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Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in General Elder Fraud
mountaineagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting older adults by offering free in-home services like cooking and cleaning in exchange for Medicare numbers, then fraudulently enrolling them in hospice care to bill Medicare. Hospice care is a specialized service for terminally ill patients (certified by doctors only), and unauthorized enrollment can negatively impact future Medicare coverage. To protect yourself, never share your Medicare number for "free" services, refuse to enroll in hospice for gifts or money, and report suspicious activity to 1-800-MEDICARE.
theitem.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is investigating an advanced multi-layered tech support scam targeting elderly South Carolinians, where scammers pose as tech support and government officials to convince victims their devices and financial accounts have been compromised, then instruct them to liquidate assets and purchase gold bars for courier pickup. South Carolina seniors aged 60 and older reported losses exceeding $9 million to tech support scams from January through November, with similar cases occurring nationwide. The schemes involve coordinated networks of criminals using fake documents, routing calls between accomplices, and can persist for weeks or months before victims discover their accounts have been depleted.
einpresswire.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
California Attorney General Rob Bonta secured sentencing in a Riverside elder abuse case involving three defendants who operated an unlicensed board and care facility where six severely disabled residents aged 32-66 were found malnourished, dehydrated, and living in squalor without adequate care or staffing. Ronnel Tiburcio, assistant at the facility, was convicted of six felony counts of elder abuse and sentenced to seven years in prison; facility owner Joel Ombao received five years, and registered nurse Nimfa Molina received 122 days in jail.
mynorthwest.com
· 2025-12-08
Irish brothers Patrick and Matthew McDonagh were sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding elderly homeowners across the country of over $400,000 through a roofing and foundation repair scam. The pair traveled nationally approaching elderly homeowners, falsely claiming urgent repairs were needed, then pressured victims into writing multiple checks for unnecessary or fake work; in one Shoreline case, they stole $435,000 from a single homeowner before the scheme was uncovered. The defendants pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $1 million in restitution to victims in Washington, Oregon, and Illinois.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains that financial abuse is the most prevalent form of domestic abuse, affecting nearly 99 percent of domestic abuse cases and also occurring as elder abuse, with at least 1 in 10 adults over 65 experiencing it annually. The article outlines protective measures financial institutions can implement, including securing accounts with fraud alerts, setting up automatic bill pay, maintaining separate emergency funds, utilizing teller services to verify suspicious communications, and offering financial counseling to identify patterns of abuse. It provides resources for victims including the National Domestic Abuse Hotline and Adult Protective Services.
inforum.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Maryland men were sentenced for operating a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women on social media, where they posed as U.S. military members deployed overseas and convinced victims to send money for fake emergencies. Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in prison and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received 10 months time served and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution; one North Dakota victim alone lost $200,000 ($150,000 and $50,000 in separate incidents), and another victim from Tioga lost $800,000. A third defendant
countynewscenter.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County residents over 60 lose an average of $30,000 to scams annually, with the holiday season being peak fraud time. In response, the Elder Justice Task Force was established in 2021 through collaboration between County Aging & Independence Services, the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement, and the FBI, successfully recovering $3.3 million and prosecuting numerous criminals. Experts advise that scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating legitimate entities, and victims should immediately stop engaging, verify contact information independently, and report cases to local law enforcement or the FBI at IC3.gov.
timesofsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warned that holiday season scams targeting seniors are increasing, with victims losing an average of $30,000 according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to convince seniors to wire money, purchase gift cards, or provide personal information. The county's Elder Justice Task Force has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals since 2021, and residents are advised to verify unexpected contact by calling known numbers directly and to report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FBI's IC3.gov website.
valleynewslive.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in New Town, North Dakota lost $200,000 in a romance fraud scheme where perpetrators posed as high-ranking U.S. military members on fake social media profiles to build false romantic relationships. Two men were sentenced in December 2024: Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in federal prison and must pay $180,000 in restitution for organizing the scheme, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received time served (approximately 10 months) and must pay $50,000 in restitution for receiving victim payments; a third defendant's trial is scheduled for July 2025.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
On December 17, 2024, Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution for his role as a U.S.-based middleman in a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women, while his codefendant Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received approximately 10 months imprisonment and $50,000 in restitution. The scheme involved foreign actors posing as U.S. military members on fake social media profiles who built romantic relationships with elderly victims and convinced them to send money for fabricated emergencies, with victims including a New Town, North Dakota resident who
earth.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article presents research from Binghamton University showing that normal brain aging affects seniors' financial decision-making abilities by shrinking the prefrontal cortex and disrupting the brain regions responsible for math processing and memory retrieval. The study found that age-related cognitive decline increases vulnerability to financial scams, though financial literacy, language skills, and higher socioeconomic status provide some protective effects. Researchers recommend financial education, math practice, and caregiver vigilance as interventions to help older adults maintain financial independence and protect against fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by AI-enabled scams during the holiday season, with voice cloning technology allowing criminals to impersonate loved ones and convincingly request urgent financial assistance. In 2023, scams targeting seniors resulted in nearly $3.5 billion in losses, and the FBI has specifically warned about "grandparent scams" that use cloned voices of family members to deceive victims. As AI tools become more accessible and voice samples are readily available through social media, experts warn that these scams will likely continue to proliferate.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
FBI Special Agent Edgar Koby highlighted the escalating threat of international scams targeting elderly Americans, particularly from West African and Indian call centers using law enforcement impersonation, romance, and tech fraud schemes. From January to October 2024, victims over 60 in Ohio lost more than $43 million, with some elderly victims losing homes, life savings, and taking their own lives due to shame. Koby urged victims to contact law enforcement immediately, as recovering funds becomes nearly impossible once money is transferred overseas.
