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vietnamnews.vn
Vietnamese authorities issued a nationwide alert about a surge in sophisticated online scams, with cybercriminals using methods including fake government/police impersonation, fake investment platforms, romance scams, and phishing schemes. Police dismantled several major fraud networks, most notably a transnational ring operating in Myanmar and the Philippines that defrauded Vietnamese victims of over $76.58 million, resulting in nearly 100 arrests. The Ministry of Public Security is responding by updating laws, sending over 500 million warning SMS messages, and partnering with tech companies to combat the growing cybercrime threat.
thehackernews.com
Law enforcement in Spain, Estonia, France, and the United States dismantled a cryptocurrency investment fraud ring in Operation Borrelli that defrauded over 5,000 victims of €460 million ($540 million) globally, with five suspects arrested in June 2025. The scheme used romance baiting tactics to build trust with victims before directing them to fake crypto platforms, then laundered funds through Hong Kong-based banking networks and multiple international payment gateways. The operation highlights the growing sophistication of transnational cyber fraud, increasingly augmented by artificial intelligence, which authorities warn is outpacing legal systems designed to combat it.
foxnews.com
The Department of Justice announced charges against over 300 defendants in the largest coordinated healthcare fraud takedown in U.S. history, alleging they defrauded Medicare and private insurance programs of approximately $14.6 billion through unnecessary medical procedures and illegal schemes. Cases included unnecessary skin grafts applied to elderly and terminally ill Medicare patients in Arizona, a transnational catheter fraud operation involving Russian-based criminals who filed $10.6 billion in fraudulent Medicare claims using stolen identities, and the illegal distribution of 15 million prescription opioid pills by medical professionals and pharmacies. The DOJ established a new "fusion center" to consolidate data and combat healthcare fraud, which represents
news18.com
Dr. Usha Goswami, a retired Indian senior scientist, lost her entire life savings to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials via video call, falsely claiming her Aadhaar number was linked to money laundering and human trafficking. The scammers used fake documents, manipulated videos, and psychological coercion over several days to force her to transfer funds, targeting her as an elderly, educated, law-abiding citizen. The family has reported the case to authorities and is pursuing legal action while raising public awareness about this sophisticated cybercrime targeting vulnerable seniors in India.
ckpolice.com
This document provides guidance on two distinct fraud threats: counterfeit currency and grandparent scams targeting seniors. For counterfeit notes, individuals should stop the transaction, contact police, and verify authenticity by checking security features against known genuine notes. Grandparent scams exploit seniors' concern for family members through urgent phone calls claiming financial emergencies; victims should verify the caller's identity with actual relatives before sending money via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards, and report suspected scams to local police and financial institutions immediately.
pressdemocrat.com
A 21-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding a 78-year-old woman in Hessel of nearly $20,000 through an impersonation scam where he posed as a federal marshal working with others pretending to be bank and Federal Reserve employees. He was arrested when he returned to the victim's home the next day seeking an additional $20,000, as deputies were waiting. The victim expressed in a statement that the crime stole not only her money but her sense of security and trust in people.
local.aarp.org
**Summary:**
The FTC estimated fraud theft at $158.3 billion in 2023 (approximately $434 million daily), representing a persistent year-over-year increase in criminal activity. While fraud continues to surge, new initiatives such as the Aspen Institute's national fraud strategy and the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center launched in April 2024 aim to coordinate investigations and prosecutions against fraud criminals. Individuals can help combat fraud by reporting scams and educating others about fraud prevention tactics.
justice.gov
A 2025 national health care fraud takedown resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants across 50 federal districts for schemes involving over $14.6 billion in alleged fraud, with 19 individuals charged in Florida's Middle District alone for defrauding Medicare and programs serving elderly and disabled beneficiaries. Key defendants included William Balsamo, charged with operating a telemedicine kickback scheme that caused at least $9 million in Medicare losses, and Edward Cannatelli, Robbyn Cannatelli, Thomas Farese, and Virginia Lockett, charged with conspiracy to defraud Medicare through medically unnecessary physician orders generated via telemarketing
justice.gov
An anesthesiology resident at Seattle Children's Hospital and UW Medical Center was criminally charged with diverting narcotic medications (fentanyl and hydromorphone) for personal use over at least a year, sometimes while working and treating patients; simultaneously, Pinnacle Health PC, a Seattle medical practice, settled a civil case for billing over $500,000 to federal programs for experimental, unapproved treatments. These cases were part of a nationwide 2025 healthcare fraud takedown involving 324 defendants charged with $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and illegal diversion of 15 million controlled substance pills.
