Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
7,148 results
in Phishing
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that romance scams are increasingly dangerous, with 532 reports in 2024 showing a median loss of $6,125, and seniors over 65 particularly at risk. Scammers are now using AI tools to create more realistic fake profiles and chatbots that eliminate grammatical errors, while also targeting victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes. The BBB recommends online daters watch for red flags such as excuses to avoid meeting, moving conversations to other apps, requests for money, and suspicious photos—and to verify profiles through reverse image searches and consult trusted friends and family before sending any money.
cmu.edu
· 2025-12-08
This guidance document provides travel and scam prevention advice for international students and scholars. It covers domestic and international travel documentation requirements and recommends monitoring official government websites for policy changes. A scam alert warns of IRS impersonators targeting people during tax season through unsolicited communications, along with alerts about fake delivery, SSN, and pyramid scheme scams, emphasizing that legitimate U.S. government agencies never request gift cards, checks, or wire transfers by phone.
securitymagazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax-related phishing scams increased globally from December through April, with malicious campaigns in the U.K. impersonating HM Revenue & Customs and in the U.S. targeting users with fake financial services and tax filing websites designed to harvest credentials. Threat actors exploit the urgency of tax deadlines and authority of government agencies, often combining email phishing with phone calls and text messages, making verification critical before clicking links or submitting payment information.
coinbase.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency owners through social engineering scams, with scams causing $4.6 billion in losses across the crypto industry in 2023. Threat actors impersonate legitimate companies like Coinbase via unsolicited texts and phone calls, using publicly available personal information to appear credible while tricking victims into transferring funds to fraudulent self-custody wallets. The article advises users to ignore unsolicited communications, never share seed phrases or personal information with callers, and recognize that legitimate financial institutions will never request fund transfers or sensitive information via phone.
kclyradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging and Kansas Legal Services launched a free "Scam Scan" seminar series beginning January 24th to educate older Kansans about recognizing and avoiding common scams involving theft, fraud, and financial exploitation. The educational seminars, presented by managing attorney Corinne Petrik, provide prevention tips to help attendees protect themselves, their money, and personal information from email, phone, and text-based scams, with sessions continuing through April due to high demand.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Stonington Police Department issued a warning about increasingly sophisticated scam attempts affecting both residents and businesses in the area, which involve callers or emailers requesting personal information, remote computer access, or threatening to shut off services. The scams often impersonate family members in distress or claim urgent situations, demanding payment via money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, and typically involve scammers building rapport with victims before making requests. Police advise residents to verify phone numbers independently online, remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts, and consult family members or law enforcement if situations seem suspicious.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old man in Bengaluru lost ₹70,000 after downloading a malicious APK file disguised as the "Vahan Parivahan" app, which he accessed through a WhatsApp message falsely claiming he had a traffic violation. The malware compromised his phone, enabling unauthorized credit card transactions, though his wife's linked accounts were protected before fraudsters could access them. Police registered charges under the Information Technology Act and cheating statutes, and authorities advised the public to avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
In the Philippines, over 8,000 people lost more than PHP 155 million to online scams in the first eight months of 2023, prompting Senator Mark Villar to champion the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act—legislation designed to address emerging digital fraud threats including phishing, smishing, vishing, and quishing. The proposed law creates specific penalties for financial account fraud and money muling schemes while empowering the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to investigate suspicious transactions more swiftly and without traditional banking secrecy constraints.
thegazette.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams are growing on online dating and social media platforms, where fraudsters create fake identities to build romantic relationships with victims before requesting money or personal financial information. Red flags include profiles that seem "too perfect," attempts to move communication off-site quickly, moving the relationship forward rapidly, reluctance to meet in person, and hard luck stories preceding financial requests. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by never sending money or personal information, asking detailed questions about profile details, conducting reverse image searches, and stopping contact immediately if asked for financial or banking information.
theschoharienews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Sharon Springs Silver & Gold Senior Club held an educational presentation on January 10th where a Social Security Administration official informed approximately twenty seniors about identity theft, consumer scams, and emerging fraud threats including AI-enhanced scams such as phishing, family emergency, and romance schemes. Attendees learned protective measures and were provided resources including IdentityTheft.gov for reporting identity theft, the Senate Special Committee on Aging's Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470), and the "Fighting Fraud" booklet available at www.aging.senate.gov.