jamestownsun.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Maryland men were sentenced for operating a romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women on social media, where they impersonated U.S. military members deployed overseas to convince victims to send money for fabricated emergencies. Chinedu Ikenna Nwafor received 25 months in prison and was ordered to pay $180,000 in restitution, while Vitus Uzoma Uzowuru received 10 months time served and $50,000 in restitution; one North Dakota victim lost $200,000 across two transfers to the co-conspirators. A third defendant faces trial for similar wire fraud charges involving an $800,000 loss to another North Dakota
greenwichfreepress.com
· 2025-12-08
Matthew Ramos-Soto, 27, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role as a courier in a grandparent scam wire fraud scheme targeting elderly victims across the United States. Between October 2022 and June 2023, Ramos-Soto and co-conspirators picked up over $250,000 in cash from victims by posing as bail bondsmen, claiming their relatives had been arrested in accidents; he personally collected money from victims at 18 different locations before his arrest in Michigan in June 2023. The case resulted in federal charges filed across multiple districts, with authorities encouraging victims and witnesses to report fraud to the National Elder
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warn that holiday season scams targeting seniors are increasing, with victims losing an average of $30,000 according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure seniors into immediate payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials recommend victims immediately contact their financial institution and advise people to verify contacts by calling businesses directly or reaching family members through known numbers.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, two brothers from Co Fermanagh, were sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud against elderly homeowners across the United States. The brothers defrauded victims nationwide by falsely claiming homes needed urgent repairs (roof holes, foundation cracks, driveway work), extracting over $1 million total—including $435,000 from a single Shoreline homeowner through aggressive, daily demands for checks and wire transfers. They have agreed to pay restitution exceeding $1 million to victims in Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and other states.
fincen.gov
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN issued an alert warning the public about fraudsters impersonating FinCEN officials or misusing the agency's name, insignia, and authority to perpetrate financial scams, including schemes exploiting beneficial ownership reporting and the Money Services Business Registration tool. FinCEN emphasized that legitimate officials will never threaten, demand immediate payment, or contact people via unsolicited email, call, or text, and urged the public to report suspected impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General, FTC, and FBI. Victims aged 60 and older can report fraud to the Department of Justice's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warned seniors about holiday season scams, noting that victims in the area lose an average of $30,000 per incident according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies, often pressuring victims to wire money, purchase gift cards, or send bitcoin. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials advise potential victims to stop engaging, verify contact information independently, and report incidents to local law enforcement or the FBI.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams (up 11% from 2022), with an average loss of $34,000, according to FBI data. Common schemes targeting seniors include romance scams and fraudulent gold bar schemes where scammers pose as federal agents. Family members are encouraged to use holiday gatherings to check on seniors for signs of scams—such as secretive behavior, unexplained financial transactions, or unsolicited contact—and to educate them about recognizing red flags like urgent demands for money.
