Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
2,544 results
in Identity Theft
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
New Jersey residents lost $441.2 million to scams in 2023, a 55% increase from 2022, making the state the fifth-highest in total losses nationwide, according to an FBI report. Over 12,000 New Jersey victims fell prey to various scams including phishing, tech support fraud, and personal data breaches, with seniors accounting for more than half of tech scam losses, particularly those ages 60 and older who lost $3.4 billion nationally.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Valerie of Illinois lost nearly $100,000 in a PayPal phishing scam that began with fraudulent billing emails in January 2023. After calling a number in the suspicious emails, a scammer convinced her to download remote access software, then manipulated her account to make it appear he had deposited $100,000 while actually stealing that amount from her savings. She eventually received a full refund in February after local news coverage prompted Blue Ridge Bank to assist, though her initial fraud report from Chase Bank had been declined.
greenwichfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS launched its annual "Dirty Dozen" awareness campaign warning taxpayers about evolving phishing and smishing scams designed to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS via unsolicited emails and text messages, using tactics like phony refund offers or false legal threats to trick victims into clicking malicious links or downloading malware. The IRS advises taxpayers and tax professionals to remain vigilant, avoid clicking links in unsolicited communications, and be especially cautious during tax season when such scams peak.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
universitystar.com
· 2025-12-08
College students, particularly those ages 20 and below, have experienced the fastest growth rate in scam losses since 2017, with scams taking forms such as fraudulent concert ticket sales, fake employment offers, and phishing emails. Texas State students are especially vulnerable due to the university's location between Austin and San Antonio, where scammers exploit students seeking discounted concert tickets and job opportunities. To combat this trend, universities should implement fraud prevention workshops, integrate scam awareness into orientation programs, improve email security filters, and educate students on safe transaction practices such as using PayPal's "Goods and Services" program.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece from AARP Florida highlighting fraud prevention resources for older adults in Florida. AARP offers a 24/7 Fraud Watch Network hotline, community shredding events for secure document disposal, partnerships with law enforcement and financial institutions, and educational materials through the AARP Florida Fraud Resource Center to help seniors recognize and avoid common scams like phishing and grandparent fraud. The article emphasizes that fraud prevention requires ongoing vigilance, community collaboration, and staying informed about evolving scammer tactics.
witn.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, imposter scams remain the most commonly reported fraud category, with emerging threats including AI scams, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charity schemes. One Pitt County resident lost over $12,000 after scammers posed as Microsoft support and convinced her to call a fraudulent number, highlighting how scammers use fear tactics to manipulate victims. Experts recommend staying calm when receiving suspicious emails or calls, avoiding clicking links or calling provided numbers, and contacting legitimate technology professionals for verification.
ketv.com
· 2025-12-08
An eighth grader named Parker Cosimano created and distributed 1,000 flyers to five senior living facilities to warn older adults about common scams, particularly impersonation fraud, after his own grandmother had her credit card stolen. The project grew from a school essay on senior scams into direct community action, with a printing company donating the flyers when learning of the cause, as AARP estimates seniors lose $28 billion annually to financial scams. Cosimano's goal is to increase awareness about scams occurring "all across the world" and educate seniors on how to respond if targeted.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges including elder exploitation, identity fraud, mortgage fraud, and scheming to defraud after being indicted by a grand jury for allegedly exploiting a 96-year-old constituent. According to civil court filings, Hill gained power of attorney over the elderly woman starting in 2021 and allegedly drained approximately $100,000 from her bank accounts to fund home renovations, personal expenses, and a house purchase, while living in one of the victim's properties. If convicted on all charges, Hill faces up to 180 years in prison.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill, 58, pleaded not guilty after being indicted on multiple felony charges including elder exploitation, identity fraud, and mortgage fraud related to her relationship with a 96-year-old constituent whose bank accounts and properties she controlled. According to civil court filings and law enforcement, Hill allegedly drained approximately $100,000 from the elderly woman's accounts between 2021 and the present to fund personal expenses including home renovations, clothing, cosmetic surgery, and a Miami hotel stay, while also using the victim's resources to purchase property. Hill faces up to 180 years in prison if convicted on all counts and has been ordered to cease contact with the victim's homes an
insider.govtech.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud cases increased 84% in 2022 with losses in the tens of billions of dollars, with pension systems particularly vulnerable as they digitize and store sensitive personal and financial information online. Advanced digital identity verification measures, including real-time cross-referencing of personal information against multiple data sources and verification of beneficiary death status, are essential to prevent fraudsters from diverting benefits and to ensure pension funds reach legitimate recipients. Implementing proactive identity verification technology can achieve high auto-approval rates for legitimate transactions while significantly reducing fraud and false positives in pension systems.