cheatsheet.com
Steven McBee Sr., patriarch of the reality TV show "The McBee Dynasty," pleaded guilty in November 2024 to a multi-million-dollar federal crop insurance fraud scheme spanning 2018-2020, in which he underreported crops and misrepresented planting dates to illegally obtain over $4 million in USDA benefits and subsidies. He faces up to 30 years in prison, must pay restitution, and forfeit $3.2 million to the government, with sentencing scheduled for September 2025. McBee Sr. will not appear in season 2 of his family's Bravo show, which premieres June 30,
ghettoradio.co.ke
This article covers a public dispute between Nigerian twin brothers and former musical duo members Jude and Peter Okoye, not elder fraud. Jude alleged that Peter went broke and blackmailed him in a fraud case involving money laundering accusations, while Peter countered that Jude was fired as their manager and accused him of lacking respect. This is a celebrity conflict unrelated to elder abuse or fraud targeting seniors and does not meet the criteria for Elderus database summarization.
pymnts.com
Modern eCommerce fraud has evolved into a sophisticated, sector-specific operation targeting fashion (chargebacks and return fraud), electronics (fake reviews and SKU manipulation), and beauty retailers (counterfeit goods and return abuse with counterfeit substitutions). Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit reported over $180 million in settlements and judgments from more than 200 civil suits over five years, with 65+ individuals imprisoned, as automated bot-driven scams using AI deepfakes and behavioral testing become increasingly difficult to detect and prevent.
investopedia.com
This educational article identifies common travel scams targeting tourists in popular cities including Riga, Istanbul, Budapest, Bangkok, and Barcelona, with schemes ranging from inflated taxi fares and fake tours to pickpocketing and restaurant surcharges. The article advises travelers to research local scams, use secure payment methods, verify pricing beforehand, and avoid carrying all valuables to protect themselves from scammers who exploit the confusion and crowding typical of tourist environments.
yahoo.com
A 28-year-old Fort Worth teacher lost his entire $32,000 life savings after scammers impersonating Chase Bank representatives convinced him via text and phone calls to transfer his funds to a "secure account." When he reported the incident to Chase Bank, the bank classified it as a scam rather than fraud and returned only $2,000, leaving him unprotected by fraud coverage policies. Leahy is now sharing his experience publicly to warn others about phishing scams, which commonly trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through impersonation of legitimate institutions.
foxnews.com
A woman from Hampton, Virginia fell victim to a sophisticated Facebook account takeover scam in which a scammer impersonated her friend, used fake video calls and personal details to gain her trust, and tricked her into sending a recovery code that gave them access to her account. The scammer changed her email and password, locked her out, compromised three Facebook groups she administered, and attempted to purchase $17,000 in bitcoins on her account before she recognized a follow-up scam demanding money. The article provides recovery steps for compromised Facebook accounts and advises victims to report incidents to IC3.gov and Facebook's official support channels rather than third-party support numbers.
localnewsmatters.org
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office hosted a workshop during Elder Abuse Awareness Month to help residents identify and prevent real estate fraud schemes targeting adults aged 50 and older, who are vulnerable due to higher home ownership, trust in others, and limited digital literacy. Supervising Deputy District Attorney Dana Filkowski emphasized that while real estate fraud is difficult to investigate and remedy once it occurs, prevention through education about notarized signatures, fraud notification programs, and common scam tactics is essential. The office operates a Fraud Hotline and continues community outreach efforts in partnership with the Family Justice Center to combat elder financial abuse.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
In response to a surge in "digital arrest" scams targeting senior citizens in Goa, police have directed banks to implement protective measures including scrutinizing unusual transactions by elderly customers and contacting them before completing large transfers. Fraudsters in these schemes impersonate law enforcement or government officials (police, CBI, RBI, TRAI) to coerce victims into transferring money by falsely accusing them of illegal activities like money laundering. Banks have been instructed to train staff to recognize warning signs, conduct senior-focused awareness campaigns, establish dedicated helplines, and display in-branch warnings about these scams.
