BBB recommends avoiding wire transfers, protecting computers from phishing, placing active duty alerts on credit reports, researching businesses and charities before engaging, and reporting suspected fraud through BBB.org/Scamtracker.
theworldlink.com
Elderly Oregonians lost $44 million to internet scams in 2023, with FBI data showing a 14% increase in elder fraud complaints and an 11% rise in associated losses that year. The average victim aged 60 and older lost $33,915, with over $3.4 billion in total losses nationwide, with tech support scams being the most commonly reported type and investment scams causing the greatest financial damage at over $1.2 billion.
foxnews.com
An elderly woman in the tri-state area nearly lost $25,000 in an elaborate phishing scam involving fake Geek Squad invoices that escalated when the scammer showed up at her home to collect cash in person. The victim provided her bank account number and computer access after receiving a phishing email, then was pressured to withdraw $20,000 in cash based on a false claim of an accidental $25,000 refund; authorities arrested the scammer during the pickup. The article advises victims to verify subscriptions, track invoice patterns, contact companies through official websites, and watch for unprofessional language or threats from callers requesting sensitive information.
birminghammail.co.uk
An identity theft victim in Birmingham discovered fraudsters had stolen their personal details to purchase a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra phone (£1,099) from Curry's in London using a fake contract in their name, only realizing the fraud after receiving suspicious emails from Curry's and Vodafone over a 36-hour period. The victim successfully reported the fraud to Vodafone, avoided financial loss, though experienced temporary credit rating damage, and now emphasizes the importance of immediately verifying suspicious communications rather than dismissing them as phishing scams. The incident highlights that identity fraud remains the most common type of fraud in the UK, with Cifas reporting over 237,000
keysnews.com
Romance scams cost consumers $1.3 billion in 2022, with cybercriminals cultivating online relationships for months before requesting money. Experts recommend moving relationships slowly, watching for red flags (requests to move off dating apps, refusal to video call, generic terms of endearment), conducting reverse image searches on profile photos, and avoiding any money transfers or financial exchanges with people you have not met in person.
newstalkzb.co.nz
A New Zealand woman lost over $580,000 to an international romance scam spanning 14 months between November 2019 and December 2020, after meeting a scammer posing as a US oil rig worker named "Scott Thomas" on Tinder. The perpetrator convinced her he needed funding for an oil project and claimed access to a $3 million UK bank account that had been hacked, promising to repay her once he regained the funds and traveled to New Zealand to marry her. The victim made 21 international transfers from her own and her elderly father's accounts before the scam was discovered by a family member who found an incriminating email; she
sudbury.com
Fraud losses in Canada surged from approximately $165 million in 2020 to $569 million in 2023, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, though officials estimate actual losses may be 10-20 times higher since only 5-10% of victims report incidents. Common scams include grandparent schemes and romance fraud, with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI, making phishing attacks a daily threat for Canadians with email and cellphones.
theworldlink.com
**Elder fraud targeting Oregonians increased significantly in 2023, with individuals aged 60 and older losing $44 million in that state alone and $3.4 billion nationally—a 14 percent increase in complaints and 11 percent increase in losses compared to 2022.** Tech support scams were the most commonly reported type of elder fraud, while investment scams caused the highest losses at over $1.2 billion; other prevalent schemes included romance scams, government impersonation, and cryptocurrency fraud. The average elderly victim lost $33,915, with over 101,000 Americans aged 60+ reporting elder fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime
currypilot.com
Internet scams targeting elderly Oregonians increased significantly in 2023, with individuals aged 60 and over losing $3.4 billion nationally and $44 million in Oregon alone, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center report. Over 101,000 victims aged 60+ reported fraud to the IC3, with tech support scams being most common and investment scams causing the largest losses (over $1.2 billion). Local law enforcement in Oregon has also documented cases involving seniors being defrauded of homes and retirement savings through online scams and identity theft.