vindy.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community announcement listing local senior services and events in the Mahoning County, Ohio area. Highlights include free AARP tax preparation for seniors, a P.E.R.I. meeting featuring a presentation on preventing healthcare fraud and medical identity theft, meal programs, job training opportunities for low-income seniors age 55+, and various social and recreational activities. No specific fraud incidents or financial losses are reported.
sourceofthespring.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Marshals Service warned against scammers impersonating law enforcement officials who use spoofed government phone numbers, fake badge numbers, and names of real judges to demand payment via Bitcoin ATMs, claiming victims face arrest for identity theft or missed jury duty. The agency clarified that legitimate marshals never demand payment by phone or request financial information, credit card numbers, or wire transfers. Victims should report incidents to the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Shannon and Kit Abell are retired professionals in Roanoke County, Virginia who volunteer as fraud prevention educators through the Triad program, a partnership between AARP, law enforcement, and community groups designed to reduce crime against older adults. Shannon delivered 52 fraud prevention presentations in 2023 covering scams such as romance fraud, identity theft, and grandparent scams, while the Triad program has expanded from over 200 Virginia locations at its peak to 59 chapters, with AARP and state officials working to revitalize participation. The program emphasizes peer-to-peer education and local law enforcement involvement to build community trust and help victims connect with appropriate resources.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell established a new Elder Justice Unit to combat the frequent and pervasive fraud targeting older residents, with director Mary Freeley coordinating resources across multiple bureaus to enhance prosecution and education. In 2023, Massachusetts consumers reported over 87,000 fraud cases resulting in $142.3 million in losses, though experts note significant underreporting due to shame and lack of awareness. Common scams include impostor fraud targeting bank and government agency impersonation, grandparent scams, and cryptocurrency schemes, with prevention experts recommending victims slow down and avoid emotional reactions that bypass logical thinking.
myprimetimenews.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational resource from Social Security highlighting five key scam awareness articles designed to help protect vulnerable populations from fraud. The articles cover government imposter scams, identity theft prevention, fraud risks for people with dementia, scams targeting veterans and military families, and emerging scam tactics like fake QR codes. Social Security encourages the public to review these resources and share them with friends and family to raise awareness about common fraud schemes.
gettysburgconnection.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational article defines scams as trust-based fraud exploiting victims' emotions and provides practical defense strategies against common schemes. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023 (a 14% increase from 2022), with imposter scams and email being the most prevalent fraud type and contact method respectively. Key warning signs include unsolicited calls using spoofed numbers, requests for unusual payment methods (cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency), and high-pressure tactics designed to trigger fear and override critical thinking.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies five common Google Chat scams: romance scams (fake profiles requesting money), phishing scams (impersonating legitimate contacts to steal personal information), tech support scams (posing as Google representatives), fake job offers, and investment scams. The article advises users to watch for red flags including unsolicited messages, unrealistic offers, urgent requests, and intrusive questions, and recommends verifying sender identity, enabling two-factor authentication, and reporting suspicious messages to stay safe.
marketplace.org
· 2025-12-08
The FTC enacted a new rule to prohibit impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as trusted institutions like banks to steal money or personal information, equipping the agency with enhanced enforcement tools. Consumers lost over $1.1 billion to impersonation scams—more than triple the 2020 amount—primarily through email, text, and phone calls, with scammers often leveraging personal data from breaches to appear credible. Experts recommend never responding to unsolicited communications or clicking links, as victims rarely recover their funds.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers commonly target taxpayers through identity theft, impersonation, and fake tax preparers, exploiting fear, urgency, and promises of money to trick victims into sharing personal information or paying fees. The IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, with affected taxpayers waiting an average of 19 months for refund processing. To protect yourself, recognize scammer tactics, verify that contact from the IRS comes only via physical mail, research tax professionals through official directories, and avoid sharing information with unknown callers.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
As the April 15 tax deadline approaches, scammers intensify efforts to steal taxpayer personal and financial information through unsolicited emails, texts, and calls impersonating tax authorities or preparers. The IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints last year with over $5.5 billion in identified tax fraud. Taxpayers can protect themselves by filing electronically or mailing returns directly, verifying preparer credentials on IRS.gov, and never providing personal information to unsolicited contacts, as the IRS only initiates contact by regular mail.