daijiworld.com
Goa police are requesting banks to share information about senior citizens with bank balances exceeding Rs 10 lakh to conduct targeted fraud awareness campaigns, as cyber scams targeting elderly residents have surged dramatically. Over nine months, 36 cases of senior citizen fraud were reported in Goa, including 15 "digital arrest" scams where fraudsters impersonating officials coerced victims into transferring large sums; recent arrests include perpetrators of Rs 1 crore and Rs 2.3 crore fraud cases, plus an interstate gang exploiting ATM users. The initiative aims to educate vulnerable elderly individuals about common digital scams and safety practices, recognizing that limited digital literacy an
theguardian.com
Scammers impersonating Chinese authorities have defrauded international students in Australia of over $5.1 million in the first five months of 2025, with nearly 680 reported cases targeting predominantly 18-24 year-old victims through threats of arrest, deportation, criminal accusations, and "24-hour surveillance." The scams employ increasingly aggressive intimidation tactics, including fake "virtual kidnapping" scenarios, with an average loss per victim of $138,018. Australian authorities advise victims to hang up, not engage with callers, contact local police or university support services, and never provide money or personal information when credentials are in doubt.
euroweeklynews.com
An 86-year-old woman's report of a €353,952 romance scam led Spanish authorities to dismantle an international network of romance scammers operating from Nigeria, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects across six Spanish provinces in "Operation Doyun." The scammers created fake profiles impersonating attractive men and celebrities to emotionally manipulate victims into making bank transfers, with some Spanish elderly women recruited to help launder the stolen funds; approximately €45,000 was recovered from the network's accounts.
khak.com
33-year-old Ridwan Adeleke Adepoju, a Nigerian scam mastermind, was captured in the UK and extradited to the United States, where he pleaded guilty to operating a years-long fraud scheme involving phishing scams, romance scams, and fraudulent tax returns targeting multiple victims. He was sentenced to 3.5 years in federal prison by a U.S. judge in the Northern District of Illinois.
punchng.com
Charles Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian businessman, pleaded guilty to mail fraud and money laundering for his role in romance scams that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million between 2016 and 2019. He used a Massachusetts victim as an intermediary to receive funds from victims across the United States, then converted the money through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. Nwadavid faces sentencing on September 23, 2025, with potential penalties including up to 40 years in prison, a $750,000 fine, and deportation.
dimsumdaily.hk
**Hong Kong Telephone Scam Operations (June 2025)**
Law enforcement in Hong Kong's New Territories South Region arrested three individuals (ages 22-24) involved in telephone scam syndicates targeting at least 15 victims with losses totaling over HK$10 million (individual losses ranged from HK$140,000 to HK$3 million). The scammers impersonated law enforcement officials using forged documents and fake credentials, falsely accusing victims of mainland crimes and coercing them into payments under threat of arrest and asset freeze; notably, one of the arrested perpetrators was a local law student. Law enforcement warns that youth
heart.co.uk
Television presenter Noel Edmonds fell victim to a multi-million pound fraud orchestrated by corrupt staff at HBOS's Reading branch between 2003 and 2007, which forced his company Unique Group into receivership with debts of nearly £3 million. After a lengthy legal battle, Edmonds reached a settlement with Lloyds Banking Group (which had acquired HBOS) in 2019, receiving approximately £5 million in compensation, while the bank set aside £100 million for the 70 affected customers. Edmonds has since become an advocate for fraud awareness, sharing his experience to help others and highlighting the vulnerability of business owners to financial crimes
jmu.edu
James Madison University staff warned students, staff, and recent graduates about scams targeting the campus community, particularly job and internship fraud schemes designed to steal personal information or money. The university's Career Center recommends verifying employer legitimacy through resources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and the Better Business Bureau, and advises students to trust their instincts and be alert to red flags such as requests for banking information, wire transfer payments, unprofessional communications, or contact via text rather than official channels. Students are encouraged to take time during job searches, ask clarifying questions, and network with alumni to confirm job opportunities are legitimate.
