Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
11,660 results
in Scam Awareness
techflowpost.com
· 2026-02-26
In fraud parks, a single ChatGPT account handles over half of the work.
Author: Kuli, TechFlow
OpenAI recently released a report detailing how individuals have misused ChatGPT for malicious purposes...
mexc.com
· 2026-02-26
U.S. authorities have seized more than $61 million worth of cryptocurrency tied to an investment fraud scheme known as the pig-butchering scam. Federal agents worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to...
cryptorank.io
· 2026-02-26
Share:
US federal agents from North Carolina have captured over $61 million worth of USDt associated with a large-scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that hunted victims via fake online rel...
buffalospree.com
· 2026-02-26
The time to build security and reduce stress for your loved ones is now, and, while it can seem overwhelming, DIY tools and free community resources are available to help.
Making funeral arrangements...
wesh.com
· 2026-02-26
Victims lost $16.6 billion to cybercrime scams in 2024, but now the Marion County Sheriff's Office is recovering money for some of those victims.
Tammy Owens lost tens of thousands of dollars last ye...
theindependent.sg
· 2026-02-26
SINGAPORE: A worried son has turned to social media for advice after his elderly mother became entangled in what he believes is a Facebook scam.
On Wednesday (Feb 25), he shared on the r/askSingapore...
straitstimes.com
· 2026-02-26
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
The amount lost to scammers also dipped from the record high of $1.1 billion in 2024 to $913.1 million in 2025, the police said on Feb 25.
S...
channelnewsasia.com
· 2026-02-26
Singapore
Government officials impersonation scam cases jumped 123.6 per cent last year, however.
There were 37,308 scam cases in 2025, a 27.6 per cent drop from the 51,501 cases recorded in 2024. (...
asiaone.com
· 2026-02-26
In 2022, Nurul Shifa found a focus group discussion on Telegram that promised rewards for simply sharing her thoughts.
However, she soon found herself embroiled in an investment scam that saw her nea...
usatoday.com
· 2026-02-25
# Romance Scams Summary
Romance scams are surging, with victims losing thousands to thousands of dollars to scammers who pose as love interests or impersonate celebrities on dating apps and social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. Victims—ranging from individuals to vulnerable populations like the elderly and those dealing with mental health issues—are being manipulated into sending money via gift cards, wire transfers, and cash, with some losing entire retirement savings or monthly mortgage payments. To stay safe, be cautious of online romantic connections who quickly ask for money, verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a celebrity, and never send gift cards or wire money to someone you haven't met in person.
womansworld.com
· 2026-02-25
# Romance Scams Target Midlife Women Seeking Connection
Romance scams prey on emotionally vulnerable people—particularly midlife women seeking companionship—who are targeted online through dating apps, social media, LinkedIn, and text messages by criminals looking to exploit their empathy and access their money. According to AARP's Fraud Watch Network, these scams have nothing to do with intelligence but rather exploit emotional vulnerability, with criminals using flattery and manipulation to build trust before asking for money. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like requests for money, meetings that never happen, and overly quick declarations of love, and if you or a loved one becomes a victim, report it to the AARP Fraud Watch Network for support and guidance.
phemex.com
· 2026-02-25
U.S. authorities seized $61 million in cryptocurrency from a "pig butchering" romance scam, where fraudsters pose as romantic partners to trick victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency platforms with fabricated profits. Victims of these scams are typically prevented from withdrawing their money or pressured to pay additional "taxes." The seizure demonstrates law enforcement's growing ability to track and recover stolen cryptocurrency, and people should be wary of unsolicited investment offers from online romantic contacts.
panewslab.com
· 2026-02-25
Federal law enforcement seized over $61 million in cryptocurrency linked to "pig butchering" scams, where criminals pose as romantic partners to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency trading platforms and then refuse withdrawal requests. Victims across the country lost money when scammers claimed taxes were owed and quickly moved the funds through multiple wallets to launder the money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic connections who encourage cryptocurrency investments, verify trading platforms independently, and never send money to accounts you cannot verify.
therecord.media
· 2026-02-25
Criminal networks operating in Southeast Asian compounds are running sophisticated "pig-butchering" cryptocurrency scams that target victims worldwide, stealing billions of dollars annually through fake investment schemes and complex money laundering operations. The U.S. FBI and international law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to disrupt these operations, with recent major actions including the execution of Myanmar crime leaders by China, the indictment and extradition of a Cambodian businessman who ran a massive scamming empire, and raids across Cambodia that have freed trafficked workers. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities—especially cryptocurrency schemes—verify the legitimacy of investment platforms independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.
