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Ohio state agencies warned seniors of escalating financial scam threats during Older Ohioans Month, noting a 22% increase in fraud complaints in 2024 with 302 cases logged and national elder fraud losses reaching $1.6 billion in the first five months of 2024. Officials highlighted increasingly sophisticated schemes involving AI voice cloning and cryptocurrency that are harder to detect, urging seniors to verify identities, avoid high-pressure tactics, and monitor accounts closely.

Ohio's Departments of Commerce and Aging are warning seniors about escalating financial fraud, noting a 22% increase in scam complaints in Ohio (302 in 2024 vs. 247 in 2023) and $1.6 billion in elder fraud losses nationally from January-May 2024. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing AI voice cloning and cryptocurrency transfers, with older adults aged 60+ now 60% more likely than younger adults to lose over $100,000. The departments recommend protective measures including verifying unfamiliar contacts, resisting pressure tactics, monitoring accounts regularly, and reporting suspected fraud immediately.

A 21-year-old Indian student, Kishan Kumar Singh, was arrested in North Carolina for impersonating a federal agent to defraud a 78-year-old woman into withdrawing money under the false claim her bank accounts were compromised. Singh faces felony charges including elder exploitation and is being held on a $1 million bond, part of a growing pattern of Indian students involved in elder fraud schemes targeting seniors nationwide.

In May 2025, Ohio state agencies raised awareness about the growing problem of scams targeting seniors, with the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities receiving 302 fraud complaints from older adults in 2024—a 22% increase from the previous year. Deputy Superintendent Rob Rutkowski emphasized that scammers exploit vulnerable populations and advised that awareness is key to breaking the cycle, recommending seniors treat all unsolicited contact via phone or text as potential threats. The Ohio Attorney General's Office and Ohio Department of Aging offer resources to help protect seniors from fraud.

A 68-year-old Little Rock man, David Nelson, was arrested for operating a sweepstakes scam that defrauded an Ohio senior citizen of over $89,000. Nelson posed as a Publishers Clearing House employee and convinced the victim she had won $3 million, then persuaded her to send personal checks for taxes before claiming the prize. He faces felony theft charges in Franklin County, Ohio, and is currently awaiting extradition from an Arkansas jail.

Ohio's Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are raising awareness about the growing number of scams targeting seniors, noting that scammers exploit older adults due to perceived vulnerability and financial stability, while victims often avoid reporting due to shame and fear. Key fraud threats include voice-cloning scams using AI technology, romance scams that exploit emotional connections to steal tens of thousands of dollars, and unsolicited contact attempts. The state recommends seniors avoid responding to unknown contacts, verify identities before sharing information, resist high-pressure tactics, and utilize available resources from the Department of Aging to protect themselves.

In the first four months of 2024, elder fraud resulted in an estimated $1.6 billion in losses nationwide, with Ohio reporting a 22% increase in scam complaints year-over-year. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods including deepfakes, voice cloning, and cryptocurrency to target older adults, who are exploited due to perceived vulnerability and are often reluctant to report crimes due to shame or fear. Authorities recommend verifying unfamiliar contacts, establishing family code words, monitoring financial accounts regularly, and resisting high-pressure tactics to prevent fraud.

In 2024, scammers defrauded seniors of $4.8 billion, prompting the Mentor Police Department to increase anti-scam prevention workshops at senior centers and assisted living facilities across Ohio during Older Ohioans Month. Senior Jack Hines nearly fell victim to a phishing email but became an advocate after attending an awareness workshop, now helping educate peers about recognizing scams targeting vulnerable older adults, particularly those experiencing loneliness.

Congressman Bob Latta hosted a "Stopping Senior Scams Workshop" on May 30 in Perrysburg, Ohio, featuring speakers from the FTC and IRS Taxpayer Advocate to educate seniors about common scams and fraud prevention. The event highlighted the growing threat of robocalls, with Ohioans receiving 1.7 billion such calls in 2018 and Americans losing $9.5 billion to robocall scams in 2016, prompting discussion of legislation like the STOP Robocalls Act to give agencies and companies tools to block fraudulent calls.

A Northeast Ohio senior named Jack Hines nearly fell victim to a phishing email scam but used the experience to become an advocate for elder fraud prevention in his community. The Mentor Police Department has launched anti-scam workshops at senior centers across the city, responding to a 22% increase in fraud complaints from older adults in Ohio and the FBI's report that seniors lost $4.8 billion to scams in 2024. Hines now works as an awareness ambassador at his local senior center, helping peers recognize and avoid common scams targeting vulnerable seniors.