chronline.com
Washington residents lost $38.2 million to fraud in the first quarter of 2025, with people ages 80 and over experiencing the highest median losses of $1,286; "government imposters" represent the most common scam type, including fake DMV text messages demanding payment for traffic violations and romance scams targeting seniors. The FBI reported over 7,600 people age 60 or older lost approximately $389 million in romance scams in 2024, while cryptocurrency kiosk scams cost Washington state $142 million in 2023. Law enforcement agencies advise residents to verify requests independently using official phone numbers, avoid untypical payment methods like cryptocurrency or peer-to
bitdefender.com
**Summary:**
A coordinated cybercriminal operation used over 140 malicious Facebook ads featuring Pi2Day branding (an event celebrated June 28) to target Pi Network cryptocurrency users globally with two main scams: phishing pages mimicking Pi Wallet that harvest 24-word recovery phrases, and fake mining apps containing malware (Generic.MSIL.WMITask and Generic.JS.WMITask) that compromise user devices and wallets. The attacks exploited the appeal of Pi Network's easy smartphone mining model among inexperienced crypto users through social pressure tactics including limited-time offers and countdown timers, with evidence suggesting a single threat actor group orchestrated the parallel campaigns across Meta
foxnews.com
A sophisticated PayPal phishing scam is exploiting PayPal's own email system to send fraudulent alerts that appear completely legitimate, bypassing security filters by originating from PayPal's official servers. The scam uses urgency tactics (claiming unauthorized address changes or payments) and may include phone numbers directing victims to fake PayPal representatives who trick them into downloading remote access malware that compromises their devices. This attack is particularly dangerous because it weaponizes PayPal's legitimate infrastructure to establish trust, making it difficult for even security-conscious users to detect, and reportedly affects numerous users across Reddit and cybersecurity forums.
danvillesanramon.com
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office hosted a workshop on real estate fraud targeting older adults, led by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Dana Filkowski as part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month outreach efforts. The workshop educated community members including attorneys, financial professionals, and residents aged 50+ about fraud prevention, noting that older adults are vulnerable due to high property equity, increased trust in others, and limited digital literacy. Filkowski emphasized that while real estate fraud is difficult to investigate and undo, prevention through education and resources like the District Attorney's Fraud Hotline (925-957-8705) is crucial to protecting seniors from financial exploitation.
dallasnews.com
Complaints from adults aged 60 and older targeting online scams increased 46% from 2023 to 2024, with that age group losing over $4.8 billion to internet crimes in 2024, according to the FBI. Scammers target older adults for their assets through various schemes including romance cons, cryptocurrency investment fraud ("pig butchering"), and intermediary money-transfer operations, with criminals often establishing trust through social media before requesting payments. The article emphasizes that while cognitive aging increases vulnerability, everyone is at risk due to advancing AI technology, and recommends family members, friends, and service providers watch for unusual financial activity and intervene diplomatically.
dailyhodl.com
Amy Jo Reid, a former senior vice president and director of purchasing at a Green Bay, Wisconsin bank, pleaded guilty to stealing $411,923 over a six-year period (May 2018 to May 2024) by charging personal expenses—including flights, hotel stays, casino gambling, and property taxes—to bank-issued purchase cards while submitting falsified or misleading documentation. Reid agreed to pay full restitution of $411,923 and faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine on three fraud charges.
aol.com
Nigerian national Charles Uchenna Nwadavid pleaded guilty to orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million, using fake online profiles to build trust before requesting money for fabricated emergencies like inheritances and medical crises. One Massachusetts resident was manipulated into serving as a money conduit, receiving funds from five other victims across the U.S. and transferring the collective $2.5 million to Nwadavid through cryptocurrency transactions on LocalBitcoins. Nwadavid was arrested in April 2025 upon arrival at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and faces up to 20 years in prison on
mirror.co.uk
Alice, a solicitor from Shropshire, was defrauded of £42,000 (with total loans reaching £57,000, of which only £14,000 was repaid) by Mark, a childhood friend she reconnected with in 2020. Mark fabricated financial hardships due to the pandemic and claimed business debts while secretly maintaining a relationship with another woman throughout their entire romance, eventually revealed when Alice visited his home in October 2023. This case highlights "in-person" romance fraud, where the perpetrator uses a pre-existing personal connection and emotional manipulation rather than online deception, with police initially dismissing it as a civil matter until the victim
thisdaylive.com
Fourteen Chinese nationals were convicted and sentenced to one year in prison each (or a fine of 1 million Naira) by a Federal High Court in Lagos for cyberterrorism and internet fraud following a plea bargain agreement. The defendants were part of a 792-person cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud syndicate arrested in December 2024 during an EFCC operation, with charges alleging they accessed computer systems to destabilize Nigeria's economy and social structure. The court ordered their deportation upon sentence completion and forfeiture of all seized items to the Nigerian government.