yahoo.com
· 2026-02-25
U.S. authorities in North Carolina seized $61 million in cryptocurrency (Tether/USDT) connected to "pig butchering" scams, a fraud scheme where criminals build fake romantic relationships with victims online and direct them to fraudulent investment platforms that show fake returns before demanding "taxes" or "fees" to withdraw funds. These scams have cost victims billions globally, with criminals repeatedly extracting money through a cycle of fake promises and hidden charges. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online romantic connections that quickly push cryptocurrency investments, verify investment platforms independently, and remember that legitimate investments never demand upfront fees to access your returns.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-25
U.S. Federal agents seized $61 million in cryptocurrency (USDT) from a "pig butchering" scam ring that used fake romantic relationships and fraudulent trading platforms to defraud victims. The scammers posed as romantic partners with trading expertise, directed victims to fake crypto websites showing fake high returns, then blocked withdrawals and demanded extra fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic partners who quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify trading platforms independently, and never invest money you can't afford to lose—especially if pressured by someone you've only met online.
bpi.com
· 2026-02-25
American households lost an estimated $12.5 billion to scams in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with sophisticated technology-driven fraud becoming increasingly common, particularly through phones and apps. Most Americans now receive scam calls or texts weekly, often using AI deepfakes and voice cloning that make fraudulent communications difficult to distinguish from legitimate ones, with many scams originating from organized international crime groups. To protect themselves, consumers should be suspicious of unsolicited calls and texts (especially from unknown numbers or international sources), verify requests independently through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FCC, while regulators need to mandate call authentication standards and deploy better anti-spoofing filters.
ksl.com
· 2026-02-25
Online scams and identity theft are widespread problems affecting 73% of U.S. adults, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics like AI-generated phishing emails and cloned voices to trick victims. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying website security by checking that URLs begin with "https://" rather than "http://," adjusting browser settings to only allow secure connections, and carefully checking website spellings and domain extensions before sharing personal information. Taking these preventive steps can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a scam victim.
foxnews.com
· 2026-02-25
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating Apple, claiming that an unauthorized PayPal charge of nearly $3,000 has been made on your account and urging you to call a support number immediately. The scam targets Apple users by using official Apple branding and urgent language to trigger panic, but can be identified by red flags like the email being sent to a generic recipient address rather than your actual Apple ID email. To stay safe, slow down and carefully examine suspicious emails before clicking links or calling numbers, and remember that legitimate Apple security emails are sent directly to your registered Apple ID address.
whec.com
· 2026-02-25
Scammers are impersonating Spectrum customer service representatives and calling, texting, or emailing customers with offers of 50% bill discounts, then directing them to call back on spoofed numbers to steal their personal information or money. The scam has affected Rochester, New York residents, though one alert customer recognized the red flags and avoided falling victim. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited calls promising discounts, verify any offers directly by calling Spectrum's official number, register with the Do Not Call Registry, and report suspicious contacts to the FTC or Better Business Bureau.
carrollspaper.com
· 2026-02-25
# Fraud Prevention Workshop for Seniors
Iowa State University Extension is hosting a free fraud prevention workshop on March 5 aimed at protecting older adults, who are disproportionately targeted by scammers—with elder financial fraud being the most common form of elder abuse affecting over 50 million Americans aged 62 and older. The program will teach participants how to identify warning signs of common scams and learn practical strategies to protect their finances and assets. Anyone age 60+ or their caregivers can register free of charge at www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/stay-independent or by calling 712-792-2364.
amac.us
· 2026-02-25
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with nearly $3 billion from government imposter scams where criminals pose as Social Security Administration officials to steal money or personal information. Seniors are deliberately targeted through threats of arrest or promises of benefit increases, with scammers demanding payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The key protection: legitimate government employees will never threaten you or demand immediate payment, so anyone receiving such communications should hang up, ignore it, and report it at ssa.gov/scam.
today.com
· 2026-02-24
# Spring Travel Scam Summary
During peak spring travel season, scammers target rushed travelers booking flights and hotels, with the FTC reporting over 58,000 travel fraud cases in 2024 totaling $274 million—averaging nearly $1,000 in losses per victim. Airlines expect to carry 170 million passengers in March and April alone, creating ideal conditions for fraudsters who exploit travelers' distraction and quick decision-making on mobile devices. To protect yourself, security experts advise carefully evaluating each booking, using secure payment methods, monitoring your accounts during and after travel, and staying alert rather than rushing through travel arrangements.