townandcountrymag.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, multiple high-profile fraud cases emerged involving sophisticated impersonation schemes: a Hermès heir reported a $13 billion fortune missing, Elvis Presley's estate discovered Graceland nearly sold at auction after a woman forged loan documents and signatures, and an Arup engineering employee wired $25 million to fraudsters using deepfake technology to impersonate company executives. The article highlights how modern scammers exploit advancing technology—including AI-generated voices and deepfakes—to impersonate authority figures, family members, and trusted individuals, with experts predicting AI-generated fraud could reach $40 billion by 2027. Recommended protections include establishing family
sdnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It discusses Paloma Aguirre's political career and environmental activism focused on border sewage issues. This content falls outside the scope of the Elderus elder fraud research database and cannot be summarized for that purpose.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting Elon Musk's reputation by promoting fake "energy-saving" devices through unsolicited emails, social media ads, and pop-ups, claiming the products can reduce electricity bills by 50% or more. These fraudulent websites use fake celebrity endorsements, doctored photos, pseudo-scientific language, and fake customer reviews to appear legitimate, but deliver either non-functional plastic devices or nothing at all after collecting upfront payment via credit card or PayPal. No legitimate plug-in device can actually reduce home electricity usage, and consumers should be wary of unsolicited offers making exaggerated claims about bill reduction.
wbrc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau is warning about a surge in fake toll bill text message scams, where recipients receive texts claiming they have unpaid tolls and must pay immediately to avoid late fees. The scam attempts to trick victims into clicking links and entering personal information, particularly credit card numbers, which criminals can then use for fraudulent purposes; the BBB warns that unless you actually traveled on a toll road, such messages are almost certainly scams, especially as they coincide with tax season when criminals seek personal data to potentially intercept tax refunds.
brainerddispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
As tax season approaches, fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated tactics—including artificial intelligence—to target taxpayers, with the FBI reporting 880,418 cybercrime complaints in 2023 resulting in losses exceeding $12.5 billion. Common tax scams include phishing emails impersonating IRS officials, unqualified tax preparers misusing client information, tax identity theft, and AI-enabled fraud schemes. Taxpayers should protect themselves by verifying preparer credentials, recognizing that the IRS initiates contact via mail rather than unsolicited phone calls or emails, avoiding suspicious links, and safeguarding personal information.
broomfieldenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
Longmont police warned residents about a QR code scam involving unsolicited packages containing a business card with a malicious QR code and a diamond ring replica. Criminals use these embedded codes to steal personal information or install malware on victims' devices. Residents who scanned the codes and entered credentials are advised to immediately change their device passwords.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Poppy, an 84-year-old widow from Manchester, lost £20,000 to three separate romance scams over two and a half years after becoming isolated following her husband's death and during the Covid lockdown. The scammers posed as American men and exploited her loneliness and declining memory by building emotional connections before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. Romance scams in the UK increased 6% in 2024 with victims losing £99.4 million, and criminologists note that previous victims are particularly vulnerable to repeat victimization due to the grooming tactics used.
beincrypto.com
· 2025-12-08
A Coinbase user lost 110 cbBTC (valued at $11.5 million) after falling victim to a social engineering scam on Base network, with the stolen cryptocurrency quickly laundered across multiple exchanges. Blockchain investigator ZachXBT estimates that similar scams targeting Coinbase users have resulted in at least $150 million in losses over the past year, involving fraudsters impersonating support staff through phishing emails and spoofed calls to steal private keys and login credentials. Coinbase has not publicly addressed the issue, though the pattern of unreimbursed losses raises concerns about the exchange's fraud detection and customer protection measures.
lichfieldlive.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Police are warning the public against romance scams following high-profile cases, including a woman who lost approximately £700,000 after being deceived by someone impersonating actor Brad Pitt. UK losses to romance scams totaled an estimated £92 million last year, with scammers typically creating fake profiles that avoid video calls, claim military or overseas employment, and request money for medical treatment or emergencies. Authorities advise never sending money, loans, gift cards, or personal documents to online contacts you have not met in person, and recommend reporting suspicious behavior to police.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece presents five foundational "set it and forget it" scam defense resolutions: establish credit freezes with the three major bureaus, use a password manager, secure your Social Security card, register with the Do Not Call list, and create strong passwords for personal Wi-Fi networks. AARP Vermont Fraud Watch volunteers additionally recommend examining email origins for suspicious countries, allowing unknown calls to voicemail, avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions, being skeptical of unsolicited bank calls, and steering clear of social media shopping deals.
