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myupnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a scam awareness roundup highlighting major fraud schemes targeting state residents, including disaster relief and charity scams, government imposter fraud, phishing/smishing attacks, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" romance scams, and data breach identity theft. The advisory recommends consumers verify charity legitimacy before donating, never click suspicious links or provide personal information to unsolicited contacts, monitor credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com, and implement security measures like two-factor authentication and password changes following data breaches.
fox8live.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Louisiana woman fell victim to a Social Security Administration impersonation scam after receiving fraudulent mail claiming she needed to submit personal information by March 28 to maintain her benefits. The fake letters, which contained grammatical errors and inconsistent fonts, prompted her sister to warn others after discovering the scam. According to the Better Business Bureau, seniors aged 65+ are frequent targets of these scams, with over 260,000 people reporting Social Security-related fraud last year, making it the most impersonated government agency by scammers.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
As the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to watch for identity theft scams where fraudsters pose as government officials and create fake websites to steal personal information. Scammers use deceptive calls, texts, and emails claiming to help people obtain REAL ID compliance, but legitimate government agencies do not contact citizens unsolicited about REAL IDs. Consumers should avoid suspicious links, refuse to share personal information with unknown sources, and be skeptical of misspelled messages or urgent demands.
komonews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Tariff Scams Target Consumers and Businesses**
Scammers are exploiting market confusion surrounding tariffs through phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent investment schemes targeting consumers and small businesses. Common tactics include impersonating government officials or freight companies to demand immediate payment for fake "tariff fees," with scammers taking advantage of people's heightened emotional states during economic uncertainty. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to verify contact information independently, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and remember that individuals do not pay tariffs directly—any such demand is a scam.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned of a surge in Real ID scams as the May 7 deadline approached, with fraudsters using phone calls, text messages, emails, and fake websites to impersonate government officials and steal personal information. These scams exploited the urgency of the federally mandated deadline to trick victims into revealing sensitive data that could be used for identity theft and financial fraud. The BBB emphasized that legitimate government agencies do not contact people unsolicited about Real IDs and advised individuals to watch for suspicious URLs and messages.
ic3.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns of an ongoing impersonation scam in which criminals pose as Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims, with over 100 reports received between December 2023 and February 2025. Scammers contact victims via email, phone, social media, or forums claiming to recover previously lost funds, then use this pretext to extract financial information and revictimize them. The FBI emphasizes that it never initiates contact with individuals through these channels, does not request payment for fund recovery, and urges victims to report suspicious activity to ic3.gov or the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline.
pahouse.com
· 2025-12-08
State Rep. Leanne Krueger is hosting "Scam Jam," a free educational event on April 25, 2025, in Aston, Pennsylvania, where residents can learn fraud prevention from experts including the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, Delaware County District Attorney's Office, and AARP Pennsylvania. The two-hour seminar will cover recent elder abuse cases, common community scams, investment fraud, mail fraud, and check washing, with interactive games and resources to help attendees recognize and prevent scams targeting seniors and other residents.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
One in eight romance scam victims are in an existing relationship when they fall victim to fraudsters, according to research by the National Fraud Helpline, with the vast majority meeting scammers on dating sites like Match.com and Tinder. Scammers typically target vulnerable individuals by building emotional connections over months before requesting money through elaborate false scenarios. A 68-year-old retired care worker was defrauded of £22,000 by a scammer posing as a widower from Cambridge, who used stolen photographs and fabricated emergencies to manipulate her into sending money between June and November.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
**Educational/Awareness Piece**
Financial and health literacy decline significantly with age, with research tracking over 1,000 older adults for 13 years showing an average 1% annual decline in literacy scores—dropping 12% between the 80s and 90s—putting seniors at risk of costly mistakes and fraud. While men started with higher financial literacy than women, both genders experienced similar rates of decline, though older, less educated, and lower-income individuals declined faster. Earlier interventions to improve financial literacy are recommended, particularly for women who face additional vulnerability due to lower initial literacy levels, lower retirement wealth, and longer lifespans.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An Ojai, California resident lost his life savings after scammers posing as U.S. Marshals Service agents called him and instructed him to send money to an out-of-state location. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office issued a warning about this government impersonation scam, which is part of a nationwide trend; in 2023 alone, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a 60% spike in such scams that defrauded over 14,000 people (mostly older adults) of more than $390 million. The article advises victims to act quickly by contacting their financial institutions, freezing credit, and reporting to authorities,
firstalert4.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2020, Michele Miller, the mother of missing St. Louis woman Bre'ayn Miller, fell victim to an extortion scam in which a caller claimed to be holding her daughter and demanded $7,000; Miller gathered approximately $3,000 before the scammer lowered demands to gift cards and eventually $20, causing significant emotional trauma. The scammer obtained her phone number from missing persons posters and instructed her not to contact police, threatening harm to her daughter. According to the Better Business Bureau, such scams are becoming increasingly common, with scammers using artificial intelligence to mimic victims' voices and exploit families during vulnerable times.