justice.gov
Patricia Hutchins, 53, of Brockport, NY, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and making false statements after being caught operating multiple fraud schemes including elder fraud, PPP loan fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud. She was ordered to pay approximately $60,000 in restitution to victims, including $25,100 to an elderly person who was defrauded, but instead spent roughly $23,500 of her home sale proceeds on gift cards before her sentencing; she is scheduled for sentencing on October 7, 2025.
justice.gov
Shirley Waller, 43, of Missouri pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy after admitting she aided Nigerian online scammers who defrauded victims of approximately $1.07 million, including a 71-year-old woman who sent $35,000 as part of a romance scam. Waller received cash shipments at her home (over 70 Express Mail packages in 60 days), forwarded portions to Nigeria via cryptocurrency, and was found with $59,150 in seized cash during a court-approved search in January 2024. She also separately pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining a $196,000 mortgage an
thumbwind.com
Dr. Sophie Toya, a Michigan physician, was sentenced to four years in federal prison on June 26, 2025, for orchestrating a $6.3 million Medicare fraud scheme involving over 7,900 medically unnecessary orthotic braces prescribed to more than 2,600 elderly and disabled patients, often without clinical evaluation or patient contact. Toya used deceptive television advertisements and telehealth consultations to solicit prescriptions, with some patients receiving multiple braces in single visits and undercover agents obtaining prescriptions after less than one-minute phone calls. In addition to her prison sentence, Toya was ordered to pay $3.6 million in restit
oag.ca.gov
Healthcare clinic operator Oscar B. Abrons III was sentenced to four years in jail for his role in a prescription medication diversion scheme that defrauded California's Medi-Cal program of over $20 million between 2014 and 2016. Operating an unlicensed clinic called God's Property with co-conspirators Steven Derrick Fleming and Mohamed Waddah El-Nachef, Abrons paid Medi-Cal beneficiaries cash to obtain unnecessary prescriptions for HIV medications, antipsychotics, and controlled substances that were then sold on the illicit market. El-Nachef, who became the state's top HIV medication prescriber during
justice.gov
Kyle Chasse, former president of a local union chapter at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making false statements for embezzling over $10,000 in union funds between 2020 and 2022. Chasse made unauthorized cash withdrawals and debit purchases for personal expenses (bars, restaurants, vending machines) and filed false financial disclosure forms to conceal the theft. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines, with sentencing to be determined after a presentence investigation.
wsiu.org
A Better Business Bureau study found that business scams cost North America billions annually, with over 3,600 scam reports filed since 2022, using tactics like vendor impersonation, account hijacking, and fake invoices—data breaches alone average $4.9 million per incident. The BBB recommends businesses implement employee training, verify contacts, strengthen cybersecurity, and establish secure payment procedures to combat these threats.
spokesman.com
Government agencies across Washington and Idaho are warning residents about multiple active scams, including government imposter schemes, fake DMV text messages demanding payment for traffic violations, romance scams, and cryptocurrency kiosk fraud. In early 2025, Washington fraud victims lost $38.2 million with people ages 80 and older experiencing median losses of $1,286, while Idaho residents lost over $63 million to cybercrimes in 2024, with seniors being predominately targeted. Authorities advise residents never to respond to unsolicited demands for payment and to independently verify any claims by contacting the legitimate agency using official phone numbers rather than information provided by the scammer.