katc.com
· 2026-02-24
# Scam Alert Summary
The St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office has reported a recent surge in scams that have cost victims hundreds of thousands of dollars, though some attempts were successfully prevented. Both adults and elderly residents have been targeted, with the Adult and Elderly Services Unit actively investigating these crimes. To protect yourself, the sheriff's office recommends following their posted safety tips and remaining vigilant about unsolicited contact, unusual payment requests, and offers that seem too good to be true.
abc7chicago.com
· 2026-02-24
During tax season, the Better Business Bureau is warning about a surge in scams targeting taxpayers through IRS imposter calls and texts, phishing emails, and dishonest "ghost" tax preparers seeking to steal money and personal information. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS never threatens arrest or requests gift cards and wire transfers, so hang up on suspicious calls and don't click links in unsolicited texts or emails. File your taxes early, verify tax preparers through official IRS and BBB websites, and remember that legitimate IRS contact comes by mail.
2news.com
· 2026-02-24
# Tax Scam Alert
As the 2026 tax filing season begins, authorities warn that scammers are increasingly impersonating the IRS and tax preparers through phone calls, emails, texts, and fake websites to steal personal and financial information, with common tactics including phishing links, false refund promises, and threats of legal action. The scams disproportionately target people unfamiliar with IRS procedures, and the IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media or demands immediate payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, file your taxes early, verify information directly through irs.gov, avoid clicking unsolicited links, and remember that legitimate IRS contact begins with a letter in the mail.
insurancebusinessmag.com
· 2026-02-24
Fraudsters are using dating apps to manipulate people into unwittingly participating in fake motor insurance claims, rather than stealing their money directly. The scammers recruit accomplices to pose as accident witnesses or injured parties in staged crashes, using the victim's identity to legitimize fraudulent claims—a tactic that often goes unreported because victims don't realize they've been exploited and feel ashamed. The UK's Insurance Fraud Bureau warns that people should be cautious about requests from dating matches to participate in accident claims or insurance matters, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
scamwatch.gov.au
· 2026-02-24
# Scammer Tactics Summary
Scammers use three main strategies to deceive people: impersonating trusted organizations or individuals, creating a false sense of urgency to pressure quick decisions, and exploiting emotions like fear or greed. By understanding how these tactics work across different scam types, you can better protect yourself by pausing before acting on unexpected requests, verifying the identity of anyone asking for money or personal information, and being skeptical of situations designed to make you act quickly without thinking.
straitstimes.com
· 2026-02-24
South Korea and Brazil have launched a police partnership to combat "Korea Wave scams," where criminals impersonate South Koreans or fake K-pop-related businesses to defraud victims. Brazilians of various ages and backgrounds have lost money to schemes involving fake travel packages, merchandise sales, romance scams, and fraudulent dating websites featuring supposed South Korean men. Authorities recommend that fans of Korean culture be cautious about online interactions with strangers claiming to be South Korean, verify the legitimacy of businesses before making purchases, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
euronews.com
· 2026-02-24
Deepfake scams cost people approximately $1.1 billion worldwide in 2025—triple the losses from 2024—with over 80% of fraud occurring on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Scammers use sophisticated deepfake videos and audio to impersonate celebrities, business leaders, and even politicians to promote fraudulent investments or build fake romantic relationships before requesting money from victims. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected investment opportunities or romantic advances on social media, verify celebrity endorsements through official channels, and never send money to people you've only met online.
nz.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-24
Deepfake scams have tripled in 2025, defrauding people of approximately $1.1 billion worldwide, with over 80% of losses occurring on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated deepfake videos and audio to impersonate celebrities, politicians, and financial leaders to promote fraudulent investments, as well as creating fake romantic relationships to extract money from victims. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic advances on social media, verify celebrity endorsements through official channels, and never send money to people you've only met online.
aol.com
· 2026-02-24
A major fraud ring operating in Texas stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them with arrest to coerce them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The scheme is part of a growing crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports and losing nearly $2.4 billion to scams in 2024 alone. To protect yourself and elderly relatives, remain skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages from officials making threats, remember that legitimate authorities won't demand payment by gift card or wire transfer, and verify any official claims by contacting the agency directly using a number from their official website.