One in four North American households are scammed annually, with Central Ohio consumers reporting $6,218 in losses to scams in June 2024, including nine cases involving fraudsters falsely claiming issues with Social Security Numbers. The Better Business Bureau advises residents to never provide personal information to unsolicited callers and to remember that the Social Security Administration will never contact you requesting your SSN, demanding payment, or threatening benefits, and that SSNs cannot be revoked or frozen. Residents are encouraged to report scam experiences to BBB's Scam Tracker to protect others.

The Cuyahoga County Scam Squad released a 23-page guide to help residents identify, prevent, and report scams by explaining how fraudsters manipulate emotions and what information they target. The guide includes an action plan section where people can pre-plan responses to suspicious calls, texts, emails, or letters—such as verifying bank contacts independently rather than following caller instructions. Paper copies are available at local libraries and online.

Michigan residents are being targeted by text message scams falsely claiming they owe tolls through EZ-Pass or the DMV, with scammers directing victims to fraudulent links to steal credit card information. The Michigan Department of Transportation warns that these scams are not legitimate—MDOT operates no toll roads and never contacts residents via text or email about payments. Residents should avoid clicking links in suspicious toll-related messages and instead contact official agencies directly before making any payments.

Olmsted Falls Police are warning residents about an increasingly sophisticated scam targeting senior citizens in which fraudsters pose as celebrities or their family members to obtain personal information, bank details, or money. In one case, a scammer claimed to be Johnny Carson's son and told a resident they had won a large cash prize, then later called back impersonating police to pressure the victim further. Police advise residents to hang up and not respond immediately to suspicious calls, texts, or emails, and note that scammers are using spoofed phone numbers to appear as legitimate callers.

Ohio's older adults face significant financial exploitation risk, with projected losses exceeding $60 million in 2025 and complaints to the Division of Securities increasing 22% year-over-year (302 complaints in 2024 versus 247 in 2023). Common scams targeting seniors include romance schemes, tech support impersonations, and grandparent scams, with warning signs including unexplained withdrawals, changes in banking practices, and unpaid bills. The Ohio Department of Commerce and Department of Aging are partnering during Elder Abuse Awareness Month to educate the public on recognizing exploitation and providing resources for reporting, including hotlines for securities fraud, adult protective services, an

In 2024, Ohio's Department of Commerce received over 300 fraud complaints targeting older residents, representing a 22 percent increase from the previous year. The department warned of financial exploitation schemes and advised seniors and caregivers to watch for warning signs including unusual withdrawals, unexpected transfers, unfamiliar names added to accounts, and suspicious wire transfer requests.

The Better Business Bureau of Northwest and West Central Ohio and Southeast Michigan operates ScamGuard, an educational program launched three years ago to protect seniors from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The program warns older adults about common scams including telephone/tech support scams, gift card tampering, fake charities, grandparent scams, sweepstakes fraud, and online dating schemes, providing practical advice such as verifying unfamiliar callers, researching charities before donating, and never sending money to individuals met only online.

Scammers have been targeting Ohio small business owners with PPP loans by impersonating bank personnel and using spoofed caller IDs to trick victims into revealing online banking credentials and security codes, allowing fraudsters to access and drain their accounts. The Ohio Department of Commerce warns consumers to independently verify any unsolicited calls claiming to be from their bank by calling their bank directly through a published number, and recommends strengthening security with strong passwords and multifactor authentication.

In 2024, Ohio's Division of Securities received 302 scam and fraud complaints from older residents, a 22% increase from 2023, with potential losses exceeding $60 million statewide. Most scams involved unknown individuals contacting seniors via email or text about cryptocurrency or compromised bank accounts, with warning signs including unexplained financial changes, new account additions, and uncharacteristic money transfers. Authorities recommend having conversations with seniors about red flags like urgency and secrecy, researching suspicious contacts independently, and reporting suspected exploitation to local law enforcement, the Division of Securities, or Adult Protective Services.

Scammers are targeting pet lovers online with fake adoption listings for Maine Coon cats and purebred puppies, often using Facebook and other platforms to solicit upfront fees and demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers. One woman nearly lost $500 to a scammer posing as a breeder before becoming suspicious when the seller refused a cashier's check. The ASPCA recommends purchasing pets through local shelters or veterinarians, meeting breeders in person, and being wary of red flags such as refusal to video call, prices significantly below market value (legitimate Maine Coons cost $1,000+), and requests for additional fees.

