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localmemphis.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Nickson General Contractors sued Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) for sending nearly $400,000 to a scammer instead of the contractor in 2020 after hackers compromised the contractor's email and requested a wire transfer to a Michigan bank instead of the usual paper checks. MRPP claimed they discussed the payment change during multiple status calls, but the hacker had set up email rules that diverted payment-related messages to a separate folder, preventing the contractor from seeing the communications. The case highlights the importance of verifying unusual payment change requests through multiple channels, and both parties are scheduled for court in September 2024.
fox4news.com
· 2025-12-08
A Dallas woman nearly fell victim to a jury duty scam in which a caller impersonated a Dallas County Sheriff's deputy, claiming she needed to settle a legal matter related to missed jury duty. The woman became suspicious when the caller couldn't provide legitimate credentials and confirmed with the actual Sheriff's Office that it was a scam involving a name of a former employee. Dallas County Sheriff's Office officials warn that they never call requesting money for jury duty, warrants, or payments via gift cards or digital payment apps, and any legitimate court communication comes through U.S. mail or in-person visits.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
A Colorado woman lost over $19,000 after falling victim to a fake Geek Squad email scam that directed her to call a fraudulent support number. In a related incident, another Colorado resident, Rhiannon Pearson, was targeted by scammers posing as Navy Federal Credit Union and now faces a $12,000 loan fraudulently taken out in her name. Authorities advise verifying unsolicited communications by contacting companies directly through official channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
A Fayetteville woman accumulated over $60,000 in fraudulent credit card charges after being recruited into a job scam through an online romantic connection. The scammer, posing as her boss, obtained her banking and credit card information and used them to make unauthorized purchases and deposit fraudulent checks, while also reversing legitimate payments to increase her debt. Though she reported the fraud to her credit card companies, the charges remain on her accounts as her responsibility since she authorized the initial transactions.
cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Medina County woman was scammed out of over $100,000 after being contacted by someone claiming she had won $8 million from Publisher's Clearing House and instructed to send money for taxes. Thanks to coordinated efforts by the Medina County Scam Squad, FBI, U.S. Postal Service, and local police, the package containing two cashier's checks was intercepted en route to New York City and the victim's money was recovered; defendant Raldane A. Cunningham was charged with two counts of telecommunication fraud and ordered to post a $50,000 bond. The Medina County Scam Squad adv
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Barclays issued a warning about romance scams, revealing that while men account for 59% of reported cases, female victims lose significantly more money—averaging £8,900 compared to £3,500 for men. The bank urged customers to verify the identity of new romantic interests before transferring money and called for tech companies and governments to implement stronger anti-scam measures, particularly on social media platforms and dating apps where these scams primarily originate.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud is rapidly rising globally, with UK banks reporting 20% increases in cases, predominantly targeting women (43% more victims than men) through dating apps and social media platforms. Fraudsters build trust over time before manipulating victims into sending money via cryptocurrency, which they believed was irretrievable; however, recent legal developments have enabled courts to freeze and potentially recover stolen cryptocurrency through blockchain-based legal orders. Victims should recognize warning signs including reluctance to video call, fake profiles, sudden requests for money, and excuses preventing in-person meetings, and should report cases despite feelings of embarrassment.
tt.loopnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a business closure announcement from Loop News, a Caribbean media outlet that operated for 11 years before ceasing operations. As this falls outside the scope of the Elderus fraud research database, no summary relevant to elder fraud prevention or awareness is applicable.
tech.hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A mechanical engineer from Visakhapatnam lost ₹28 lakh to a fake romance scam on a dating app, where scammers created fraudulent female profiles to build emotional trust before extracting money and subsequently blackmailing the victim with intimate images. Police arrested one member of a three-person gang operating the scheme and identified the scam pattern: fake profiles with attractive photos, intimate conversations to establish trust, fabricated stories to solicit large sums, and blackmail using personal details and compromising images. The article advises users to verify dating app profiles through reverse image searches, avoid individuals who profess feelings quickly, and refrain from sharing personal or financial information online.
fintech.global
· 2025-12-08
Barclays reports a 139% surge in romance scam claims in May-June 2024 compared to March-April, with men representing 59% of victims but women losing significantly more money (averaging £8,900 versus £3,500 for men). The bulletin highlights that 32% of consumers avoid dating apps due to scam fears, and emphasizes that stigma around reporting these scams—with 30% of Brits hesitant to disclose victimization—increases vulnerability and hinders fraud prevention.
kmbc.com
· 2025-12-08
An Olathe woman received a fraudulent email impersonating Venmo claiming she had made a $500 Bitcoin purchase, along with two phone numbers to call about the transaction. The scam alert highlights the importance of verifying sender information, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and sending unknown callers to voicemail to protect against such email-based fraud schemes.