kttc.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Winneshiek County, Iowa lost $15,000 in a "grandparent scam" when fraudsters posing as a courier appeared at their door on Tuesday. The scam typically involves callers claiming a grandchild has been arrested for a vehicle accident and needs bail money urgently, with perpetrators often impersonating attorneys or the grandchild themselves and threatening victims with gag orders. The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office suspects additional unreported victims and urges anyone targeted by such scams to contact local law enforcement immediately.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scams Expected to Surge in 2025 with Advanced Technology**
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using stolen personal data, AI-powered deepfakes, and auto-dialing software with AI chatbots to target victims with highly personalized schemes. Cryptocurrency scams—including "pig butchering" (romance baiting) and investment fraud—are expected to proliferate in 2025, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Security experts advise approaching unsolicited requests with skepticism and distrust rather than assuming legitimacy, as scammers now have access to information from data breaches and social media to make their schemes appear cre
amsterdamnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a Bronx-based Social Security Administration employee, pleaded guilty in December for his role in a "grandparent scam" targeting elderly New Yorkers and New Jerseyans, in which he collected cash payments from victims who had been deceived by Dominican Republic-based call centers posing as distressed grandchildren or their representatives. The scheme defrauded vulnerable seniors of thousands of dollars each through false claims of arrest or legal troubles. Authorities recommend that older adults verify caller identities through personal questions, keep social media private, avoid transferring money or buying gift cards, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
On December 4, federal financial regulators including the Federal Reserve, CFPB, FDIC, and others issued an Interagency Statement on Elder Financial Exploitation to supervised institutions, providing best practices for identifying, preventing, and responding to exploitation of older adults. The guidance addresses nine areas including employee training, transaction monitoring, trusted contact procedures, and timely reporting to authorities, in response to a 14% year-over-year increase in elder fraud reports to the FBI's IC3 and over $3.4 billion in associated losses from 2022 to 2023.
tbsnews.net
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Bangladesh increasingly use the internet but lack the technical knowledge to protect themselves from scams and misinformation. A 58-year-old widow has been defrauded by at least 10 Facebook-based sellers, a 70-year-old man nearly fell for a fake news hoax about a Myanmar invasion and had his Facebook account compromised, and elderly parents began sharing hateful content after gaining internet access—illustrating how seniors are vulnerable to online fraud, fake news, and manipulation without proper digital literacy and family guidance.
nhregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Matthew Ramos-Soto, a 27-year-old Hartford man, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for participating in a wire fraud scheme targeting elderly victims nationwide. Operating as a fake bail bondsman between October 2022 and June 2023, Ramos-Soto and his network collected over $250,000 from victims in Wisconsin alone by posing as relatives or attorneys and claiming arrestees needed bail money; he picked up funds from victims at 18 locations across the country before his arrest in Michigan. The scheme involved international scammers calling elderly targets with false arrest scenarios while Ramos-Soto and other couriers collected the money in person, an
isanti-chisagocountystar.com
· 2025-12-08
Con artists have launched multiple scam schemes targeting vulnerable area residents during an economic downturn, including "You're a Winner" scams offering cash prizes in exchange for wire transfers, bail money schemes where callers pose as arrested relatives, and email hijacking fraud requesting money via Western Union. Senior citizens are the primary victims, with scams often originating from foreign countries like Canada, making investigations difficult. While exact loss figures are unknown, scams cost Americans millions annually, though many cases go unreported because victims feel embarrassed to notify authorities or family members.
woodlandsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lose an estimated $3 billion annually to scams, with fraud spiking during the holiday season through fake e-commerce websites, phishing emails, charity scams, and delivery fraud. The article identifies warning signs for each scam type—such as suspicious URLs, urgent messaging, pushy callers requesting gift card donations, and unsolicited delivery notifications—and recommends protective measures including verifying websites and charities, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages, and monitoring financial accounts regularly. Additional safeguards include educating seniors about scams, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and leveraging caller ID blocking features.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials issued holiday fraud warnings as scams targeting seniors increase, with victims in the region losing an average of $30,000 each according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure victims into wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift card payments. Since forming the Elder Justice Task Force in 2021, San Diego County has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple offenders, while officials advise victims to stop engagement, verify contacts independently, and report fraud to local law enforcement or the FBI.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old Malaysian woman lost over Rs 4.4 crore (approximately $500,000) in a romance scam that lasted seven years, during which she transferred money 306 times to a man posing as a US businessman on Facebook, despite never meeting him in person or having a video call. The scammer used emotional manipulation and fabricated stories about relocation and business investments to gradually escalate financial requests, with much of the money borrowed from family and friends. The woman only discovered the fraud after confiding in a friend seven years later, prompting police to publicly warn about romance scams targeting vulnerable, lonely individuals seeking companionship online.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Google has warned of a surge in phishing and scam emails targeting its 2.5 billion Gmail users, particularly as a second wave of attacks is expected following the holiday season. Three prevalent scams are currently in heavy use: extortion scams threatening physical harm or blackmail using victims' home addresses, fake invoice scams designed to trick users into calling fraudulent numbers to dispute charges, and celebrity impersonation scams. While Google reports blocking over 99.9% of spam and phishing attempts through new AI technology, the company urges users to remain vigilant as attackers intensify their efforts during this period of increased email traffic.