A cryptocurrency investment scam targeting two victims resulted in approximately $563,000 in stolen funds, which the U.S. Attorney's Office for Northern District of Ohio is seeking to forfeit as 679,981.22 USDT tokens. A victim in Solon, Ohio lost roughly $500,000 after being contacted by someone posing as "Kristina Tian" on LinkedIn who gained his trust and directed him to transfer cryptocurrency to a fraudulent investment platform; an Arizona woman lost $63,000 (including $15,000 from her 401(k) and $48,000 from a home equity loan her daughter obtained) through a similar scheme initiated on a

Ohio officials report that elder fraud complaints among older residents increased 20% in 2024, with over 300 cases filed, as scammers continue to target seniors through emails, texts, and phone calls to obtain fraudulent payments or account information. The state's Division of Securities urges affected individuals to report suspected financial scams immediately to law enforcement or the Division at 614-644-7381, and provides multiple resources including an investor protection hotline, Adult Protective Services, and an Elder Justice Unit to assist victims.

A new scam targeting drivers claims they owe money for unpaid traffic tickets via text message, threatening suspension of driving privileges if payment is not made immediately. Motor vehicle departments across multiple states, including Ohio, Illinois, and New Jersey, have issued warnings that they never send unsolicited texts demanding payment for tolls or tickets. Consumers are advised to delete such messages without clicking links and to contact state agencies directly using official phone numbers if they need to verify any legitimate traffic violations.

This educational piece announces a June 10th elder fraud awareness event in Galion, Ohio, highlighting the evolving tactics used to scam seniors. Rather than distant phone scammers, the real danger comes from local perpetrators impersonating authority figures (sheriffs, tax officials) or loved ones to pressure victims into handing over cash or medications in untraceable transactions. The key prevention strategy is education and awareness to help seniors and their families recognize and resist these schemes before falling victim.

A 67-year-old Ohio woman was victimized by a cryptocurrency scam where she was instructed to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM via QR code—one of hundreds of similar cases targeting seniors in Ohio in 2024, often impersonating companies like Amazon, FedEx, or federal agencies. Americans aged 60+ lost nearly $4.89 billion to internet fraud in 2024 (a 46% increase from 2023), with cryptocurrency scams being particularly difficult to reverse once funds are transferred through digital wallets and mixers that obscure transaction origins. Law enforcement emphasizes that quick reporting is critical to recovering funds, and legitimate companies never request payments

In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, Ohio's Department of Commerce Division of Securities and Department of Aging are addressing a significant financial exploitation crisis affecting older Ohioans, who lost over $64 million in 2024 with fraud complaints up 22% year-over-year. The state highlights common warning signs of elder financial abuse—including unexplained withdrawals, suspicious account changes, and unpaid bills—and notes that seniors are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, tech support impersonation, and grandparent scams that exploit loneliness and lack of technological familiarity. Multiple state resources are available for reporting suspected fraud and obtaining assistance, including the Division of Securities' hotline and Adult

Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June 2025, highlighting that local agencies receive over 100 adult protective services referrals daily and that one in 10 seniors nationally experience some form of elder abuse. The state provided information on recognizing warning signs of physical, sexual, and psychological abuse as well as financial exploitation and neglect, with resources including an awareness campaign and a hotline (1-855-OHIO-APS) for reporting suspected abuse.

Ohio's Department of Job and Family Services and Department of Aging are using June's World Elder Abuse Awareness Month to encourage residents to recognize signs of elder abuse and learn reporting procedures. The awareness initiative aims to help protect seniors by increasing community vigilance and knowledge about how to identify and report suspected abuse.

Ohio seniors filed 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in elder fraud losses in 2023 alone. The most prevalent scam targeting older Ohioans is the romance scam, where international criminals use dating apps to build relationships and eventually persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fictitious platforms. Investigators urge seniors to report suspicious propositions to trusted contacts, verify financial institution communications independently, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities.

Ohio seniors reported 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in losses according to FBI data. Romance scams targeting older adults have grown significantly, with perpetrators using dating apps to build relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fraudulent exchanges. Investigators advise seniors to verify any claims about compromised accounts directly with financial institutions, avoid secrecy in relationships, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities at 614-644-7381.

Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik issued a press release for Elder Abuse Awareness Month highlighting the prevalence of financial scams targeting seniors in the Northern District of Ohio, including cryptocurrency, lottery, grandparent, romance, government impersonation, money mule, and tech support schemes. The statement emphasized that scammers use unsolicited communications and fraudulent tactics to exploit seniors' savings, with some victims losing their entire life savings, and urged vigilance and reporting through the FBI and Department of Justice resources.