bhamnow.com
A Birmingham FBI agent specializing in financial crimes identified six common scams targeting seniors in Alabama—including lottery/sweepstakes, tech support, romance, grandparent, home improvement, and government impersonation scams—noting that elder fraud is rising in the state and that scammers create artificial urgency to pressure victims into quick decisions. The article advises seniors and their families to secure social media accounts, seek second opinions before acting on urgent requests, and contact law enforcement if targeted, while noting that many victims don't report scams due to shame, embarrassment, or fear of retaliation.
kiplinger.com
Reports of job-related scams to the Better Business Bureau more than doubled in 2023, with the FTC logging over 107,000 fraudulent job opportunities resulting in approximately $491 million in losses. Scammers use artificial intelligence and social media to target job seekers with "work from home" schemes, extracting personal information for identity theft or requesting up-front payments. Key warning signs include recruiters asking for Social Security numbers or bank account information before discussing the position, and victims should verify job offers through legitimate company contact information rather than recruiter-provided links.
dailydot.com
A viral TikTok scam prompted an expert on fine print to expose a fraudulent Sephora gift card scheme that has deceived thousands of users. The scam uses a stolen identity (@emma__rosey, impersonating Sequoia Cathron) to post misleading content directing victims to a fake Sephora site, which then redirects them to RewardZone USA, LLC—a company that harvests personal data including financial, health, Medicare, and biometric information to sell for profit. The expert warns viewers not to interact with such content and emphasizes that most victims fail to read privacy policies, making them vulnerable to identity theft and data exploitation.
monroenews.com
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel presented consumer protection information to seniors at the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults, covering common scam tactics including urgent requests, fake personal connections, financial demands, and unusual payment methods like gift cards. Nessel highlighted emerging threats such as spoofing technology that uses AI to impersonate friends and family, and rising check fraud, while recommending protective measures including strong privacy settings, password changes, two-factor authentication, credit card use, and reporting suspicious communications. The presentation emphasized that seniors are vulnerable targets and encouraged attendees to stay informed rather than fearful by asking verification questions and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact citizens by mail, not phone.
accountancyage.com
In 2023, UK Finance members reported over £1 billion in fraud losses, with unauthorized transaction fraud declining 3% to £708.7 million, while Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud losses reached £459.7 million despite a 5% year-on-year decrease. Purchase scams emerged as the most damaging fraud type, with cases rising 34% to over 156,000 and losses reaching £85.9 million—the highest on record—alongside significant increases in romance scams and card identity theft. Overall, 62% of APP fraud losses were returned to victims in 2023, and £1.25 billion in unauthorized fraud was prevented through
aarp.org
Google is testing new AI-powered security features for Android devices that warn users about common scams, such as fraudulent calls from people impersonating banks asking users to transfer money to secure accounts. The initiative addresses a global problem where people lost over $1 trillion to fraud last year, with U.S. consumers reporting $10 billion in scam losses in 2023; older adults are frequently targeted by phishing and impersonation scams. The new features will roll out through Google Play services updates and Android 15, though iPhones remain more popular among seniors despite Android's lower cost.
wsmv.com
The Better Business Bureau warns of four common scams targeting the military community around Memorial Day: high-priced military loans, fake rental properties offering military discounts, misleading car sales by fraudsters posing as soldiers, and fraudulent military charities. The BBB advises veterans and their families to avoid wire transfers, research businesses and charities before donating, protect personal information online, place active-duty alerts on credit reports when deployed, and report suspected fraud through BBB.org/Scamtracker.
justice.gov
This press release announces the annual U.S. Attorney Awards for the Northern District of West Virginia, recognizing 22 public servants and law enforcement officials for exceptional work in criminal investigations and community service. Among the honorees, Dontuwee Boykin (IRS-Criminal Investigations), J.W. Smith (West Virginia State Police), and Loretta Phillips received the Outstanding Elder Fraud Investigation award for their dedication to combating elder fraud in the region.