dallasexpress.com
· 2026-02-24
A San Antonio CEO named Devin Ward Elder pleaded guilty to operating a $69.5 million fraud scheme that deceived approximately 345 investors in fake real estate projects between 2023 and 2025. Elder used a Ponzi-like setup, falsely promising high returns with minimal risk and using new investors' money to pay fake "interest" to earlier investors, ultimately leaving victims with substantial losses when payments stopped in March 2025. To protect yourself, be skeptical of investment opportunities promising unusually high returns with minimal risk, verify a company's credentials and track record independently, and avoid putting money into deals where the operator claims to co-invest their own funds without transparent documentation.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-02-24
# Fraud Summary
A Texas crime ring stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The FTC reports that fraud targeting seniors has surged, with people over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports in 2024 and losing approximately $2.4 billion to scams. To protect yourself and older relatives, be wary of unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to be government officials, especially those creating urgency or threatening arrest—legitimate authorities will never demand immediate payment or asset transfers over the phone.
indiatoday.in
· 2026-02-24
A 23-year-old Indian national, Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2025 for his role in wire fraud and money laundering schemes targeting senior citizens in the United States. The case has recently resurfaced on social media, where MAGA-aligned commentators have used it to push anti-immigrant rhetoric and criticize Biden-era immigration policies, claiming it demonstrates systematic fraud by foreign nationals. To protect yourself, seniors should be cautious about unsolicited calls or requests for personal information, verify caller identity independently, and report suspicious activity to authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
igamingbusiness.com
· 2026-02-24
Cambodia revoked casino licenses for four establishments linked to Chen Zhi, a Chinese businessman allegedly running one of the world's largest online fraud operations from Cambodia that at its peak generated $30 million daily through "pig-butchering" scams targeting people globally. The crackdown, which shut down 190 scam operations across Cambodia in just two months, reflects the country's effort to combat cybercrime that often uses casinos as fronts for fraudulent activities. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers or romantic connections online, especially those promising quick wealth or involving cryptocurrency, as these are common tactics used in such schemes.
digitaljournal.com
· 2026-02-24
# Article Summary
Plastic card fraud is the most common identity theft scam in the UK, affecting over 94,000 victims in 2024 and accounting for more than one-third of all identity theft cases, with phone companies experiencing a dramatic 72.72% surge in fraud attempts. Bank account fraud came in second place with nearly 58,000 cases, while online shopping fraud declined significantly by 25.41%, suggesting that improved security measures in some sectors are working. To protect themselves, consumers should monitor their credit and debit cards regularly for unauthorized charges, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and consider freezing their credit if they suspect fraud.
tradingview.com
· 2026-02-23
# Pig-Butchering Crypto Scams Summary
Pig-butchering scams are a growing threat in the cryptocurrency world where fraudsters build fake romantic or friendly relationships with victims over weeks or months before pressuring them to invest in fake crypto platforms, with reported losses reaching $370.3 million in January 2026 alone. Unlike quick phishing attacks, these scams use psychological manipulation—showing fake profits, requesting escalating deposits, and then blocking withdrawals—to exploit emotional trust and extract large sums of money. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about unsolicited investment advice from people you've only met online, never share crypto wallet details with new contacts, and verify investment platforms through official regulatory databases before depositing any money.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-23
New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned of "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims on social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes like cryptocurrency, sometimes resulting in losses exceeding $1 million. These sophisticated scams typically begin with friendly contact, move to encrypted chat platforms to hide the scammer's identity, and end with the perpetrator disappearing with the victim's savings. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited messages from strangers urging investments, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office.
thehill.com
· 2026-02-23
The European Commission is investigating major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft for failing to prevent financial scams on their platforms, as online fraud losses reached $12.5-$16.6 billion in the U.S. in 2024. The article warns that while regulatory action targeting large platforms is a step forward, it may not adequately address rapidly evolving fraud tactics like deepfakes and voice cloning, which are increasingly being used to deceive consumers. To protect yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar banking apps and hotel listings, verify unexpected communications through official channels, and remain skeptical of urgent financial requests—especially those involving voices or videos you haven't independently confirmed.
romesentinel.com
· 2026-02-23
AI-powered romance scams are affecting an estimated 1.4 million New Yorkers, with scammers using sophisticated tools like fake photos and AI-generated messages to deceive victims. The financial impact is substantial—romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 and over $672 million in 2024 alone—and the widespread fraud is eroding online trust, making people hesitant to engage in digital transactions and interactions beyond dating. To protect yourself, be cautious of urgent pressure tactics, verify identities carefully before sharing personal information or money, and look for transparent, credible signals when interacting with brands and individuals online.