fingerlakes1.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting confusion about federal stimulus programs by sending fake IRS texts, emails, and creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer early access to stimulus checks, primarily targeting low-income families and seniors. These scams use urgency tactics and request personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details, though the IRS clarifies it will never contact people via email, text, or social media about stimulus money and legitimate updates only appear on IRS.gov. Recipients should avoid clicking links, report suspicious messages to the IRS and FTC, and monitor their credit if they've already shared information.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Indian telecom companies Vodafone-Idea and Bharti Airtel are deploying AI-powered systems to combat the rising threat of cyber fraud, including digital arrest scams and AI voice-cloning calls. Vi's Spam SMS solution has flagged over 250 million suspicious messages using machine learning to detect phishing and scam attempts in real-time, while Airtel's spam detection network identified nearly one million spammers daily and flagged 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMS messages within 2.5 months, resulting in a 12% decline in suspicious contact attempts.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays warned of a significant rise in romance scams, with the average victim losing £8,000 in 2024—a 37% increase from £5,800 in 2023—and romance scam incidents up 20% in Q1 2025 compared to the previous year. Most scams originated on social media platforms and dating apps, where fraudsters build trust with vulnerable victims (often those feeling lonely) before manipulating them into transferring money. Barclays called for tech companies to implement stronger protections, with 76% of the public agreeing that platforms should do more to prevent romance scams.
home.barclays
· 2025-12-08
Romance scam reports in the UK rose 20 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with victims losing an average of £8,000 in 2024, escalating to £19,000 for those aged 61 and over. One in ten UK adults have been targeted by or know someone affected by romance scams, which typically involve fraudsters building trust through fake romantic relationships on social media and dating platforms before requesting money for fake emergencies, travel, or medical expenses. The data shows men comprised 60 percent of romance scam reports, and three-quarters of consumers believe tech companies should implement stronger protections to prevent these scams
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
BBB Scam Tracker warns that scammers create fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media to deceive consumers into purchasing non-existent merchandise or disclosing personal information. These scams target various sectors including retail, passport services, healthcare enrollment, and pet sales, with victims often receiving no merchandise and finding customer support unresponsive or unreachable. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal or financial information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and bookmarking official websites to avoid lookalike impostor sites.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating fake websites advertised as "sponsored" content on search engines and social media platforms, targeting consumers seeking everything from retail merchandise to passport renewal services and health care enrollment. Victims click on these deceptive ads believing they're legitimate businesses, enter personal and financial information at checkout, and often never receive their purchases or can locate the fraudulent websites afterward. The BBB recommends verifying website legitimacy before entering personal information, being skeptical of unusually deep discounts, using BBB.org to confirm business details, and keeping official website bookmarks to avoid accidentally visiting impostor sites.
winknews.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake job offer scams targeting job seekers, particularly via text messages, caused Floridians to lose nearly $16 million in 2022. Scammers pose as employers offering work-from-home positions to steal personal information (Social Security numbers, dates of birth) and money through requests for equipment payments or banking details for "payroll setup." Job seekers should verify offers directly through official company websites, never send money to potential employers, and avoid providing sensitive information or clicking suspicious links.
wydaily.com
· 2025-12-08
Policy confusion surrounding Social Security Administration changes—which were initially announced and then reversed—has created an environment that scammers are exploiting to target Virginians, according to AARP Virginia's state director. Con artists typically initiate contact via phone, text, or email claiming urgency and impersonating Social Security Administration officials to defraud beneficiaries, with more than 1.6 million Virginians relying on Social Security benefits as critical income. The SSA's planned office closures and in-person appointment requirements would have further complicated access for seniors, particularly the 9% of Virginia seniors already living more than 45 miles from the nearest office.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays Bank reported a 20% increase in romance scams in early 2025, primarily occurring on social media and dating platforms, with the average loss rising to £8,000 per victim in 2024 (up from £5,800 in 2023). Adults aged 61 and over are most vulnerable, losing an average of £19,000 per scam, with scammers typically building trust before requesting money under false pretenses such as emergencies, travel costs, or medical bills. The data shows 12% of UK adults have been targeted by or know someone affected by romance scams, and Barclays is calling for tech companies to implement stronger frau
wyomingnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County law enforcement has received 91 combined fraud reports, with scammers increasingly impersonating law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to coerce victims into sending money, and exploiting Facebook Marketplace. The elderly and people over 50 are disproportionately targeted, with at least two victims losing over $150,000 each, though recovered funds are rare since money is typically sent electronically to overseas servers beyond law enforcement jurisdiction.
ynetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The National Insurance Institute warned of a surge in phishing scams impersonating the government body, using fake messages about "unusual account activity" that direct recipients to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam targets vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals and those with limited digital literacy, with similar impersonation schemes affecting other Israeli institutions like the Tax Authority, Health Ministry, and banks. The Institute advises recipients to avoid clicking links, verify website addresses end in .gov.il, and report suspicious messages to authorities rather than providing any personal information.
globalinitiative.net
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses the growing threat of online fraud and cybercrime involving India and the United States, highlighting how scammers exploit weak data security and leverage generative AI. India serves as both a hub for scam operations targeting Western victims through fake tech support and loan schemes, and increasingly, a source of victims itself, with Indian nationals being trafficked to scam compounds in Cambodia and exploited to defraud others. The article calls for the US and India to strengthen cooperation against these transnational fraud networks, particularly regarding data breaches—such as the 2023 theft of 815 million Indian citizens' personal information—that provide scammers with the databases they need to target vulnerable populations
people.com
· 2025-12-08
JPMorgan Chase is pursuing additional lawsuits against customers who exploited an "infinite money glitch" discovered in August 2024, which allowed users to deposit fraudulent checks via ATM and withdraw funds before the checks bounced. The bank has filed suits in Georgia, Florida, New York, and Texas against individuals accused of stealing amounts up to $75,000 each, and has sent demand letters to over 1,000 customers since October 2024, with a representative stating the bank will pursue cases "for as long as it takes to hold fraudsters accountable."
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old Massachusetts woman experienced two separate fraud incidents—identity theft involving her name and social security number years earlier, and unauthorized debit card charges in February 2024 that were caught when she received a text alert for a fraudulent taxi charge in Oklahoma City. Her bank successfully stopped the fraudulent charges and issued a new card, advising her to use credit cards for online purchases and tap (rather than insert) debit cards in person to reduce fraud vulnerability. The article emphasizes the emotional toll of fraud on victims and recommends monitoring accounts regularly and staying alert to suspicious activity.
buffalobulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
In 2025, Sheridan County continues to experience rising internet scams with increasingly sophisticated tactics, particularly impersonation of law enforcement and medical officers using scare tactics to demand payment. As of the reporting date, the Sheridan Police Department received 65 fraud reports and the Sheriff's Office reported 26 scams, with victims over age 50 disproportionately affected; at least two victims lost over $150,000 each. Law enforcement recommends reporting suspected scams immediately, using IC3.gov to document losses, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment over the phone.
wagmtv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Maine resident avoided falling victim to a fake check scam when a Facebook Marketplace buyer mailed her a fraudulent cashier's check for $2,400—significantly more than the $600 agreed price for her car. The victim identified red flags including an incorrect check number placement and a non-existent routing number, then brought it to her bank, which discovered two other identical fraudulent checks and reported them. The scam exploits online mobile check deposits, which may initially appear to clear before bouncing weeks later, leaving victims responsible for the full amount.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This is an educational awareness piece from Larimer County Sheriff's Office highlighting current scam trends affecting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors. Chief Scambuster Barbara Bennett presents 20+ active scams including romance schemes, impersonation frauds (bank, IRS, law enforcement), tech-based scams (DocuSign phishing, hacked Facebook accounts), and marketplace fraud, while proposing a confidential support group for scam victims and their families to address shame and isolation barriers to reporting.
news.asu.edu
· 2025-12-08
This article reports on a US-ASEAN Center business leader series discussion on cybersecurity and public-private sector collaboration to address escalating cyber threats in Southeast Asia. Speakers from government and private sector highlighted the need for regulatory frameworks (such as Singapore's Shared Responsibility Framework to combat digital fraud and scams), balanced integration of AI tools with human expertise, and a whole-of-society approach to building secure digital infrastructure. The discussion emphasized that cybersecurity is integral to national and economic security across the region.