ny1.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common tax season scams and protection strategies. Scammers typically use fear, urgency, and financial incentives to trick taxpayers into sharing personal information or money, with identity theft being particularly prevalent—the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, leaving victims waiting an average of 19 months for refund processing. Experts recommend verifying the legitimacy of tax professionals, remembering that the IRS contacts people only via official mail and websites, and avoiding sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
A 41-year-old man from Thane, India lost Rs 50,000 after downloading a fraudulent app disguised as the legitimate "Vahan Parivahan" e-challan payment application, which he installed after receiving a fake text message claiming to be from Panvel Traffic Police about a traffic violation. The scammers gained unauthorized access to his bank account and conducted multiple transactions without requiring him to share his OTP, draining Rs 50,000 before he realized the fraud and uninstalled the app. Police registered a case under the Information Technology Act for identity theft and cheating by personation, and advised the public to verify official communications through legitimate channels rather than
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns Gen Z about four money scams targeting their generation, particularly employment-related fraud. The article highlights that Gen Z is vulnerable because they grew up with technology and are less skeptical of digital communications and remote work offers than older generations. Key scams include shipping scams (where victims unknowingly process stolen merchandise and face legal consequences) and equipment scams (where fake job offers use fraudulent checks to trick victims into sending their own money for equipment purchases).
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
While scammers traditionally target seniors, Gen Z is increasingly vulnerable to digital fraud schemes, particularly remote work scams that exploit their comfort with technology and familiarity with remote employment. Two common scams affecting Gen Z are shipping scams (where victims process stolen merchandise and become liable for the fraud) and equipment scams (where fake checks are deposited and victims wire their own money for equipment, leaving them in debt). Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed company websites and email addresses, fake job boards, and social media platforms to lure young victims into these schemes.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns Gen Z that scammers target all age groups, not just seniors, with a particular focus on employment fraud. The article highlights two common remote work scams: shipping scams where victims unknowingly process stolen merchandise and face criminal liability, and equipment scams where victims deposit fraudulent checks and lose their own money purchasing non-existent job equipment. Gen Z is particularly vulnerable because they grew up with technology and are less skeptical of digital communications and remote work offers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scams targeting the 68 million American beneficiaries use five common tactics: impersonating SSA officials to steal personal information, falsely claiming benefits have been suspended, alleging overpayment and threatening legal action, promising automatic benefit increases that require activation, and offering fraudulent investment schemes to multiply benefits. The Social Security Administration advises recognizing scams by the four "P"s—scammers pretend to be official, present problems or prizes, pressure immediate action, and request specific payment methods—and remembers that SSA will never threaten arrest, demand personal information to activate benefits, or pressure immediate payment.
wtsp.com
· 2025-12-08
IRS impersonation scams spike during tax season, with scammers targeting people rushing to meet filing deadlines by posing as IRS recruiters or agents to steal personal information like Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. The Better Business Bureau warns that the IRS never initiates contact via email, text, or social media to request personal or financial information, and instead always communicates through mail; last year the IRS received over 294,000 identity theft complaints. Experts recommend verifying the sender's identity and taking time before responding to suspicious communications to avoid financial loss and identity theft.
thepointsguy.com
· 2025-12-08
Advances in technology and social engineering are enabling sophisticated scams that cost consumers billions of dollars annually. Visa's 2024 Threats Report identifies four major scams on the rise, including pig butchering (romance) scams where fraudsters use AI and deepfake technology to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms—affecting 10% of surveyed adults and resulting in billions in losses. The report notes that beyond financial victims, these scams often involve human trafficking victims forced to participate in the fraud operations.
z100portland.iheart.com
· 2025-12-08
On Tuesday, Portland Police conducted an enforcement operation in the Jantzen Beach and Delta Park areas, resulting in 13 arrests including one individual wanted for aggravated identity theft and elder abuse fraud. Officers also recovered three stolen vehicles, one stolen firearm, and narcotics during the eight-hour mission targeting chronic criminal activity.
portlandoregon.gov
· 2025-12-08
On April 2, 2024, Portland Police Bureau officers conducted an eight-hour enforcement mission in North Portland's Jantzen Beach and Delta Park areas, resulting in 13 arrests, 3 recovered stolen vehicles, 1 seized firearm, and drug seizures. One arrest involved a subject wanted for Aggravated Identity Theft and Elder Abuse Fraud, apprehended in coordination with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common tax season scams and protection strategies. Scammers typically use fear, urgency, and money as tactics to trick taxpayers into sharing personal information or paying for fraudulent services, with identity theft being particularly prevalent—the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, and victims wait an average of 19 months for resolution. Experts recommend verifying that contacts are genuinely from the IRS (which communicates only by mail), researching tax professionals through official directories, and avoiding unsolicited phone calls to prevent falling victim to these scams.