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection warns that military service members, veterans, and their families are frequent targets of scams, with fraud costing this community $477 million in 2023 and generating 93,735 fraud reports. The top three scam types targeting military members are imposter scams, online shopping scams, and investment-related scams, with young service members managing finances for the first time being particularly vulnerable. The division recommends placing an "Active-Duty Alert" on credit reports, researching purchases carefully, and being skeptical of "military-friendly" deals to protect against identity theft and fraudulent transactions.
wibx950.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, real estate scams cost Americans $12.5 billion, with over 521,000 complaints filed; New York had 537 victims losing an average of $10,579 each ($5.68 million total), while a Dominican Republic businessman scammed 24 New Yorkers by listing non-existent homes or selling the same properties to multiple buyers. Cybercriminals are also targeting real estate agents through phishing and hacking to steal client information and identify potential victims. Authorities advise extreme caution when purchasing property sight unseen, especially internationally, and recommend working only with verified legitimate brokers.
wctv.tv
· 2025-12-08
The Thomasville Police Department is warning residents about "brushing scams" in which victims receive unsolicited packages containing cheap jewelry and products with QR codes that, when scanned, install malware enabling scammers to steal personal data and post fraudulent product reviews. Scammers use this scheme to artificially boost product ratings and sales numbers on multiple websites, potentially tricking consumers into purchasing worthless items. Residents are advised not to scan QR codes in suspicious packages, monitor their accounts and credit reports, change passwords, and notify authorities if they receive such items.
theportager.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides advice for seniors to prevent internet scams and hacking, recommending practices such as avoiding friend requests from strangers, using strong unique passwords for all accounts, being cautious on Facebook Marketplace, and understanding privacy settings in online groups. The piece also highlights the STARCHILD program by Lovelight, Inc., which offers intergenerational activities connecting seniors with children while supporting seniors' mental, emotional, and physical health.
auto.hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A scammer attempted to defraud Ferrari by using deepfake technology to impersonate CEO Benedetto Vigna through WhatsApp messages and a phone call to another company executive. The fraud was detected when the message came from an unfamiliar number and the executive, suspicious of inconsistencies, asked the caller to verify his identity by naming a book the real CEO had recently recommended; the imposter hung up without responding. The incident highlights the emerging threat of deepfake voice technology in corporate fraud and underscores the need for employee training to identify such attacks.
asianews.network
· 2025-12-08
Singapore's Cyber Security Agency reported that approximately 13 percent of scams analyzed in 2023 were likely AI-generated, making fraudulent communications increasingly convincing, though overall phishing cases fell 52 percent to 4,100 reported incidents and total scam losses declined for the first time in five years to $14.2 million. The agency attributed the decrease partly to new anti-scam measures implemented by major banks, but warned that reported cases likely represent only a fraction of actual phishing attempts and that generative AI tools like ChatGPT are enabling scammers to produce more sophisticated fraud at scale.
bisnow.com
· 2025-12-08
NETSTREIT, a net lease retail real estate investment trust, fell victim to a $3.3 million phishing scam when an employee was deceived into wiring funds to a third party impersonating one of the company's development partners. After an insurance payment covered $500,000, the company absorbed a $2.8 million loss in the second quarter, which NETSTREIT determined to be an isolated incident and adjusted out of its core financial metrics.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
An 88-year-old Dalton man lost $10,000 in a grandparent scam when a caller impersonating a lawyer claimed his grandson had been arrested and needed bail money. The victim handed the cash to a courier who came to his door, but became suspicious when the scammer called back demanding an additional $12,000, prompting him to contact police. Officers arrested 60-year-old Deborah Andrus of Pittsfield, who arrived to pick up money the police had replaced with bread in a box; Andrus claimed she was hired as a courier unaware of the scam, while investigators continue determining her level of involvement.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Healthcare fraud costs tens of billions annually in the U.S., with identity theft occurring every 2.2 seconds. While young adults (18-24) are typically the most targeted demographic, seniors are also vulnerable; victims should watch for red flags in official-looking documents like grammatical errors and should independently verify contact information rather than using numbers provided in suspicious communications. Georgia has reduced identity theft cases through stricter felony laws targeting exploitation of senior citizens, and resources like BBB survival kits are available to help victims resolve fraud.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
Strongsville United Methodist Church and numerous Ohio institutions were targeted by phishing scammers who obtained a 1,000-person church directory through a third party and sent fraudulent emails impersonating the pastor requesting money and gift cards. Phishing scams nearly doubled to over 9,000 last year, with Ohioans losing approximately $750,000 to these schemes, and the Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers often operate internationally, making them difficult to catch. Experts recommend protection through education and vigilance, including avoiding clicking suspicious links, being cautious about sharing email and phone numbers, and recognizing urgency tactics and unusual payment requests like gift cards.
jerseyshoreonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 160 Manchester residents attended a fraud awareness forum organized by township officials and local government agencies to address the rising tide of scams targeting seniors. Speakers from Ocean County government and Manchester Police outlined common scam tactics including fabricated urgent scenarios (IRS debts, lottery prizes), pressure for immediate payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards, and unregistered home improvement contractors, while providing guidance on prevention strategies such as verifying contractor licenses, using credit cards over debit cards, and consulting the free Ocean County Consumer Affairs guide for protection against elder fraud and identity theft.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania issued a fraud alert about rising AI-powered scams targeting older adults that use deepfake videos and voice cloning to impersonate trusted individuals and steal money and personal information. The alert was prompted by a recent incident in Hong Kong where a finance worker was defrauded of $25.6 million after a videoconference with AI-generated versions of his company's CFO and executives. AARP recommends verifying caller identity, being skeptical of unsolicited requests, using safe communication practices, and establishing family code words to protect against these sophisticated scams.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Gianfranco Bonzi, a 59-year-old concierge from Milan, Italy, fell victim to a cryptocurrency investment scam in which a conman posed as singer Dua Lipa, convincing Bonzi to send approximately €5,000 (£4,200) in bank withdrawals. After posting a disturbing message on social media about romantic disappointment, Bonzi went missing in February and was found dead in the Adda River five months later, with police believing he died by suicide following the scam. The article also documents a separate case of Colin Palazzo, a 60-year-old from Nottingham, who lost nearly £65
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
Prince George's County police reported a surge in tech support scams, with over 20 incidents reported in 2024 resulting in nearly $574,000 in losses compared to 13 scams totaling $287,000 in the same period last year. Scammers use malware pop-ups to gain remote access to victims' devices, extract banking information from browsing history, then impersonate Social Security Administration or bank officials to convince victims to withdraw large sums of cash. Police warn that artificial intelligence is making scam communications more sophisticated and urged victims to report incidents rather than remain silent due to embarrassment.
kcentv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Temple Police Department reported a surge in phone and online scams targeting Central Texas residents, including Microsoft, IRS tax, Social Security/Medicare, and law enforcement impersonation schemes. One victim received a call from someone posing as a Bell County Sheriff's deputy demanding several thousand dollars for a fake failure-to-appear warrant, using real names of county officials to appear credible. Police advise residents to verify caller identities independently, never share personal or financial information unsolicited, and report suspected scams immediately.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions launched a public investment scam tracker in July 2024 after Wisconsinites lost nearly $3.55 million to cryptocurrency fraud and financial grooming between January 2022 and June 2024, with most cases involving pig butchering scams or fraudulent crypto trading platforms. The searchable tracker, populated with consumer complaints, aims to alert the public and deter scammers by increasing transparency, while the DFI advises citizens to avoid sending money to unknown online contacts and to use only registered cryptocurrency services that comply with regulatory standards.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Rental listing scams target military families and others relocating by stealing legitimate property listings or creating fake ones, then pressuring victims to pay deposits and fees before disappearing with the money. To avoid these scams, renters should verify listings on official rental company websites, search for duplicate listings under different owner names, pay by credit card for protection, and never pay for properties they haven't seen in person or owners they haven't met. A recent case in Bedford resulted in a victim losing money when she paid a scammer posing as a landlord, and the scammer was found to have over 10 felonies for similar fraud.
wlox.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, over 55,000 Americans reported travel scams resulting in $122 million in losses, with the BBB warning travelers about fraudsters impersonating legitimate third-party booking sites where reservations are canceled or nonexistent upon arrival. To protect themselves, consumers should book directly through official hotel and airline websites, verify website legitimacy, research unfamiliar booking sites, confirm customer service numbers directly from official websites rather than search results, and avoid hidden booking fees or discounted seller offers.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI received more than 147,000 reports of scams and fraud targeting Americans ages 60 and older in 2024, with reported losses exceeding $100,000 more than tripling since 2020. Seniors are targeted because they control over 60% of the nation's wealth, and scammers use sophisticated impersonation, phishing, vishing, and smishing tactics to steal personal and financial information. The article advises awareness of these common scam types and recommends working with financial advisors to identify and protect against fraudulent schemes.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article addresses how adult children can help protect elderly parents from fraud, noting that FBI data shows elder fraud complaints rose 14% in 2023 with victims aged 60+ losing $3.4 billion that year, averaging $33,915 per victim. The article recommends initiating protective conversations by referencing recent news stories about scams or asking elders about suspicious communications they've received, allowing for natural dialogue rather than confrontational warnings.
claytodayonline.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, banks reported over $27 billion in suspicious elder fraud activity, with FBI reports indicating average losses exceeding $33,000 per case. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and voice-cloning technology to impersonate trusted contacts and exploit elders through tactics that create urgency (tech support, government imposter, grandparent scams) or offer unrealistic rewards (investment, romance, lottery scams). The article recommends pausing when pressured, verifying identities through independent channels, and consulting trusted third parties before making financial decisions.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals were indicted for operating a multinational fraud ring that scammed over 2,000 seniors out of more than $27 million between 2021 and 2023. The defendants used unsolicited pop-up ads, emails, and phone calls to direct victims to scam call centers in India, then employed social engineering and remote access software to convince victims to send money via wire transfer or express mail packages to Southern California and Nevada addresses, which the defendants picked up using fake identities and laundered through cryptocurrency. Law enforcement arrested four defendants in a coordinated operation in July 2024, while the fifth was arrested in April 2024.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Five Chinese nationals in California and Nevada conspired with India-based fraudsters to defraud more than 2,000 elderly Americans of over $27 million between 2021 and 2023 through pop-up ads, phishing emails, and phone calls that led victims to phony call centers where scammers impersonated bankers and government officials and gained remote access to their computers. The victims sent cash and wire transfers to real businesses like CVS Pharmacy where the defendants picked up packages using fake IDs, then laundered the money through cryptocurrency transactions with their India-based co-conspirators. Four defendants were arrested during coordinated raids in Nevada and Los Angeles County; the fifth was
reviewjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
A Medicare card scam continues to target seniors by impersonating Medicare officials via phone calls to verify personal information and claim new plastic cards with chips will arrive. Medicare and Social Security never initiate calls requesting personal or banking information; instead, they communicate through official letters, so recipients should immediately contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report compromised information and set up fraud alerts. The article provides protective guidance including never sharing Medicare or Social Security numbers with unsolicited callers and being wary of "free" offers, noting that Medicare and Medicaid fraud costs taxpayers over $100 billion annually.
coloradocommunitymedia.com
· 2025-12-08
On July 30, a Lunch and Learn event in Commerce City educated approximately 60 seniors about financial fraud, featuring Sarah Domke, a senior deputy district attorney specializing in financial crimes, who discussed common scams including phone and computer fraud, romance scams, fake warranty schemes, and threats of legal action. Domke outlined six hallmarks of scams—unsolicited contact, promises of money, requests for personal information, upfront payment demands, wire transfers or gift card payments, and emotional manipulation—and advised attendees on warning signs and protection strategies. The event highlighted that older adults are particularly vulnerable to financial fraud and provided practical awareness to help seniors recognize and avoid becoming victims.
rlsmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
On July 31st, Detective Kimberly McColligan of the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office led an elder fraud awareness seminar at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center in Newtonville, educating seniors about current financial scams, fraud identification, and reporting resources. The presentation was part of the ACPO's proactive effort to combat the millions of identity theft and fraud incidents reported nationally each year, with seniors comprising a significant portion of victims. The ACPO offers additional fraud awareness presentations and provided contact information for seniors seeking to report fraud or request community presentations.
ag.state.mn.us
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning about telemarketing fraud, which generates $40 billion annually and disproportionately targets seniors and people with disabilities through high-pressure sales tactics, fake prize notifications, and requests for payment via untraceable methods. The warning provides guidance on protection strategies including verifying caller identity, avoiding immediate payment decisions, safeguarding personal information, and researching unfamiliar companies or charities before engaging. Ellison encourages victims to report scams to local law enforcement or the Attorney General's office rather than remaining silent due to embarrassment.
kpel965.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana received a spoofed phone call from someone impersonating Sheriff Becket Breaux claiming she had an outstanding warrant related to a magazine purchase and was being sought by the FBI. The scammer convinced her to withdraw $2,000 from her bank, purchase gift cards at Dollar General, and provide the card numbers and CVV codes while remaining on the line with her. The St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office warns that these impersonation scams targeting elderly residents use scare tactics and caller ID spoofing, and advises victims to hang up and contact local law enforcement rather than providing personal information.