linknky.com
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old Philadelphia woman nearly fell victim to a sophisticated tech support scam in which fraudsters, posing as Norton antivirus support and her bank's fraud department, pressured her to withdraw cash and purchase cryptocurrency by falsely claiming hackers had downloaded illegal content to her computer and stolen $18,000. The scammer used emotional manipulation, urgency, and knowledge of her banking details to convince her, but she avoided the scheme after recalling a friend who lost $800,000 to a similar scam. Financial scams cost Americans between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion in 2023-2024, with AI, dark web data access, an
benitolink.com
· 2025-12-08
Online fraud and identity theft targeting seniors are rising significantly, with the senior population accounting for $3.4 billion in losses out of $12.5 billion total U.S. fraud losses tracked by the FBI. Common scams include phishing and spoofing schemes, with cryptocurrency investment fraud being particularly costly in 2023, affecting approximately 22% victims over age 60. Law enforcement recommends hanging up immediately when warning signs appear (such as demands for immediate payment or claims of official authority) and reporting attempts to authorities, while emphasizing that victims should not feel embarrassed about disclosing fraud since scammers exploit even aware individuals.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly sending fake delivery text messages and emails impersonating FedEx, UPS, and USPS, claiming packages missed delivery or require updated shipping information to lure victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal and financial data. These "smishing" scams are becoming more sophisticated with AI-generated content, realistic branding, and fewer spelling errors, making them harder to detect than traditional phishing attempts. Consumers should verify deliveries by contacting carriers directly rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages, as legitimate delivery services never request payment information or personal details via email or text.
success.com
· 2025-12-08
Smishing (text-based phishing) attacks cost Americans $470 million in reported losses in 2024, more than five times the 2020 total, with the actual amount likely much higher due to underreporting. The article identifies three trending scams in 2025: fake unpaid toll notices (particularly targeting metropolitan areas), package delivery issues and "brushing scams" using QR codes, and fake job opportunities (losses increased from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024). Key prevention strategies include never clicking links or responding to unexpected texts, verifying alerts directly through official websites, and reporting suspicious messages to your phone provider an
gottheimer.house.gov
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer introduced bipartisan legislation called the GUARD Act to combat financial fraud and "pig butchering" scams targeting older Americans by providing state and local law enforcement with federal grant funding and blockchain tracing tools. "Pig butchering" scams involve fraudsters convincing retirees to invest in fake opportunities, with victims over 70 suffering median losses of $9,000 compared to $2,400 for all age groups, and these scams causing over $1 billion in losses in 2022 alone. The bill is supported by multiple organizations including AARP and law enforcement associations.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scam reports in the UK rose 20% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with victims losing an average of £8,000 in 2024, increasing to £19,000 for those aged 61 and over, indicating fraudsters are specifically targeting older adults. Scammers primarily operate through dating apps and social media, typically requesting money within a month of contact by fabricating emergencies, travel costs, or medical expenses. Experts recommend that tech companies and banks implement stronger verification controls and behavioral monitoring to detect and prevent romance scams before significant losses occur.
abcnews4.com
· 2025-12-08
South Carolina seniors suffered disproportionately in 2024 cybercrime, with 2,295 victims over age 60 losing over $58.5 million—more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported internet crime losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors were tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each accounting for nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams cost seniors almost $3 million. The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report documented a 33% nationwide increase in cybercrime losses to over $16 billion, with extortion, phishing, and personal data breaches
wsbradio.com
· 2025-12-08
A 24-year-old in-home caregiver, Briauna Michelle Powell of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was arrested and charged with 22 felony counts of identity fraud and elder exploitation after stealing approximately $20,000 from at least four elderly victims. Powell, who worked in victims' homes assisting with household tasks, used stolen checks and fraudulent credit card charges, with victims unaware of the theft until discovered by a power of attorney holder. Police believe additional victims may exist and are asking anyone who employed Powell as a caregiver to contact the Suwanee Police Department.
planadviser.com
· 2025-12-08
Representative Zachary Nunn introduced the bipartisan GUARD Act, which would provide federal grant funding to local law enforcement agencies to investigate financial fraud against retirees, including tools for tracing blockchain technology and resources for specialized staff training. The legislation is prompted by significant elder fraud losses, including over $42.6 million in Iowa alone in 2023 and $3.4 billion nationally among those aged 60+ in that same year, with particular focus on "pig butchering" investment scams involving cryptocurrency. If passed, federal agencies would be required to report on fraud trends and enforcement efforts, and financial institutions would be encouraged to appoint liaisons to improve data sharing with law enforcement.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Hardik Jayantilal Patel, a ringleader of an international telemarketing fraud scheme, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution to 85 elderly victims.** From 2019-2020, Patel coordinated a network of "money mules" across the United States who picked up hundreds of cash packages sent by victims responding to scams originating from call centers in India, where fraudsters impersonated government officials claiming victims were under investigation. The scheme victimized primarily elderly individuals nationwide and resulted in millions of dollars in losses, with seven total conspirators sentenced an
queenannenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This advice column addresses seniors' concerns about potential identity theft from government data access by recommending protective measures. The writer explains two primary defenses: fraud alerts (which flag accounts for extra verification) and credit freezes (which prevent new accounts from being opened without authorization), both of which are free and don't affect credit scores. The column provides contact information for the three major credit bureaus and suggests that seniors can also monitor their credit through free weekly reports at AnnualCreditReport.com.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides comprehensive support for fraud victims, recognizing that scams cause both financial and emotional harm including shame and isolation. The organization offers a helpline (877-908-3360) with trained fraud specialists, plus free peer-facilitated support groups called ReST (Resilience, Strength, and Time) where victims can connect with others and receive emotional guidance to aid recovery.