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Virginia is warning the public about a resurgent snail-mail scam in which fraudsters send letters posing as legitimate businesses with checks, asking recipients to pose as "secret surveyors" by purchasing multiple gift cards worth hundreds of dollars each in exchange for promised reimbursement. The scammers claim the check is on hold until the survey is completed, but authorities clarify this is false and victims will not be reimbursed. Law enforcement urges residents to discard suspicious mail and remain skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, noting that scammers are typically not local and difficult to prosecute.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Pennsylvania Attorney General's office warned fans attending Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans to be vigilant against ticket, merchandise, and credit card scams targeting eager consumers. The advisory recommends using reputable websites, avoiding purchases from strangers or sellers requesting gift cards or cryptocurrency, and contacting the state's Bureau of Consumer Protection if victimized. The guidance emphasizes common-sense precautions such as reviewing purchases carefully and trusting instincts when offers seem too good to be true.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer alert warning residents about Super Bowl LIX ticket and merchandise scams, advising buyers to use official ticket platforms, verify URLs to avoid spoofing, avoid third-party sellers, and never pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The warning recommends conducting transactions in safe locations, reviewing charges before checkout, and using credit cards for fraud protection. Victims can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 800-441-2555.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are impersonating Elon Musk using fake advertisements and deepfake videos to perpetrate three main scams: selling ineffective energy-saving devices (with victims reporting losses of $152+ per unit), promoting a fraudulent Quantum AI investment platform using fabricated celebrity endorsements, and running giveaway schemes that extract fees or personal information from victims (with one person losing $6,000). These scams exploit AI deepfake technology to create convincing but entirely fictitious endorsements designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting targets.
cyberdaily.au
· 2025-12-08
The National Anti-Scam Centre and Australian Federal Police alerted over 5,000 Australians via text message after Philippine authorities dismantled a romance scam operation in Manila, recovering 1,000 mobile phones and 300 desktop computers. The sophisticated scam, which primarily targeted men, resulted in reported losses of $23.6 million to dating and romance scams in Australia in 2024, with 250 suspects arrested and victims advised to avoid sending money to online contacts and to report any transfers to banks and police. The authorities warned that romance scammers often move conversations to encrypted messaging platforms and encourage victims to make large investments under false pretenses.
accc.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities identified over 5,000 potential victims of a romance scam operation run by Philippine-based cybercriminals who posed as Filipino or local females on dating apps to deceive mostly male victims over 35. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300–$800 in cryptocurrency before transferring funds to their accounts; the investigation resulted in over 250 arrests and led authorities to send warning text messages to potential victims advising them not to send money and to report any losses to banks and police. This operation was conducted under Operation Firestorm, a global initiative by the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Collaboration Centre to disrupt offshore organized crime networks targeting
afp.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities warned more than 5,000 potential victims via text message about romance scammers operating from the Philippines who targeted men over 35 using fake female personas on dating apps. The scammers convinced victims to invest AUD $300-$800 in cryptocurrency before stealing their funds, with the scheme uncovered after Philippine authorities raided a scam compound in Manila in November 2024 and identified Australian phone numbers linked to the operation. The investigation, known as Operation Firestorm, has resulted in over 250 arrests in the Philippines, and authorities advised victims to report funds to their banks and police immediately.
energized.edison.com
· 2025-12-08
Nearly 100 Southern California Edison customers fell victim to impersonation scams in just the first month of 2025, with fraudsters posing as SCE representatives to extract payments through various methods including urgency tactics, fake websites, prepaid cards, and barcode schemes. SCE advises customers to verify any calls by asking for a callback number, never provide credit card information over the phone, and report suspected scams to sce.com/scamalert, emphasizing that legitimate SCE representatives do not demand immediate payment or accept prepaid cards, Bitcoin, or Zelle transfers.
cw34.com
· 2025-12-08
Computer programmers in England developed "Daisy," an AI-powered elderly woman chatbot designed to waste scammers' time by engaging them in lengthy conversations—averaging seven minutes per call, with one interaction lasting 40 minutes. The prototype, created by Virgin Media O2, uses four layers of AI technology to generate realistic voice responses based on a detailed backstory (a 78-year-old widow who enjoys baking), and developers are now working to scale the technology into thousands of personas that can be installed on personal phones to combat both voice scams and phishing attempts.
