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Rachel Watts Sanders, a 39-year-old mail contractor from Louisiana, was indicted in July 2024 for stealing over forty checks from the mail, forging endorsements, and depositing them into her own bank account. She faces up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud and 5 years for mail theft, with potential fines totaling $1.25 million.

The Southborough, Massachusetts Police Department warned of an "Irish Traveller Scam" targeting residents, in which a man with an Irish accent solicited a homeowner for $150 to remove ivy, then pressured her to pay $2,000 for alleged chimney damage she refused. The advisory notes these scams use high-pressure sales tactics and typically result in incomplete or no work performed. A related investigation in Denver resulted in the arrest of two Irishmen accused of roofing scams that defrauded multiple homeowners by planting worms under roof shingles and falsely claiming they were maggots requiring expensive repairs, with the suspects now facing theft

This educational article highlights the vulnerability of seniors to fraud and emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance. Common scams targeting older adults include check washing (altering stolen checks), grandchild impersonation schemes, raffle ticket scams with sold contact lists, phone scams, and online fraud, with fraudulent reports reaching a record $10 billion in 2023 according to the FTC. The Phoenixville Area Senior Center and other organizations offer regular fraud prevention education, stressing that while seniors are increasingly aware of basic scam tactics, emerging schemes and seemingly innocent situations—like entering raffles at retail stores—continue to expose them to risk.

Seniors remain vulnerable targets for fraud despite widespread awareness of common scams, with experts emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance. Recent prevalent schemes include check washing (where stolen checks have ink removed and amounts altered), grandchild impersonation calls, raffle list sales, and phone/online scams. According to the FTC, Americans reported a record $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting, with 42% of American adults having experienced fraud personally.

The Better Business Bureau launched "Your Home HQ," an educational nonprofit to help consumers avoid common household scams, particularly home improvement and security system fraud targeting homeowners of all ages. Home improvement scams were identified as the riskiest fraud type for consumers 55 and older in 2023, with scammers using tactics such as falsely claiming alarm providers are out of business or offering fake upgrades and driveway paving services with large upfront payments. The BBB recommends obtaining multiple estimates, verifying contractor credentials and licensing, signing written contracts, avoiding urgency tactics, and using staggered payments to prevent falling victim to these scams.

Sheriff's offices in Hart and Stephens counties warned residents of two resurgent scams: a fake warrant telephone scheme where callers impersonate deputies and demand cryptocurrency payments for arrest warrants, and a door-to-door asphalt sealing scam targeting homeowners with artificially low prices. Authorities emphasized that legitimate law enforcement never solicits payment by phone and advised residents to hang up on suspicious calls, refuse door-to-door service offers, and contact local reputable contractors for actual home services.

Following disasters, scammers target vulnerable victims through recorded calls promising government grants, flood insurance, or disaster assistance in attempts to steal credit card and banking information. Key prevention strategies include asking detailed questions of service providers, independently verifying identities by contacting organizations directly, avoiding high-pressure decisions, and consulting trusted sources before committing to any offers or contracts. Residents should report suspected scams to the Iowa Attorney General's Office and consult FEMA resources to verify legitimate disaster assistance.

As Hurricane Beryl approaches Mexico, the Federal Trade Commission warns of disaster-related scams, including unlicensed contractors demanding advance payment for repairs with no written contracts, and online sellers offering discounted supplies that are never delivered. The FTC recommends verifying contractor credentials and insurance, obtaining written contracts, checking online reviews for authenticity, and seeking referrals from trusted sources to avoid fraudulent schemes following weather emergencies.

Work-from-home job scams are fraudulent job postings designed to steal personal information or trick applicants into paying upfront fees for fake background checks, training, or equipment. According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million job seekers encounter these scams annually, resulting in over $2 billion in losses. To protect yourself, job applicants should verify company legitimacy through official websites, watch for red flags like requests for payment before employment or overly quick hiring processes, and be cautious of positions advertised on social media or through direct messages rather than official job boards.

Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, target older adults by impersonating grandchildren or loved ones over the phone or text, claiming they need money urgently for an emergency. Modern versions of these scams increasingly use AI-generated messages and voice cloning technology to sound authentic, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, pause before reacting to urgent requests, verify the caller's identity by calling them directly, limit personal information on social media, and never send money through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency if you have any doubts.

Door-to-door sales scams proliferate during summer, taking forms such as solar panel offers, magazine subscriptions, or construction services, with scammers using high-pressure tactics to obtain upfront payments or immediate commitments. The key warning sign across all variants is the demand for immediate signing or advance payment, and the recommended defense is to research services independently before making any purchasing decisions. AARP advises consumers to use their Fraud Watch Network resources to identify and prevent these scams.