cybersecuritydive.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Complaint Center report found that Americans lost $16.6 billion to cyber fraud and internet crimes, a 33% increase from 2023, with investment scams causing the most financial damage at $6.6 billion despite being only the fifth most commonly reported crime type. Phishing, spoofing, and extortion generated the most complaints, while business email compromise (BEC) and other persuasion-based scams proved most costly, indicating that social engineering exploits cause greater financial harm than technical vulnerabilities.
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide explores the intersection of fraud and mental health, examining how the prevalence of scams—which cost Americans over $12 billion in 2024—creates psychological stress and constant vigilance in daily life. The article discusses how exposure to fraud, whether direct or indirect, can lead to anxiety, distrust, and destabilizing uncertainty, particularly as scammers increasingly use deceptive text messages, emails, and phone calls to target victims through romance scams, impersonation schemes, and fake job offers. The piece emphasizes the importance of protecting one's digital identity and provides strategies for managing the mental health impacts of living in an environment where fraudulent threats are pervasive and often difficult to distinguish
home.barclays
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams increased 20 percent in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024, with the majority originating on social media and dating platforms. Victims aged 61 or older were particularly vulnerable, losing an average of £19,000 per scam in 2024, more than triple the overall average of £8,000. Scammers typically build trust quickly before requesting money through fake emergencies, travel costs, or medical expenses, often using emotional manipulation and artificial intelligence to impersonate celebrities or create false urgency.
nbcmiami.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI in Miami warned of an increase in phone scams targeting South Florida residents in which callers impersonate federal officers and demand victims wire or mail money for fake "settlements" or law enforcement investigations. In 2024, Florida residents reported 1,579 impersonation scams resulting in over $12 million in losses; the FBI advises recipients to hang up immediately and report such calls to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
**Gold Bar Scam**
Scammers impersonating government officials convince senior citizens to withdraw their life savings and purchase gold bars, then pose as couriers to steal the gold and disappear. The FBI reported victims lost $219 million to gold bar scams in 2024, with increasing incidents reported in 2025, as record-high gold prices and gold's reputation as a trustworthy investment make it an attractive target for criminals who exploit the difficulty of tracing the precious metal.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
Prince George's County police reported approximately $1 million in scams from county residents in a single year, with recent arrests including a case where a victim lost $700,000 and another who lost $40,000 after being deceived by pop-up warnings and impersonators claiming to be from Microsoft, banks, and federal agencies. The scammers used phony employee numbers and convincing rhetoric to build trust, isolating victims by instructing them not to discuss the situation or search for information about scams. Police advise victims to recognize red flags—unsolicited requests for money, passwords, or personal information, and manufactured urgency—and to verify claims by contacting banks directly or calling law
abccolumbia.com
· 2025-12-08
South Carolina seniors over 60 were disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals in 2024, with 2,295 victims losing over $58.5 million according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report—accounting for more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported cyber losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors included tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each resulting in nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams accounted for approximately $3 million. Business email compromises and investment fraud were among the most prevalent cyber crimes statewide, with losses totaling $40.8 million and $
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Antonio Jackson Jr., a 39-year-old from Manvel, Texas, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for multiple fraud schemes that defrauded victims of approximately $1,974,145.63 in total restitution ordered. Jackson exploited his military veteran status to perpetrate four Paycheck Protection Program loan frauds (resulting in ~$480,000 in losses), home improvement loan scams against a federal credit union, false VA-backed loan statements, and fraudulent disabled veteran property tax relief claims, using fabricated documents, forged government seals, and fake business records throughout his criminal conduct.
oig.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
Hardik Jayantilal Patel, 37, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for leading a money laundering operation that supported an international telemarketing fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans from March through November 2019. Operating from Kentucky, Patel coordinated with "runners" who picked up hundreds of cash-filled packages mailed by victims across multiple states after scammers impersonating government officials convinced them they were under investigation; Patel and his conspirators caused significant harm to 85 identified victims, with Patel ordered to pay $3,203,478 in restitution. The case involved seven total defendants sentenced, with co-conspirators receiving