chronline.com
In the first quarter of 2025, Washington fraud victims lost $38.2 million, with people ages 80 and over suffering the highest median loss of $1,286; "government imposters" remain the most prevalent scam type. Regional law enforcement agencies warned residents about evolving fraud schemes including fake DMV text messages demanding payment, cryptocurrency kiosk scams (which cost Washington $142 million in 2023), and romance scams that defrauded seniors 60+ of $389 million nationally in 2024. Authorities advise residents to verify claims directly with agencies using official contact information and avoid unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency, Venmo, or Pay
fallriverreporter.com
A 35-year-old Nigerian national pleaded guilty in federal court to orchestrating romance scams that defrauded six victims of over $2.5 million between 2016 and 2019, using fake dating profiles to manipulate victims into sending money that was funneled through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. He was arrested in April 2025 at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and faces up to 20 years in prison on mail fraud charges and up to 20 years on each money laundering charge, with sentencing scheduled for September 23, 2025, followed by deportation.
guardian.ng
Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a Nigerian man, pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam that defrauded six U.S. victims of over $2.5 million, which he converted into cryptocurrency through accounts under his control. Arrested in April 2025 after arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Nwadavid admitted to mail fraud and money laundering charges, using one victim from Massachusetts as a conduit to receive and transfer funds from five other victims. He faces up to 20 years in prison, fines up to $250,000-$500,000, restitution, and potential deportation to Nigeria upon sentencing.
news.shib.io
Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to stealing over $2.5 million from six victims through romance scams between 2016 and 2019, laundering the funds through cryptocurrency accounts he controlled. Nwadavid manipulated victims into sending money via fake dating profiles and romantic relationships, then transferred the stolen funds through a Massachusetts resident accomplice into crypto wallets on LocalBitcoins. He faces up to 20 years in prison on mail fraud and money laundering charges, along with potential deportation.
cleveland.com
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted introduced bipartisan legislation called "The Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act" to establish a task force that will examine how financial institutions can use AI to protect against fraud, particularly deep fake scams where fraudsters impersonate family members to steal money. According to Federal Trade Commission data, fraudsters stole over $12.5 billion from consumers in 2024—a 25% increase from 2023—with an AARP study finding that 77% of older adults worry they may become targets of AI-related fraud. The bill, endorsed by AARP and co-sponsored by Georgia Democrat Raphael Warnock, would require the
mynorthwest.com
Scammers posing as Chinese police targeted young adults in Bellevue through phone calls, messages, and social media, claiming victims were involved in crimes like fraud or identity theft and demanding money under threat of arrest or asset freezing. Four victims in late 2024 and early 2025 wired a combined total of approximately $2.57 million after being coerced to provide sensitive personal information including Social Security numbers, passports, and fingerprint scans. Bellevue Police emphasize that legitimate law enforcement never demands payment to avoid arrest and urge victims to contact the FBI or local police.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A 57-year-old widow, Laura Kowal, was defrauded of approximately $1.5 million by two Nigerian scammers (Anthony Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu) operating a romance scam using the fake persona "Frank Borg," a Swedish investment adviser they met on Match.com over a two-year period. The scammers coerced Laura into establishing fraudulent companies and bank accounts for money laundering, and her daughter Kelly discovered a suicide note before Laura's body was found in the Mississippi River in August 2020; the case was part of a larger criminal scheme responsible for at least $3.5 million
cbsnews.com
An 87-year-old Maryland woman lost tens of thousands of dollars in a tech support scam after receiving a fake pop-up warning that her bank accounts were compromised and demanding $18,000 to fix the issue. Two New York residents, Chongsong Chen (48) and Wei Hua Wang (71), were arrested and charged with theft and theft scheme after physically picking up cash from the victim's home, with authorities apprehending them during the handoff when the victim called the sheriff's office. The case prompted Harford County law enforcement to warn the public that elder fraud increased 14% nationally in 2023 and caused over $3.4 billion in losses
fox26houston.com
A Nigerian national, Darlington Akporugo (47), and his wife, Jasmin Sood (37), both residents of Houston, were sentenced to federal prison—188 months and 121 months respectively—for operating a nationwide romance scam that defrauded over 25 elderly victims of $3.1 million. The couple used fake social media identities to build trust with victims, primarily older women and widows, then manipulated them into sending money for nonexistent businesses and fabricated emergencies, while Sood created fake businesses and bank accounts to launder the funds. Both must pay full restitution of $3,123,073