nbcdfw.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, the Federal Trade Commission warns that identity theft scams are evolving, with scammers increasingly using text messages and emails rather than phone calls to direct victims to fake IRS websites and steal login credentials or install malware. In 2023, the FTC received over one million identity theft reports resulting in more than $10 billion in losses combined. The FTC advises taxpayers to avoid clicking unsolicited links, visit IRS.gov directly to verify information, freeze their credit, use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication, file taxes early, and obtain an IRS identity protection PIN.
wvtm13.com
· 2025-12-08
Two text message scams are currently circulating: one falsely claims to be from the IRS offering a $1,400 economic impact payment and directs recipients to click malicious links and provide personal information, while the other impersonates toll agencies threatening license suspension for unpaid road tolls. Authorities warn recipients not to reply to or click links in these messages, noting that the IRS only contacts people by mail and will never request personal information or payment via text or email.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
National Grid is alerting customers to scams in which fraudsters impersonate utility company representatives and demand immediate payment via prepaid debit card, threatening service disconnection. The company clarified that it never requests direct payment by debit card or wire transfer and does not threaten immediate disconnection, urging victims to contact local law enforcement.
bbc.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Safer Internet Day 2025 (February 11) focuses on protecting people from online scams, which are tricks designed to steal money or personal information through methods like fake giveaways, misleading products, and phishing links. The UK Safer Internet Centre advises people to spot red flags such as offers that seem too good to be true, avoid sharing personal information online, and refrain from clicking links in unexpected messages, with children especially encouraged to speak to trusted adults if concerned. Educational activities including a BBC Teach live lesson and "Scam Smashers" game will help participants identify and defend against scams.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported that fraud losses exceeded $10 billion nationally in 2023, with 2024 showing alarming trends in scam types including online job scams, government impersonation, gift card fraud, and business investment schemes. Student loan scams have proliferated due to confusion over federal loan forgiveness programs, with criminals using phishing, upfront fee schemes, and identity theft tactics to prey on borrowers seeking debt relief. The FTC warns that legitimate assistance is available free through student loan servicers and the Department of Education, and that private companies cannot deliver forgiveness benefits that aren't already available through government programs.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers targeted Australians over 65 in 2024, using sophisticated phishing emails, social media, and fake dating profiles to deceive lonely seniors into sending money, resulting in nearly $8 million in losses. Cybersecurity experts recommend verifying online relationships with trusted friends or family before sending money, recognizing that scammers build trust gradually before requesting funds, and contacting your bank and ScamWatch immediately if victimized.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old widow in Santa Clara County, California lost $25,000 in a spoofing scam when a caller impersonating a Wells Fargo fraud department representative used her personal information to gain her trust and extract banking details. Over 90 minutes, the scammer obtained her account password and transaction information, then changed her contact number and authorized a fraudulent wire transfer while keeping her distracted on the phone. Scammers increasingly use spoofed caller IDs, personal data obtained from the dark web, and AI deepfakes to impersonate trusted institutions and individuals, making verification of legitimate contacts and independent confirmation essential protection strategies.
sbu.edu
· 2025-12-08
Three accounting and management professors analyzed 20 years of IRS "Dirty Dozen" fraud data and found that identity theft and phishing schemes have been the most prevalent tax scams since 2002, with pandemic-era fraud increasingly involving theft of government relief funds like PPP and Employee Retention Program money intended for legitimate taxpayers. Their research, published in the Journal of Business and Accounting, highlights how fraudsters exploited pandemic relief programs to divert funds away from deserving recipients.
wcnc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonated the IRS by sending fraudulent text messages promising $1,400 stimulus checks, directing victims to fake IRS websites designed to steal personal and financial information or install malware. The Better Business Bureau warned consumers to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, remember that legitimate IRS communication occurs only through postal mail, and report suspicious communications to authorities.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article by Stefan Leipold, CEO of STARKinc.biz/ProsSysCo.biz, explains AI-based social engineering scams where perpetrators use publicly available voice and video samples from social media to create deepfakes impersonating victims' children or company executives and requesting emergency payments via cryptocurrency or gift cards. The scams exploit emotional vulnerability by fabricating urgent situations (stolen wallets, medical bills, bail), with the perpetrator's communications appearing authentic through AI-cloned voices and animated video replicas. Leipold recommends verification through direct phone calls to the alleged caller and logical thinking about payment methods, as legitimate organizations never request emergency payments via WhatsApp,
newsroom.paypal-corp.com
· 2025-12-08
PayPal and Venmo warn that fraudsters exploit charitable giving by impersonating legitimate charities and relief organizations through phishing, high-pressure tactics, fake websites, and account spoofing to steal money and personal information from well-intentioned donors. The platforms recommend donating only through verified channels like PayPal Cause Hub and Venmo Charity Profiles, and provide guidance on spotting red flags including lack of transparency, unverified credentials, aggressive messaging, and inconsistent communication methods.