iberkshires.com
· 2025-12-08
The Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported a rising increase in scams targeting senior citizens, particularly the Grandparent Scam, in which fraudsters call claiming to be a grandchild in urgent need of money for bail or medical emergencies and request wire transfers, gift cards, or cash pickup from the home. Scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence to impersonate family members and create a false sense of urgency, making victims act without critical thinking. The DA's office advises seniors to verify claims by contacting family directly, never send money via wire transfer or gift cards in response to unsolicited calls, and report suspected fraud to law enforcement immediately, noting that legitimate agencies never request money in
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in the D.C. area are targeting residents with calls impersonating law enforcement, claiming loved ones face arrest for missing jury duty and demanding payment to avoid arrest. A Silver Spring, Maryland woman lost $5,800 after receiving a fraudulent call claiming to be from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office; the scammer provided a fake arrest warrant, initially demanded $88,000, and instructed her to pay via bitcoin at a grocery store kiosk. Law enforcement officials emphasize that legitimate authorities never call to collect fines and advise residents to verify any jury duty concerns directly through official court websites.
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians lost $2.74 billion to scams, with older people experiencing the highest impact of any demographic group. COTA Australia and NAB's Group Security team hosted a Scams Awareness webinar designed to educate older adults on identifying common scams (investment, remote-access, and romance scams), prevention strategies, and secure online practices. The educational session aimed to provide practical guidance and expert knowledge to help vulnerable populations protect themselves against increasingly prevalent fraud.
miaminewtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida ranks second nationally for fraud incidents with 1,589 cases per 100,000 residents, according to FTC data from April 2023 to March 2024, with scammers taking $171 million from state residents in just the first quarter of 2024. The most common fraud schemes include impostor fraud, online shopping scams, and prize/investment fraud, with romance scams particularly targeting elderly residents in high-senior-population areas like South Florida. A Miami woman was recently arrested for operating a 15-year romance scam that defrauded more than a dozen elderly men of $7 million.
foreignaffairs.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text appears to be only a website header/footer with navigation links and legal information, rather than an article or transcript about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. There is no substantive content about fraudulent activity, scams, or elder-related issues to summarize.
If you have an actual article about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse, please provide that content and I'll be happy to summarize it.
metro.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams peak during summer months, with a 139% increase in reported scam value from May to June compared to March to April, according to Barclays analysis. While men report romance scams more frequently, women lose significantly more money on average (£8,900 versus £3,500 for men), as scammers pose as romantic interests or impersonate wedding vendors to gain trust and extract funds. Barclays advises online daters to verify identities before sending money and urges victims to report scams without shame, emphasizing that sophisticated tactics and time investment by scammers can fool anyone.
yourlocalexaminer.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Dr. Oliver Guidetti at Edith Cowan University developed the Fake Date Game, an educational simulation that teaches users to identify romance scams by analyzing animated dating app conversations and predicting outcomes. Romance scams cost victims $40 million collectively in 2023 with over 480 reported cases, and the game aims to empower players with skills to recognize manipulative tactics, protect personal boundaries, and engage in respectful online interactions. The tool is planned to expand into a smartphone app with diverse scenarios and demographics to serve as an educational resource in schools and on dating platforms.
japantimes.co.jp
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary for this request. The article content is not available—only a message indicating the source material has expired due to licensing terms. To create an accurate summary for the Elderus database, please provide the actual article text or a different source about elder fraud or scams.
business.outlookindia.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in Delhi lost over Rs 24 lakh in a fraudulent Upstox investment scam within two months after being lured through fake social media ads and WhatsApp groups promising stock tips and guaranteed returns. The article documents multiple similar cases, including a Kerala businessman who lost Rs 7.55 crores, and outlines the scammers' tactics: impersonating legitimate financial firms, directing victims to rigged apps displaying fake profits, and pressuring them to invest more while blocking withdrawals. Key warning signs include social media advertisements for high-return schemes, fake investment groups on WhatsApp/Telegram, brand spoofing, and requests for personal documents like Aadh
bgindependentmedia.org
· 2025-12-08
Bowling Green Police are warning residents about a rising tide of online scams affecting all age groups, including a notable shift toward younger victims who are three times more likely to fall for scams than older adults. Recent local cases included a 23-year-old woman who lost $3,734 to a fake job offer using counterfeit checks, a 25-year-old man deceived into sending $11,000 via a computer virus scam, and an 18-year-old extorted for $600 after being sextorted. Police advise residents to heed red flags such as pressure to act quickly, requests to deposit unknown checks and send money, and suspicious online interactions, an