Connecticut residents should be aware of common summertime scams, including utility company impostor scams where scammers pose as employees to obtain banking information through fake home energy audits, paving scams involving large deposits for driveway work that is never completed or is substandard, and vacation rental fraud where properties advertised online do not exist. To protect themselves, consumers should verify utility company visits by calling the company directly, research contractors thoroughly, use credit cards for unfamiliar vendors, and avoid payment apps like CashApp outside official platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

Contractors scams pose a risk to homeowners undertaking home improvement projects. To protect yourself, verify how long a contractor has been in business, check online reviews, request proof of a contractor's license, and ask for referrals from previous customers before hiring. These steps help ensure your payment goes to legitimate contractors rather than fraudsters who may take deposits and disappear.

**Summary:** In 2023, the FBI reported an 11 percent overall increase in fraud complaints, with a 14 percent surge in scams targeting adults 60 and older, who lost $3.4 billion of the $12.5 billion in total reported losses. Tech support fraud was the leading crime affecting seniors with nearly 18,000 complaints and $600 million in losses, while investment scams proved costliest at over $1.2 billion, and call center schemes disproportionately impacted older adults who lost almost $770 million—more than all other age groups combined, with some victims reportedly taking their own lives. The FBI recommends resisting pressure to

Elder fraud costs Americans over $37 billion annually, with common schemes including contractor fraud, sweepstakes scams, and romance/grandparent impersonation cons. Deputy prosecutor Paul Greenwood, who handled more than 750 elder abuse felony cases in San Diego, highlighted that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated—using AI-assisted text conversations and spoofed caller IDs—while noting that jobless adult children and unvetted caregivers represent the most typical perpetrators. Greenwood recommended 20 protective measures including using bonded caregivers, freezing credit, checking credit reports regularly, and letting unknown calls go to voicemail, while cautioning against romance sc

Following severe storms in Janesville, Wisconsin, city officials warned residents about "storm chaser" contractors who exploit disaster damage by offering poor-quality repairs, demanding upfront payments, and then disappearing. Residents are advised to verify contractor credentials, seek recommendations from trusted sources like neighbors and insurance agents, and contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection if they encounter suspicious contractors or wish to file complaints.

Scammers are impersonating the My Safe Florida Home program, a legitimate state initiative offering grants up to $10,000 for storm-resistant home improvements, to defraud homeowners by collecting payment for repairs while falsely claiming applicants are enrolled or eligible. Florida officials warn that criminals have left victims responsible for full repair costs after fraudulently claiming to register them with the program, and recommend residents verify contractor credentials, obtain written estimates, and report suspicious activity to prevent being victimized.

The Better Business Bureau's annual Scam Tracker identifies investment scams, romance scams, and home improvement scams as the top threats to older adults, with those aged 55-64 most frequently paying scammers via credit cards, prepaid gift cards, and checks. Home improvement scams are particularly prevalent in the Grand Strand area, especially following natural disasters when fraudulent contractors pose as legitimate businesses. The report provides guidance on scam avoidance and victim resources.

In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office is promoting fraud awareness to combat the rising tide of financial crimes against seniors. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, phishing, and romance schemes. The IRS employs education, criminal investigations, and public-private partnerships to combat elder fraud, with recent prosecutions including a home health care operator sentenced to 45 months for stealing over $1 million from elderly clients and an investment fraudster sentenced to

In observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts emphasized its commitment to prosecuting elder fraud and financial exploitation, noting that nearly one in 10 adults aged 60 and older experience some form of elder abuse annually. The office highlighted a recent case where Chukwunonso Umegbo was sentenced to over three years in prison for operating a romance scam that defrauded at least 45 victims of more than $568,000 between 2018 and 2019, including a senior who lost her home, car, and retirement savings. The District of Massachusetts has launched an Elder Justice Out

Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers using phone calls impersonating banks or relatives to steal personal information and money. According to FBI data, older Americans lost $1.6 billion to fraud from January-May 2024, with Maine victims alone losing $7.2 million in 2023 (397 cases averaging $18,040 per victim). Experts recommend pausing to verify unexpected urgent calls through known phone numbers and educating older adults about common scams, with organizations like Kennebunk Savings partnering with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to provide fraud prevention resources and support.

After hurricanes, scammers target disaster victims through fake contractors demanding upfront payment or using misleading Assignment of Benefits documents, fake government/utility workers requesting personal information, non-existent rental listings, and fraudulent charities. Victims should verify all contractors' credentials and insurance, avoid cash/wire transfer payments, never pay for FEMA assistance, and check charity legitimacy before donating.