maryvilleforum.com
· 2025-12-08
This is a community newsletter from Grant City, Missouri, not an article about elder fraud. The only fraud-related content is a brief announcement that the Young at Heart organization is holding an educational meeting on April 18 at 10 a.m. to help attendees detect, prevent, and report Medicare fraud, identity theft, and other scams. The remainder of the newsletter discusses weather, local events, and social activities.
abc6.com
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso "Douglas" Umegbo, 39, a former New Bedford resident extradited from the United Kingdom, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for operating romance scams between 2018 and 2019. Umegbo created fake online personas to develop romantic relationships with U.S. victims, then solicited money and property from them, obtaining over $568,000 across multiple scams by depositing fraudulently obtained funds into bank accounts he opened using false identity documents. He was ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture totaling $578,954.78.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Chukwunonso Umegbo, a former New Bedford man, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for wire fraud and money laundering related to romance scams between 2018 and 2019. Umegbo used fake identities to open bank accounts in the Boston area that received over $568,000 from romance scam victims, which he then withdrew as cash, converted to cashier's checks, or spent; he was arrested in London in 2022 and extradited to face charges in 2023. He was ordered to pay $578,954.78 in restitution and forfeiture.
technode.global
· 2025-12-08
Internet love scams, including "pig butchering" schemes enhanced by AI-generated profiles and deepfakes, are rapidly increasing across Southeast Asia, with victims losing $25.9 million in Singapore (2023), RM43.9 million in Malaysia, and over 476 million baht in Thailand within nine months. Scammers exploit dating apps and AI tools to build emotional connections and manipulate victims into financial investments or divulging sensitive information, causing both financial and psychological harm. Common red flags include rushed declarations of love, refusal to video chat, requests for money, and requests for personal information—victims should remain cautious as scammers use sophisticated emotional manipulation tactics that exploit vulnerability
mcafee.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns of "quishing"—a new phishing scam using QR codes to steal personal information—as peer-to-peer payment apps and QR code usage have become ubiquitous among Americans. The article advises consumers to scrutinize QR codes and links from unknown sources, verify sender legitimacy, examine URLs for discrepancies, and use strong passwords with multi-factor authentication to protect against these evolving threats. It also highlights how AI-powered security tools can detect fraudulent patterns in real-time and block malicious sites even after accidental clicks.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers increasingly impersonate the IRS through phishing emails, text messages, and fraudulent communications to trick taxpayers into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. Identity theft remains a major threat, with scammers using stolen personal data to fraudulently file tax returns in victims' names and claim refunds; the IRS received 294,138 identity theft complaints in 2023, and victims typically wait approximately 19 months for resolution. Taxpayers can protect themselves by being suspicious of unsolicited communications, remembering that the IRS primarily contacts people via mail, independently verifying any requests for personal information, and never clicking links in unsolicited messages.
capenews.net
· 2025-12-08
This educational article discusses aging in place and the rising threat of elder fraud, reporting that seniors age 60+ filed 88,262 fraud complaints in 2022 resulting in $3.1 billion in losses—an 82% increase from 2021. Scammers target older adults due to accumulated savings, daytime availability, lower tech literacy, and potential cognitive vulnerabilities, with the five most common scams being government imposter schemes (Medicare, IRS, Social Security), sweepstakes/lottery fraud, phishing/vishing/smishing, tech support scams, and grandparent scams. The article emphasizes that seniors may underreport scams due to fears
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
In Greater Manchester, 15,623 fraud cases were reported to Action Fraud in the past year, with online shopping/auction fraud being most common (3,100 cases), followed by advance fee fraud (1,500 cases). Notable cases included serial fraudster Cieran McNamara, who manipulated four women into sending over £300,000 through romance scams before being sentenced to seven years in prison, and a separate case where a man defrauded a woman of £50,000 on a widows' dating site. Other scams included pet fraud, concert ticket fraud, and designer goods schemes targeting victims through emotional manipulation and online platforms.