Scammers in Ohio are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating state agencies, including the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Ohio Turnpike, and Department of Taxation. Ohio residents are advised that legitimate state agencies never contact citizens via unsolicited text messages and should report suspected scams to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles warned residents of a phishing text scam in which scammers impersonate the BMV and claim recipients have unpaid traffic tickets, demanding immediate payment to avoid license suspension. The scam, reported by drivers nationwide, is designed to steal personal or financial information, and the BMV emphasized it never sends text messages demanding payment or requesting personal data. Victims are advised to report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission and contact local law enforcement if they believe they've been compromised.

Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik announced that the Northern District of Ohio is committed to combating financial fraud targeting seniors during Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, noting that scammers use unsolicited communications and impersonation tactics to steal victims' life savings. The office highlighted common scams affecting older adults, including cryptocurrency schemes, lottery scams, grandparent scams, romance scams, government impersonation schemes, money mule operations, and tech support frauds, and urged seniors to remain vigilant while offering FBI and Department of Justice resources for reporting elder financial abuse.

Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik highlighted Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June and emphasized the U.S. Attorney's Office commitment to combating financial fraud targeting seniors, noting that scammers use unsolicited communications and impersonation tactics to exploit older adults' savings. The office outlined common scams affecting seniors including cryptocurrency schemes, lottery fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, government impersonation, money mule recruitment, and tech support fraud, and recommends vigilance and reporting suspected elder financial abuse to the FBI or Department of Justice.

Scam text messages claiming recipients owe money to the "Ohio Department of Vehicles" (actually called the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles) are being sent nationwide, threatening suspension of car registration, driver's license loss, credit score damage, and legal charges to pressure victims into clicking malicious links. State Registrar Charlie Norman identified this as a phishing scam with a low cost-to-reward ratio for criminals, recommending that recipients verify claims directly with the BMV, avoid clicking links in unsolicited urgent messages, and report suspicious texts to the Federal Trade Commission.

The Ohio Attorney General's office held an educational conference in Warren addressing growing scam threats targeting seniors, including cryptocurrency scams, lottery fraud, and online relationship schemes aimed at stealing life savings and personal identity information. Experts advised older adults to be cautious with online links and downloads, research before acting, and consider freezing their credit with the three major credit reporting agencies. Resources for assistance include Pro Seniors' free legal hotline at (513) 345-4160 and local adult protective services.

Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the FBI issued a public reminder about elder fraud, which caused $4.885 billion in losses across 147,127 complaints in 2024—a 46% increase from 2023. In Ohio specifically, seniors over 60 lost more than $95 million in 2024, with significant losses in investment scams ($31 million), romance scams ($11 million), and tech support scams ($10 million). The FBI emphasizes that scammers target elderly Americans because they are perceived as trusting and financially stable, and advises seniors to verify unknown contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, and report suspecte

A 72-year-old Ohio surgeon lost $1 billion to a romance scam involving a fake Ukrainian model within one month of his wife's death, while in New Delhi, a woman lost Rs 5 lakh ($6,000) when scammers impersonated her phone service provider during a family medical crisis. Globally, seniors lost $4.8 billion to cyber fraud in 2024 (US), with India projected to lose Rs 1.2 lakh crore ($14.4 billion) in 2025, driven by psychological manipulation that exploits neurobiological changes in aging brains, cultural conditioning toward authority and politeness, and widesprea

Elderly adults worldwide are increasingly targeted by sophisticated digital scams using AI, voice cloning, and psychological manipulation, with Americans over 60 losing $4.8 billion in 2024 and India projecting ₹1.2 lakh crore in losses for 2025. Scammers exploit cognitive vulnerabilities, cultural conditioning, and loneliness among seniors—exemplified by cases like a Delhi woman losing ₹5 lakh to an impersonated telecom provider and a 72-year-old Ohio man defrauded in a romance scam. Experts call for urgent systemic interventions including tailored security measures, platform accountability, digital literacy programs

Lawrence Hall of Columbus lost $149 after responding to a robocall scam in which he ordered an item over the phone but never received it or a refund. The Ohio Attorney General's Office advises residents to avoid answering calls from unfamiliar numbers, not to share personal information with callers, and to report robocalls online, noting that seniors are particularly vulnerable to these scams due to isolation and their tendency to answer phones.