North Carolina's Senior Consumer Fraud Task Force held a press conference highlighting the rising epidemic of elder fraud, with statistics showing that approximately 1 in 10 seniors becomes a victim, resulting in $3.1 billion in losses nationwide in 2022 (an 84% increase from 2021), with individual victims losing an average of $40,000. The task force identified five major scam types targeting seniors: sweetheart scams, sweepstakes scams, impostor scams, tech support scams, and grandparent scams, while warning that scammers increasingly use AI to replicate voices. Victims can report fraud to local authorities, the FBI's Internet Crime

A Colorado woman who co-owned a jewelry store was defrauded of over $700,000 over two years after meeting a man on Instagram who posed as a legitimate gold jewelry seller; she discovered the items she purchased were cheap silver worth approximately $4 each made to look like gold. After traveling to India to confront the scammers, she contacted authorities, and while one man involved in creating fraudulent authenticity documents was arrested, the father-and-son perpetrators remained at large as of June 2024.

This article does not contain information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. It covers community assistance initiatives including a Christmas gift program, fire safety awareness, and HUD funding for senior home repairs in Memphis. It is not relevant to the Elderus fraud research database.

Asphalt paving contractors conduct door-to-door scams by claiming they're working nearby and offering discounted driveway repairs, then requesting large upfront payments before disappearing or delivering substandard work. Homeowners have lost over $8,000 in some cases to these unscrupulous contractors, with victims receiving either poor-quality pavement or no work completed at all. Be cautious of unsolicited offers and reluctant contractors who hesitate to provide pricing details or business location information.

The city of Fresno lost over $600,000 to a phishing scam in 2020 when criminals sent a fraudulent contractor invoice with the legitimate contractor's letterhead but an incorrect account number. A civil grand jury determined that city officials failed to notice conspicuous red flags, including inadequate approval procedures for large payments and unwritten finance department policies, and that the fraud went undetected until 2022. Mayor Jerry Dyer stated that Fresno has since implemented improved training and updated fraud prevention procedures to prevent similar incidents.

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown warns of increasingly sophisticated imposter scams that use AI-generated voices to mimic trusted figures such as government officials, banks, law enforcement, and family members in order to steal money or personal information. Common scam types include government imposters threatening legal action, family/friend imposters claiming emergencies, and tech support scams, which typically involve unsolicited contact, urgency tactics, requests for sensitive data, or payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Consumers can protect themselves by hanging up on suspicious calls, independently verifying caller identity through official contact numbers, never sharing personal information, and reporting suspected scams to the Attorney General, FTC, AARP Fraud Watch Network,

Scammers used social engineering tactics to trick a Gooding, Idaho city employee into sending $1,092,519 intended for a wastewater project contractor to the criminals' account instead, by impersonating the contractor and providing fraudulent banking information. The small town of approximately 3,700 residents has not yet recovered the funds, and the Gooding Sheriff's Office and FBI are investigating the case. Recovery of the money is expected to be difficult, as banks and law enforcement typically struggle to retrieve funds diverted to scammers' accounts.

Following a severe storm in Montgomery County, Maryland that damaged homes and trees, residents are warned about "storm chaser" scammers—unlicensed contractors who target vulnerable people with inflated repair costs while performing little to no work. The county's Office of Consumer Protection advises residents to verify contractor credentials, obtain multiple estimates, check reviews, and never pay more than one-third of contract costs upfront, as Maryland law requires written contracts and manufacturer warranties.

A wave of virtual kidnapping scams has targeted international students aged 18-22 in Australia, with at least four confirmed cases since August 2023. Scammers manipulate victims into staged kidnapping scenarios using fake photos and videos, then extort parents with demands exceeding $100,000 in some cases by threatening deportation or imprisonment. The FBI warns these schemes have evolved beyond traditional geographic hotspots and now affect victims across the U.S., exploiting family separation and the difficulty of verifying victims' safety remotely.

This is a personal essay by columnist Mary Mitchell about retirement planning and lifestyle, not a news article about fraud or elder abuse. While the piece briefly mentions that scammers target seniors and that elder fraud resulted in $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 (an 11% increase), the main focus is Mitchell's advice on avoiding depression, staying active, protecting finances from scams, decluttering thoughtfully, and appreciating retirement privileges. The fraud reference serves as one of five general retirement tips rather than detailing a specific scam incident.

Two Irish nationals, Dean Morgan and John McNamara, were arrested at JFK Airport after being identified in a roofing scam targeting Denver residents, particularly older homeowners in the Congress Park area. The scam involved the men approaching homeowners, claiming to spot roof damage, then planting worms under shingles and falsely presenting them as maggots requiring immediate paid repairs; victims lost over $10,000 each, with some having their roofs deliberately damaged. The investigation expanded from an initial three confirmed victims to a wider international case after CBS News Colorado's report generated community leads, with prosecutors believing the men may have perpetrated similar scams in California and other states.