police.boston.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Boston Police Department warns that cryptocurrency scams are rising significantly, with losses in Boston alone expected to exceed $9 million in 2024 and anticipated to grow further in 2025. Common schemes include investment fraud promising guaranteed returns, blackmail and extortion demanding crypto payments, and imposter scams where fraudsters pose as banks, government agencies, or employers to trick victims into transferring funds. To protect themselves, residents should verify investment opportunities through official sources, never share crypto wallet information, be skeptical of unsolicited contacts and social media ads, and report suspected fraud to authorities or the Federal Trade Commission.
newcastlepacer.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, adults aged 60 and older filed over 100,000 fraud complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, losing more than $3.4 billion—an 11% increase from the previous year. Oklahoma's Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready outlines common scams targeting older adults, including phishing, Medicare and health insurance fraud, and tech support scams, and recommends protection strategies such as staying skeptical of unsolicited communications, avoiding sharing personal information online, and immediately reporting suspected fraud to relevant authorities including the FTC, Social Security Administration, or financial institutions.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly personalizing financial fraud tactics by targeting specific demographics based on vulnerabilities and life circumstances, similar to legitimate business marketing strategies. A 2024 PYMNTS Intelligence report found that approximately 3 in 10 U.S. consumers (77 million people) lost money to scams over the past five years, with most victims losing over $500, and that different age groups face different scam risks—such as Gen Z being three times more likely to fall victim to employment scams while older consumers face higher rates of fake eCommerce and identity theft scams. Financial institutions play a critical role in protecting customers by understanding scam tactics and the broader psychological and emotional damage these
lexology.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource from a law firm specializing in online fraud describes "pig-butchering" scams—sophisticated schemes where fraudsters build trust with victims over weeks or months through romantic or business relationships, then pressure them to invest large sums in fake opportunities like cryptocurrency or real estate projects. The article provides warning signs including high-pressure tactics, unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency payment requests, and offshore transfers, and recommends victims conduct background checks, research platforms, seek legal advice early, and stay informed about common fraud tactics. The firm notes it receives approximately 100 victim requests monthly but can only accept cases involving losses exceeding $500,000 due to the complex, resource-intensive nature of
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season scams employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including phishing emails impersonating the IRS, phone calls demanding immediate payment, fraudulent tax return filings to claim refunds, and fake tax preparers on social media platforms. Scammers exploit fear and urgency to pressure victims into revealing sensitive information or making payments. Taxpayers can protect themselves by filing early, verifying IRS communications directly, using secure internet connections, monitoring tax accounts, and only using IRS-registered tax preparers.
roi-nj.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines how scams have evolved over two decades, becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI technology enabling scammers to impersonate voices and identities of loved ones and authority figures. The article identifies common fraud targets as elderly people and veterans, with typical schemes including romance scams, fake employment offers using fraudulent checks, impersonation of government officials, and advance-fee schemes. Key prevention strategies include recognizing red flags such as urgent pressure, unusual payment methods, grammar errors, and implementing protective measures like monitoring accounts, using strong passwords, and setting spending limits.
kxii.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers increase fraudulent activity through multiple methods including tax identity theft, IRS impersonation via phone/email/text, fake tax preparation services, and phishing links to counterfeit websites. The IRS will only contact taxpayers by mail, never through phone, email, or text, and experts recommend setting up an IRS PIN to prevent criminals from filing fraudulent returns on victims' behalf.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
chronicleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes common scams targeting people of all ages, particularly elderly individuals, including fake virus warnings, fraudulent Medicare calls, package delivery texts, and voice recording schemes. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is hosting a free public presentation by fraud detectives on February 3rd at the Homosassa Public Library to educate community members on how to recognize and protect themselves from con artists and scammers.
timesleader.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer warning ahead of Super Bowl LIX, alerting residents to ticket scams and merchandise fraud targeting eager fans traveling to New Orleans. The advisory recommends consumers purchase tickets only from legitimate websites like Ticketmaster and StubHub, avoid third-party sellers and suspicious URLs, use credit cards rather than gift cards or wire transfers, and conduct in-person transactions in safe locations. Victims of Super Bowl-related scams can file complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection.