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military.com
· 2026-09-13
A 37-year-old Indian national on a student visa was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding a Vietnam veteran in Oklahoma through a tech support scam, extracting nearly $65,000 by posing as Microsoft support and a fake federal officer. Chagamreddy was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and also victimized an 87-year-old woman from North Carolina; he will face deportation proceedings after his sentence.
startupfortune.com
· 2026-09-13
The U.S. Department of Justice froze over $52 million in cryptocurrency held by Xinbi Guarantee, a major Telegram-based marketplace facilitating scams, money laundering, and human trafficking through custom fraud tools and services, with critical assistance from stablecoin issuer Tether which used its central control to blacklist wallets. Since 2022, Xinbi processed at least $24 billion in illicit transactions and represented the second-largest identified online marketplace for criminal activity, with vendors offering everything from fake investment websites to stolen personal data to pig butchering recruitment services. The case highlights the centralized power of stablecoins like USDT to freeze assets at the protocol level
iharare.com
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering for operating a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The suspects, arrested in Cape Town in 2021, allegedly used fake online romantic relationships to gain victims' trust before stealing money, targeting pensioners and businesspeople. The men are believed to be members of Black Axe, a transnational criminal network linked to cyber-enabled financial fraud schemes worldwide.
capetownetc.com
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals linked to the Black Axe criminal network were extradited from South Africa to the United States on fraud and money laundering charges related to online romance scams. The men are accused of targeting over 100 American women, including pensioners and businesspeople, defrauding them of more than R100 million through sophisticated fake online relationships. The extradition followed their 2021 arrest in South Africa and a February 2024 Cape Town court ruling that approved their transfer to face US charges.
iol.co.za
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised crime network were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges related to romance scams that defrauded over 100 women of approximately R100 million. The suspects, arrested in South Africa in 2021, targeted victims through sophisticated online relationships to manipulate and steal money from them, causing emotional harm to pensioners and businesspeople. The extradition was facilitated by South African law enforcement agencies including the Hawks and Interpol in collaboration with the FBI and US Secret Service.
ground.news
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals linked to the Black Axe organized criminal network have been extradited from South Africa to the United States for allegedly defrauding over 100 American women out of more than $6 million through sophisticated online romance scams. The men face charges of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the scheme. Law enforcement agencies including INTERPOL South Africa and the Hawks facilitated the extradition in September.
citizen.digital
· 2026-09-13
Kenya's Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has flagged 15 entities including Global Investment Group, QVSE, Kore Exchange, and Bitblock Capital Limited as subjects of active fraud investigations for disguising fraudulent schemes as legitimate investment opportunities. The CMA is collaborating with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and other law enforcement agencies, urging the public to report any involvement with these entities and verify the licensing status of investment firms before committing funds. The warning reflects ongoing concerns about unlicensed investment schemes targeting Kenyans seeking opportunities to grow their savings.
arrivealive.co.za
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals affiliated with the Black Axe organized crime network were extradited from South Africa to the United States on September 11, 2026, to face wire fraud and money laundering charges. The men are alleged to have perpetrated romance scams targeting over 100 women in the US, defrauding them of more than R100 million ($5.5 million USD equivalent) by posing as romantic interests online. The victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through sophisticated fraudulent relationships designed to steal their money.
transcripts.cnn.com
· 2026-09-13
This transcript is not about elder fraud or scams. It covers President Trump's visit to Ireland for meetings with Irish leaders and attendance at a golf event. While the transcript mentions "Nigerians Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in Romance Scams" in the headline, the actual content provided does not include details about that story. I cannot summarize elder fraud content that is not present in the provided text.
hayspost.com
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in Cape Town in 2021 are being extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for their roles in a romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men are alleged members of the Black Axe criminal network, which targeted pensioners and businesspeople through sophisticated online relationships. They will be handed over to FBI and U.S. Secret Service officials for prosecution in the United States.
coveringkaty.com
· 2026-09-13
A Fort Bend County woman lost $50,000 in a jury duty scam after a caller impersonating a sheriff's office captain threatened her with arrest for missing federal jury duty and directed her to withdraw cash and deposit it via Bitcoin ATM. The scammer used pressure tactics including a fake "gag order" to prevent her from verifying the claim, which she eventually did by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Federal courts and law enforcement do not demand payment by phone, text, or cryptocurrency for jury duty violations or warrants.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after being targeted by a government impersonation scam in which a fraudster posing as an FTC agent claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammer instructed her to purchase gold and later demanded she cash out her and her deceased husband's pension accounts, threatening arrest if she contacted police. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community camera footage to track him down.
katv.com
· 2026-09-12
The IRS is warning of rising scams targeting seniors ahead of National Grandparents Day, noting that fraud schemes have evolved from local, in-person scams to sophisticated online operations involving perpetrators worldwide who exploit trust to gain access to personal information and bank accounts. Common schemes include romance scams targeting widowers on dating sites and "grandparent scams" where callers pose as grandchildren claiming emergencies and requesting urgent money transfers. Authorities recommend warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for personal or financial information, and pressure to act quickly, and advise victims to immediately cut contact, notify police and banks, and report to resources like the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
moneywise.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after falling victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as FTC agents claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The victim withdrew her own and her deceased husband's pension accounts to pay the scammers in gold and cash as demanded. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community surveillance footage, though it remains unclear whether the victim's money was recovered.
yellow.com
· 2026-09-12
Cryptocurrency scams stole an estimated $17 billion globally in 2025, with U.S. losses reaching $9.3 billion according to the FBI—a 66% year-over-year increase—as criminal operations professionalized with industrialized phishing kits, AI-deepfakes, and money laundering networks. The average scam payment surged 253% to $2,764, with seniors aged 60+ losing $2.8 billion at an average of $83,000 per victim, four times higher than other internet crime categories. The article identifies seven specific scam types including rug pulls, phishing, and investment fraud, noting that scammers have low
citizen.digital
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerian men affiliated with Black Axe, a transnational cybercrime network, were extradited to the US from South Africa to face wire fraud and money laundering charges totaling approximately Ksh.700 million (~$5.4 million). The men allegedly targeted pensioners and businesspeople through sophisticated romance scams and advance-fee fraud schemes operated from Cape Town between 2011 and 2021, using false identities on social media and dating websites to deceive victims into sending money. The suspects face maximum sentences of 20 years on each charge and used bank accounts and business entities to launder the fraudulent proceeds.
insidepolitic.co.za
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for allegedly defrauding over 100 women of more than R100 million through online romance scams. The men, linked to Black Axe, a Nigerian organized crime network, allegedly operated from Cape Town between 2011 and 2021, using false identities on social media and dating websites to establish relationships with victims—including pensioners and businesspeople—before persuading them to send money or valuables under false pretenses such as travel emergencies.
africa.businessinsider.com
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges in connection with a romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6.2 million between 2011 and 2021. The defendants operated from Cape Town using fake identities on social media and dating websites, claiming to need emergency money for construction accidents, taxes, and legal issues, while victims sent money, phones, computers, and valuables. The men, allegedly members of the Black Axe criminal organization, face charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft.
okayafrica.com
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerian nationals linked to the Black Axe criminal network were extradited to the U.S. to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for an online romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through elaborate fake online relationships. In response to violence against Nigerian migrants in South Africa, Nigeria's parliament indefinitely suspended official visits to the country.
telegraphherald.com
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited to the United States on Friday to face wire fraud and money laundering charges after being arrested in Cape Town in 2021 for their involvement in an organized romance scam network. The men allegedly swindled American women out of over $6 million through online dating fraud schemes. They were handed over to FBI officials for prosecution in the U.S.
punchng.com
· 2026-09-12
Six Nigerians linked to the Black Axe criminal network were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money-laundering charges for operating romance scams that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The suspects, arrested in Cape Town in 2021, allegedly targeted victims including pensioners and businesspeople through sophisticated fake online relationships and cryptocurrency fraud. They are now in FBI custody to face prosecution in the US.
helenair.com
· 2026-09-12
Cyber-enabled crimes defrauded Americans of $21 billion in 2025, with Montana residents losing over $53 million to financial fraud. The article discusses the need to identify and prevent scams before they occur, though specific scam types and victims are not detailed in the provided excerpt.
creators.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-12
A scammer impersonating a sergeant from the Adams County Sheriff's Office called the author claiming there was a legal matter, but the caller made a critical error by referring to the agency as "Sheriff's Department" instead of "Sheriff's Office," which tipped off the experienced former investigative reporter. The scam typically involves impersonators claiming victims missed federal jury duty or face arrest unless they pay fines immediately, and can be sophisticated enough to include spoofed caller ID, personal information, and fake voicemail systems. The sheriff's office confirmed the scam was circulating and warned that the impersonator was using the false identity "Sgt. Don Davis."
wpsdlocal6.com
· 2026-09-12
The McCracken County Sheriff's Office warned of two scams: a bitcoin scheme where callers falsely claim victims missed jury duty and have federal warrants, demanding thousands of dollars in bitcoin to resolve; and a bond scam targeting families of incarcerated individuals, requesting they purchase preloaded Visa cards and provide card information to secure releases. Law enforcement emphasized they never request funds, banking information, or personal details by phone.
hoodline.com
· 2026-09-12
A 37-year-old Indian student visa holder was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for acting as a courier in a gold fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, including a Delaware County, Oklahoma veteran who lost nearly $100,000 after being tricked by fake Microsoft support and federal officer impersonators into converting cash to gold. Venkateswara Chagamreddy was arrested during an undercover sting after collecting gold from multiple victims across three states within 48 hours, with evidence showing he received real-time instructions and victim photos from co-conspirators. The case reflects a national surge in elder fraud, with gold courier scams alone causing $311.8 million in losses across approximately
bizpacreview.com
· 2026-09-12
The House is advancing three bills to combat federal and state fraud, including establishing an assistant attorney general position to lead DOJ fraud investigations and creating data-sharing requirements between state and federal governments. Fraudsters have stolen billions in taxpayer dollars from programs like SNAP and COVID-era assistance programs, with the White House Task Force identifying approximately $230 billion in suspected fraud and stopping about $55 billion in flagged payments.
scvnews.com
· 2026-09-12
U.S. Representatives Whitesides, Salazar, and Davis introduced the bipartisan Protecting Elders from Wire Fraud Act, which would require financial institutions to place holds up to 90 days on suspicious wire transfers from senior accounts while legitimacy is determined. According to the FTC, $334 million was reported lost to fraudulent wire transfers in 2025 alone, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting. The legislation also directs banks to contact trusted associates when holds are placed and provides liability protection for institutions acting in good faith.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2026-09-12
The US Department of Justice credited Tether for helping disrupt Xinbi Guarantee, a Chinese-language cryptocurrency marketplace that allegedly facilitated fraud and money laundering, resulting in $52 million in frozen digital assets. Xinbi operated primarily on Telegram and connected scam operators with vendors providing money-laundering services, fake investment websites, and recruitment for overseas scam compounds, often involving "pig-butchering" romance and investment fraud schemes targeting US victims. Tether's ability to freeze tokens at the contract level enabled rapid action once investigators identified the wallets involved in the operation.
okcfox.com
· 2026-09-11
An Indian national on a student visa was sentenced to 30 months in prison for orchestrating a tech support scam targeting a Vietnam veteran in Oklahoma in August 2025. The suspect, Venkateswara Chagamreddy, posed as Microsoft support and a federal officer to convince the elderly victim that his identity had been stolen and connected to federal crimes, ultimately defrauding him into transferring money converted to gold. Chagamreddy was arrested when he arrived to collect the package, and investigators indicate he worked with another individual to defraud multiple victims over a 48-hour period; he was ordered to pay nearly $100,000 in restitution.
ottawapolice.ca
· 2026-09-11
Suspects impersonating Ontario Provincial Police officers and judges have defrauded seniors in Ottawa's Kanata area through a roofing scam, convincing victims to pay tens of thousands of dollars for misrepresented or undelivered services. The Ottawa Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents to be vigilant when contacted by individuals claiming to represent government agencies, law enforcement, or courts. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
oig.hhs.gov
· 2026-09-11
Susanne Kee and her daughter Bethanne Kee were sentenced to four and a half years in prison for operating a $6.6 million Medicaid fraud scheme through a Silver City afterschool program, where they stole children's identities, fabricated psychological diagnoses, and billed Medicaid for services never provided. In addition to their prison sentences, the pair was ordered to pay $6.6 million in restitution.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2026-09-11
Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 37-year-old Indian man on a student visa in Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for defrauding an elderly Vietnam veteran in a tech support scam that resulted in the loss of gold and cash. The scheme involved fake Microsoft support, federal officer, and Treasury Department impersonators who convinced the victim to convert money to gold, which Chagamreddy collected in person; he was arrested during a second pickup arranged by law enforcement. Chagamreddy was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and evidence showed he targeted multiple elderly victims across multiple states within 48 hours, collecting gold
hindustantimes.com
· 2026-09-11
Indian student visa holder Venkateswara Chagamreddy, 37, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in an elder fraud scheme targeting elderly people through impersonation scams, including one against a Vietnam veteran from whom he defrauded $99,496. Chagamreddy posed as various officials including Microsoft support, federal officers, and Treasury Department representatives to convince victims to purchase gold and hand over their money, and he traveled across multiple states to collect payments from victims. He was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and faces removal proceedings after completing his sentence.
midislandtimes.com
· 2026-09-11
A 32-year-old Queens woman was arrested for defrauding a 70-year-old victim in an elder scam where the victim was told she was involved in a crime in India and needed to withdraw funds to rectify it. The victim withdrew and wired $919,200 between June 29 and July 27, and was later instructed to purchase an additional $300,000 in gold bars before realizing the fraud and contacting police. The suspect, Tierigeli, was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.
yahoo.com
· 2026-09-11
Venkateswara Chagamreddy, a 37-year-old Indian national on a student visa, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for defrauding a Delaware County Vietnam veteran of approximately $65,000 through a romance/investment scam involving fake gold purchases and fabricated hotel expenses in Hong Kong, with additional attempts to extract $200,000-$500,000 from the victim's retirement accounts. Chagamreddy was also convicted of scamming an 87-year-old North Carolina woman and ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution. The case is part of a broader Department of Justice crackdown on elder fraud that
townpress.co.za
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in Cape Town in 2021 are being extradited to the United States to face charges for an online romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men allegedly used elaborate fake online relationships to persuade victims, including pensioners and businesspeople, to transfer money as part of an organized criminal network linked to Black Axe. They face wire fraud and money laundering charges in US federal court.
kold.com
· 2026-09-11
Fraud is surging nationwide with scammers using artificial intelligence to create more convincing and complex scams, particularly on social media platforms, making it increasingly difficult for victims to identify fraudulent schemes. A Tucson woman fell victim to multiple AI-enabled scams on apps like Nextdoor, including a fake dog-sitting job that involved a fraudulent check, and authorities report that victims nationwide are losing more money than ever before as AI technology enables scammers to impersonate real people through deepfakes and manipulated videos.
saharareporters.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals alleged to be members of the Black Axe criminal network were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges. The suspects targeted over 100 women in the US through online romance scams, defrauding them of more than R100 million, with victims including pensioners and businesspeople. The men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 and handed over to FBI and US Secret Service officials following coordination with INTERPOL South Africa.
enca.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian men believed to be members of the Black Axe organized crime network were extradited to the United States for allegedly defrauding over 100 American women of more than R100 million (approximately $5.4 million USD) through a sophisticated online romance scam. The suspects, arrested in South Africa in 2021, used fake identities and fabricated online relationships on dating websites and social media to gain victims' trust before stealing money from pensioners and businesspeople. They now face multiple charges in the US and are in custody of Interpol and the FBI.
arise.tv
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in South Africa in 2021 are being extradited to the United States for operating a romance scam that defrauded over 100 women of more than R100 million (approximately $5.4-6.7 million USD). The suspects, alleged members of the Black Axe network, face charges of wire fraud and money laundering and were handed over to FBI and US Secret Service officials for transport to the US.
ntvkenya.co.ke
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian members of the Black Axe organized crime network were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges including wire fraud and money laundering related to romance scams. The men allegedly defrauded more than 100 women in the US, including pensioners and businesspeople, of over 100 million rand ($6.2 million) through online romance schemes. The suspects were arrested in South Africa in 2021 and handed over to US FBI and Secret Service officials.
thecable.ng
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals, alleged members of the Black Axe criminal network, have been extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges related to a romance scam that defrauded over 100 women of approximately R100 million (roughly $5.4 million USD). The suspects were arrested in South Africa in 2021 and handed over to FBI and US Secret Service officials for prosecution in the United States.
persecondnews.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States for orchestrating romance scams that defrauded over 100 American women of approximately R100 million. The suspects, linked to the Black Axe network, used fake online relationships to drain victims' savings and face charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 and extradited after years in custody through collaboration between South African law enforcement, INTERPOL, the FBI, and US Secret Service.
chronicle.ng
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian members of the Black Ax criminal network were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for operating online romance scams targeting over 100 women. The suspects allegedly defrauded their victims of more than R100 million (approximately $5.4 million USD) through fake romantic relationships. The extradition, facilitated by South African Hawks and INTERPOL, was handed off to FBI and US Secret Service officials at Cape Town International Airport.
apanews.net
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals accused of orchestrating an international romance scam targeting over 100 women in the United States are being extradited from South Africa to face US charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The suspects allegedly defrauded victims of more than R100 million (approximately $5.4 million) by building trust through fake online relationships before manipulating them into sending money under false pretenses. The men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 and are linked to organized crime group "Black Axe."
thenicheng.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for allegedly defrauding more than 100 women through online romance scams, stealing over R100 million (approximately $5.4 million USD). The suspects, arrested in South Africa in 2021 and allegedly affiliated with the Black Axe organized crime network, were handed over to FBI and US Secret Service officials at Cape Town International Airport. The extradition represents a coordinated effort between South African law enforcement and international partners to combat transnational organized crime.
graphic.com.gh
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian members of the Black Axe crime syndicate are being extradited from South Africa to the US to face wire fraud and money-laundering charges for orchestrating romance scams that targeted over 100 American women and defrauded them of more than $6 million. The group, arrested in 2021, used sophisticated online relationships to con victims including pensioners and businesspeople out of their money. Black Axe is a Nigerian mafia-style organization operating globally and known for human trafficking, internet fraud, and violence.
guardian.ng
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian men were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face prosecution for an alleged romance scam that defrauded over 100 women of more than $5 million through fake online relationships. The suspects, arrested in South Africa in 2021, targeted pensioners and businesspeople, and are also accused of wire fraud, money laundering, and membership in the Black Axe criminal network. The extradition was coordinated by South African authorities, Interpol, the FBI, and US Secret Service.
the-star.co.ke
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerians accused of romance scams targeting over 100 women in the US, defrauding them of more than $6 million, are being extradited from South Africa to face wire fraud and money-laundering charges. The suspects, arrested in 2021 and believed to be members of the Black Axe crime syndicate, used sophisticated online relationships to defraud victims including pensioners and businesspeople. They will be handed over to FBI and US Secret Service officials for prosecution in the United States.
taylorvilledailynews.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in Cape Town in 2021 are being extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for operating romance scams that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men, affiliated with the Black Axe criminal network, targeted pensioners and businesspeople through sophisticated online relationships. Their extradition follows broader Interpol operations against West African organized crime groups involved in cyber-enabled financial fraud.