Senior Veterans Administration Services (SVAS) founder Richard Rompala and four employees were indicted for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs of approximately $20 million by falsifying documentation to make ineligible elderly veterans appear qualified for benefits, then withholding or demanding payment from the benefits they obtained. The scheme involved SVAS contacting veterans, falsely claiming they were eligible for free assistance, submitting fraudulent documents to the VA, and then either demanding direct payment or a large percentage of the benefits before releasing funds to the veterans. The case was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General, Ohio Attorney General's Office, and Ohio Department of Commerce as part of Operation No VA

Lawrence Hall from Columbus lost $149 after responding to a robocall scam promising a product he never received; the number became unlisted after he contacted them. Hall receives over 35 robocalls daily and is among millions of victims, with seniors identified as particularly vulnerable due to loneliness and phone-answering habits. The Ohio Attorney General's Office recommends not answering unfamiliar numbers, avoiding personal information disclosure, and reporting robocalls to authorities to prevent scammers from building profiles and selling victim data.

A nationwide DMV scam involves cybercriminals texting people claiming they owe fines for traffic violations or unpaid tolls, threatening license revocation or vehicle registration suspension to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or paying money. These phishing scams, reported in Indiana, Ohio, Maine, Texas, and other states, use official-sounding language, fake ordinance codes, and threats of jail time or credit score damage to create urgency, but legitimate DMVs typically only send texts that users have opted into and never request payment or personal information via text.

Ghanaian businessman Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng and multiple associates have been charged in coordinated U.S. federal prosecutions for operating transnational romance and inheritance scams targeting elderly Americans between 2013 and 2024. Boateng allegedly led a decade-long scheme convincing seniors they could claim gold and jewels if they paid fabricated taxes and fees, while related defendants in Ohio and elsewhere defrauded elderly victims through fake romantic relationships and fraudulent business deals, laundering proceeds to Ghana and other countries. These cases represent part of a broader Department of Justice crackdown on international fraud networks preying on seniors, announced in conjunction with World Elder

Two men—Jinrong Shi, 28, of New York, and Jiyang Zhong, 27, a Chinese national—were indicted on federal charges for running "grandparent" and "tech support" scams targeting elderly victims in Northeast Ohio (Cleveland Heights, Willoughby, Canton, and Warren) in May and June 2024. The defendants, working with a network of co-conspirators using "fraud callers" and "fraud couriers," defrauded victims of over $201,000 by posing as law enforcement or tech support personnel and arranging cash pickups at victims' homes or directing victims to mail money. The laundered proceeds

Two men, Jinrong Shi (28) and Jiyang Zhong (27), were indicted on 10 counts for defrauding elderly victims in Northeast Ohio through "grandparent" and "tech support" scams in May-June 2024, stealing over $201,000 from residents in Cleveland Heights, Willoughby, Canton, and Warren. The defendants worked with a criminal network of "fraud callers" and "fraud couriers" who convinced victims to withdraw cash and used passwords to gain trust, then laundered proceeds across state lines and through cryptocurrency accounts in China. Both men face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

This article is not relevant to elder fraud research. It describes the FBI's crisis response canine program, which provides emotional support dogs to victims of violent crimes and mass violence incidents. This is a general law enforcement service topic unrelated to scams, fraud, or elder abuse.

The FBI has filed to seize nearly $680,000 in cryptocurrency from a sophisticated romance scam targeting professionals on LinkedIn and dating apps. Two victims—a Solon, Ohio resident who lost $500,000 and an Arizona woman who lost $63,000—were deceived into investing in cryptocurrency after scammers built trust through social media before moving conversations to encrypted platforms. Investigators traced the stolen funds across blockchain networks, identifying how criminals converted the stolen assets to Tether stablecoin, demonstrating law enforcement's growing ability to track cryptocurrency fraud despite the technology's irreversible transactions and pseudonymous nature.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost convened a sold-out World Elder Abuse Awareness Month conference at Ohio State University to address emerging threats to older adults, including cryptocurrency scams, modern financial fraud, and AI-enabled schemes in the digital era. Yost announced a new partnership with the Ohio Pharmacists Association to train pharmacists in recognizing abuse warning signs and promoting the Elder Abuse Hotline (1-855-OHIO-APS), leveraging pharmacists' regular contact with seniors over 60. The state's Elder Justice Unit and newly expanded Electronic Fraud Investigations unit work to identify criminal operations targeting older adults, recover stolen funds, and support victims across all demographic backgrounds