insurancebusinessmag.com
· 2026-02-23
Fraudsters are using dating apps to manipulate romantic partners into participating in fake car insurance claims, targeting people for their identity rather than their money. Victims may be persuaded to claim they witnessed accidents, were passengers in crashes, or submit false injury claims, often using scripts provided by the scammers. The Insurance Fraud Bureau warns this scam is likely underreported due to victims' embarrassment, and advises people to be cautious about requests from dating matches to participate in accident-related claims or take out insurance policies.
dailymail.co.uk
· 2026-02-23
A 34-year-old man named Adam Mowle defrauded a victim of over £9,000 by posing as a woman named "Jenna Smith" on a dating app, claiming to need money due to illness and financial hardship. The victim, devastated by the scam, subsequently lost an additional £93,000 through desperate gambling attempts to recover his money, while Mowle spent the stolen funds on his horse and living expenses. To protect yourself from romance scams, be wary of requests for money from online dating matches, especially early in a relationship, verify identities through video calls, and never send cash to someone you haven't met in person.
sanmarcosrecord.com
· 2026-02-23
Financial advisor Jason Fischer warned that one in ten older adults fall victim to scams—particularly romance, collections, sweepstakes, imposter, and grandparent scams—often perpetrated by people the victims trust, though many cases go unreported due to embarrassment. Common red flags include unsolicited calls claiming to be from the IRS or utilities threatening immediate action, requests for money from supposed romantic partners built on trust over time, and prizes offered for contests the victim never entered. To protect yourself, Fischer emphasized that legitimate organizations like the IRS never call to demand immediate payment, and you should be skeptical of any request for money from unfamiliar contacts, even if they seem trustworthy.
travelandtourworld.com
· 2026-02-23
In 2025, Americans lost $1.3 billion to increasingly sophisticated AI-powered romance scams that use realistic fake profiles and personalized messages to build emotional connections before requesting money or personal information. Unlike older scams with obvious red flags like poor grammar and blurry photos, these AI bots are designed to mirror victims' interests and preferences, making them difficult to distinguish from real people. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of online romantic connections that develop quickly, be wary of requests for money or personal data, and verify profiles through video calls or other means before investing emotionally.
thecsrjournal.in
· 2026-02-23
An Indian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for defrauding elderly Florida residents out of $6.6 million by posing as a trusted authority figure and convincing victims to buy gold bars under false pretenses. The scam specifically targeted vulnerable seniors who surrendered their life savings, part of a larger problem in Florida where elder fraud victims lost over $33 million last year to similar schemes. The FBI warns consumers to verify any unsolicited requests for money or investments independently through official channels before sending funds.
english.tupaki.com
· 2026-02-23
A 23-year-old Indian man named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that victimized elderly Americans, causing approximately $15 million in losses. Sathawane acted as a courier in the operation, collecting cash and gold that elderly victims had been tricked into liquidating from their retirement savings, then delivering the valuables to co-conspirators overseas. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited offers involving liquidating savings or converting assets to cash or gold, verify any financial advice through independent sources, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
fox5dc.com
· 2026-02-23
# Tax Scam Summary
During tax filing season, scammers impersonate IRS agents to target taxpayers through phone calls and emails, either demanding immediate payment for supposed back taxes (threatening arrest) or requesting personal information under the guise of issuing refunds. Anyone filing taxes is vulnerable, with college students particularly targeted, and scammers use pressure tactics, fake credentials, spoofed caller IDs, and official-looking emails to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, remember that the real IRS never demands immediate payment, asks for payment via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards, or requests credit card numbers over the phone—hang up on suspicious calls and verify directly with the IRS before responding.
fourstateshomepage.com
· 2026-02-23
As tax season approaches, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about widespread phone, text, email, and social media scams where fraudsters impersonate the IRS to steal money and personal information. The IRS will never initiate contact by phone—legitimate tax issues are addressed through official mail—so any unsolicited communication claiming to be from the IRS is a scam. To protect yourself, obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) directly from the IRS, which verifies your identity when filing and prevents criminals from filing taxes in your name.
cedirates.com
· 2026-02-22
# Romance Fraud Summary
Romance scams are costing Ghanaian women hundreds of thousands of dollars as fraudsters create fake online identities to build trust and then manipulate victims into sending money for fabricated emergencies or investments. A 2025 pan-African cybercrime operation across 14 countries resulted in 260 arrests, with 68 in Ghana alone and 108 identified victims who lost approximately $450,000, though authorities recovered $70,000. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly ask for money, verify identities through video calls, never send funds to strangers or for unexpected emergencies, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.