fool.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies five common Medicare scams targeting seniors: unsolicited contact from fake Medicare representatives, false claims that Medicare plans have been canceled, offers of free products or services not covered by Medicare, requests to replace or activate Medicare cards, and pressure to switch to alternative plans during enrollment periods. The article advises seniors to verify information independently through Medicare.gov, never respond to unsolicited contact, protect personal information like Medicare and Social Security numbers, and call Medicare directly with questions rather than trusting solicitors.
nola.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP highlights that fraud schemes targeting older Americans persist in the digital age, with scammers continually developing new tactics to impersonate legitimate entities and access personal financial information. The organization provides comprehensive protective measures including securing sensitive documents, monitoring credit reports, using strong passwords, and verifying businesses before sharing personal information. In 2023 alone, Louisiana residents lost nearly $47 million to fraud with identity theft being the most common type, reflecting a broader national problem where known fraud losses reached between $10-43 billion.
columbian.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides educational guidance on protecting yourself from tax season scams. Common scams include identity theft (where scammers file false returns in victims' names to claim refunds) and IRS impersonation schemes that use fear, urgency, and promises of money to trick people into sharing personal information. To protect yourself, verify that communications are genuinely from the IRS (which contacts people only by mail), research tax professionals through official directories, and avoid sharing information with unknown callers.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece highlights multiple types of elder and consumer fraud affecting South Carolina residents, including gift card scams, cryptocurrency schemes, the "grandparent" impersonation scam, and account takeovers, with documented losses ranging from $30,000 to $39,000. The author provides red flags to recognize scams (requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency, unsolicited requests for personal information, phishing emails) and recommends protective measures such as using strong passwords, utilizing password managers, and paying with credit cards rather than debit cards to limit liability. The piece emphasizes that while individuals have limited recourse, large institutions continue to suffer major data breaches that put personal information into criminals' hands.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania is launching an educational campaign to combat Social Security fraud, which affected approximately 360,000 people through impersonation scams in 2021. The organization recommends protective measures including robocall-blocking applications, online account monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities, emphasizing that genuine unsolicited Social Security Administration contact is extremely rare. Victims of these scams face risks including identity theft, financial loss, and long-term challenges accessing credit and services.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common scams targeting small businesses, which are particularly vulnerable due to limited cybersecurity resources and accounting processes compared to larger organizations. Key scams include Business Email Compromise (BEC), phony invoices, directory fraud, identity theft, fraudulent charity solicitations, phishing attacks, and office supply scams. The article emphasizes that knowledge and awareness are the best defenses and recommends businesses stay informed about these threats and report incidents when targeted.
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Cyber crime expert Jake Moore discusses rising online fraud threats in the UK, where online fraud doubled in 2023 to cost £2.3 billion, with romance scams and identity theft among the fastest-growing categories affecting 1.4 million people. Moore advises individuals on essential security practices including using encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp or Signal instead of SMS texts, keeping software and apps updated automatically to patch vulnerabilities, and being cautious about downloading apps like TikTok that pose data privacy risks. He emphasizes that consistent application of basic cybersecurity habits is the most effective defense against increasingly sophisticated scams and hacking attempts.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 UK retail industry study found that 35% of retailers experienced fraudulent activity, cyber-attacks, or data leaches, representing a 37% increase from 2022, with the sector losing £11.3 billion total and retailers averaging £1.4 million in losses each. Payments fraud also surged among consumers, affecting 33% in 2023 compared to 23% in 2022, with victims losing an average of £311 per incident—a 16% increase year-over-year. The findings reveal that fraud concerns are affecting consumer shopping behavior, though retailers are increasingly investing in fraud prevention systems and exploring enhanced security measures and regulatory compliance.
indiatvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines major cybercrime threats targeting smart device users, including phishing, fake online stores, banking scams, impersonation scams, and romance scams. It provides guidance on recognizing red flags—such as unsolicited requests for personal information, suspicious payment methods, and poor grammar—and recommends preventative measures including verifying website legitimacy, avoiding unknown links and attachments, and monitoring financial accounts for unauthorized activity. The article advises reporting suspected scams to authorities like the FTC and contacting financial institutions immediately if fraud is suspected.
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Darlington Akporugo, 46, and Jasmin Sood, 35, from Fulshear, Texas, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud for operating romance scams targeting elderly victims, particularly widows, through social media and online dating sites between 2015 and 2022. The pair used fake identities to build trust with over a dozen victims nationwide before requesting money, defrauding them of a total of $3.1 million; in at least one case, they approached a victim in person and gained control of her banking access devices. If convicted, both face up to 30 years in prison on wire fraud charges, with