Two Irish nationals, Dean Morgan and John McNamara, were arrested at JFK Airport after running a roofing scam targeting Denver residents, primarily older homeowners, between mid-April and May. The scammers approached homeowners claiming to have spotted roof damage, then planted worms under shingles and falsely claimed they were maggots requiring immediate paid repairs, resulting in victims losing thousands of dollars for work never completed. The investigation expanded from initial reports of three Denver victims to an international case after CBS News Colorado's coverage prompted additional victims to come forward, with prosecutors investigating potential scams in other states including California.

AARP's Scam Prevention Guide addresses the growing threat of fraud targeting seniors through increasingly sophisticated schemes including fake pop-up warnings, romance scams on social media, grandparent scams involving multiple perpetrators, home repair fraud, and impersonation of government agencies like the IRS. The guide emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable to these scams because scammers exploit emotions like fear, loneliness, and the desire to help family members, with perpetrators using personal information and legitimate-sounding tactics to build trust. Protection strategies include not answering calls from unknown numbers, verifying social media profiles before accepting requests, and remembering that legitimate agencies like the IRS contact people by mail, not phone

The City of Gooding, Idaho fell victim to an impersonation scam in which fraudsters posed as contractors for a wastewater project and convinced city officials to wire $1,092,519 to a fraudulent account by providing legitimate-appearing documentation and requesting a bank account change. After the payment was made, the scammers quickly transferred the funds to another account, and recovery efforts proved unsuccessful. The Gooding County Sheriff's Office and FBI are investigating, and the city plans to implement new training and protocols to prevent similar incidents.

Two Irish nationals, John McNamara and Dean Morgan, were arrested in New York City and charged with four counts of theft and one count of racketeering for operating a roofing scam targeting elderly Denver residents between April and May 2024. The men allegedly defrauded homeowners by falsely claiming their roofs were infested with pests and required urgent repairs, leaving some properties damaged; both men are also under investigation for similar offenses in California.

Housing scams specifically target seniors through fraudulent rental listings, phantom rentals, fake property management schemes, and reverse mortgage fraud that exploits homeowners over 62 seeking income from home equity. Key protective measures include verifying property listings through reputable websites, physically visiting properties before payment, researching property management company credentials, using traceable payment methods, and seeking independent financial advice before committing to any housing arrangement. Red flags include unusually low rental prices, demands for upfront payment before lease signing, pressure tactics, and reluctance to provide verifiable credentials or detailed agreements.

Dean Morgan and John McNamara, two Irish men, were charged with racketeering and theft in Denver, Colorado after allegedly defrauding elderly homeowners by convincing them their roofs required expensive emergency repairs due to infestations of insects, squirrels, or raccoons between April and May. The pair, arrested in New York City before fleeing the country, left some victims with damaged roofs and large financial losses; they are also under investigation for similar allegations in California.

Josh Kramer, an investigator with the Monmouth Police Department, provides guidance for victims of common scams including cash prize, grandparent, social media, and imposter fraud. He advises victims to immediately contact their bank to report the incident and allow financial institutions to monitor for fraudulent use of personal information, while also emphasizing the importance of keeping device software updated to protect against scam-related security vulnerabilities.

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.

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

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.

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.

A scam using the Autism Society of America Network's (ASAN's) name and logo on a fraudulent Facebook account ("Madison Daniels") falsely recruits copywriters for a fake autism conference, sends counterfeit contracts, and then requests victims wire money to pay a supposed second contractor, promising overpayment via fake check. ASAN clarifies it has no upcoming conferences, does not recruit copywriters, and never asks contractors to pay other contractors; the organization has reported the account to Facebook and urges the public to verify any employment opportunities directly with ASAN.

The Better Business Bureau warns residents affected by severe storms to be cautious of storm-chasing scammers who exploit disaster victims for repair work. Key fraud tactics include unlicensed contractors demanding upfront payments, roof inspectors creating damage to justify work, FEMA imposters, and utility company impersonators. The BBB recommends verifying contractor licenses, obtaining multiple quotes, paying by credit card, getting written contracts with insurance documentation, and reporting suspected price gouging or fraud to authorities.

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.

**Summary:** The National Insurance Crime Bureau warns consumers to be cautious of contractor fraud, particularly after severe weather events when homeowners are eager to rebuild. Key prevention steps include contacting your insurance company first, verifying contractor licensing, obtaining multiple quotes, avoiding door-to-door solicitors, researching reviews online, getting all agreements in writing, and paying with credit cards to enable charge disputes if needed.

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.

Two Los Angeles retirees, both in their late 70s/early 80s, lost approximately $79,500 and $75,000 respectively to tech support and cryptocurrency scams in early 2024. Neal was duped into allowing remote computer access after a fake software subscription email, while Mrs. K. was tricked by a pop-up virus alert into withdrawing cash and depositing it into bitcoin machines at multiple locations. The article notes that elder fraud is widespread and sophisticated, with the FBI reporting that victims over 60 lost $3.1 billion in 2022, and recommends disconnecting from the internet when encountering suspicious pop-ups and being cautious of uns