law360.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot access the full content of this article as it appears to be behind a paywall. Based only on the headline provided:
The SEC obtained a $5 million judgment against a financial adviser in an elder fraud case. To provide a complete summary with details about what happened, who was affected, and the specific fraud scheme involved, I would need access to the full article text.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Navy veteran, Larry Cook of Virginia, lost $3.6 million to scammers through fraudulent wire transfers processed by Navy Federal Credit Union and Wells Fargo after suffering a stroke; notably, the bank continued processing 42 transfers totaling $2.3 million even after adult protective services notified them in January 2021 that Cook was a suspected fraud victim. Cook's niece, Janine Williamson, appealed the case after it was dismissed in 2023, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has granted the appeal, scheduling oral arguments for March 2025. Williamson has since advocated for elder fraud protections,
globaltimes.cn
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in China was defrauded of approximately 500,000 yuan ($68,000) through live-streamed sales of counterfeit collectibles and amulets. Live-streamers exploited her trust by building emotional connections, claiming items had miraculous properties or investment potential, then extracting additional fees through fake buyback promises and appraisal services. Police have launched an investigation into the live-streamed collectible scam targeting elderly consumers.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired submarine commander lost $3.6 million to scammers despite his banks' concerns, prompting Virginia to propose "Larry's Law"—legislation requiring banks to report suspected fraud to police. However, industry lobbyists successfully removed the mandatory reporting clause before the bill passed, and similar elder fraud protection measures in California and Pennsylvania have also been blocked or weakened by banking industry opposition, even as elderly Americans lose an estimated $28 billion annually to fraud. Banks argue that consumer education and voluntary reporting to adult protective services are sufficient, but enforcement of existing reporting requirements remains lax across states.
insightnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Violent crime against seniors has surged 331% over the past decade, with property crime up 79% between 2013 and 2023, while seniors collectively lost a record $3.4 billion to scams in 2023. A comprehensive safety analysis examining crime rates, healthcare access, falls, traffic fatalities, and fraud across all 50 states found New Jersey to be the safest retirement destination, followed by New York, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Nebraska, while western states dominated the least safe rankings.
luxtimes.lu
· 2025-12-08
An international police operation in late 2022/early 2023 raided three call centres in Poland and arrested 20 suspects involved in grandparent scams targeting elderly Luxembourgers. The organized fraud gangs impersonated police or justice officials claiming a family member caused a fatal accident in Germany, demanding cash or valuables as bail; one victim lost €100,000-€120,000 in jewellery and nearly fell for a €50,000 additional demand before her real son uncovered the scheme. The scammers operated with clear task divisions, made mass calls to targeted areas, and changed phone numbers frequently to avoid detection, though some attempts failed when victims contacte
newswire.ca
· 2025-12-08
Techie Nesters, an advocacy organization for older adults, is calling on Canadian banks to strengthen fraud prevention measures at bank counters, where seniors are often exploited in the final stages of scams. The organization highlights missed intervention opportunities such as inadequate signage addressing common scams like Bitcoin fraud, failure to question unusual withdrawal patterns, and lack of teller training to identify at-risk customers. Additionally, Techie Nesters advocates for banks to waive fees imposed on fraud victims' accounts and provide specialized support for recovery, citing cases like Mary's, who lost $3,000 to a Bitcoin scam after her bank failed to question a large cash withdrawal despite her six decades of banking history with
healthday.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2024 study analyzing over 35,000 survey responses from England and Wales found that while young adults report cybercrimes more frequently, seniors aged 75 and older are over four times more likely to lose money to cybercriminals and twice as likely to be repeatedly victimized. Adults 55 and older in the region lost more than $5 million to fraud and hacking-related cybercrimes, with increased vulnerability linked to physical, mental, or cognitive health impairments.
jocoreport.com
· 2025-12-08
A Johnston County senior citizen lost $35,000 after accidentally visiting a fake Amazon website while checking on a delayed shoe order. Scammers convinced her that she had fraudulent dark web activity and instructed her to withdraw all her savings ($22,000) and maximum credit card amount ($13,000), then purchase Bitcoin to "fix" the problem. The victim did not report the fraud to law enforcement until four months after the incident.
mcall.com
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece urges older Pennsylvanians to remain vigilant during the holiday season against scammers and fraudsters who target seniors' money, financial information, and personal identity. The article emphasizes the increased risk of fraud during this period but does not detail specific scam types or incidents.
1350kman.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old woman lost $1,000 to a scam in which she was tricked into purchasing gift cards from her employer. The report was filed with RCPD officers on Thursday morning in the 3300 block of Mercer Drive, and authorities are seeking information from the public through Crime Stoppers.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
**Source:** AARP Hearing Center – AARP Texas 2025 Legislative Agenda
AARP Texas has announced its 2025 legislative priorities, which include preventing elder fraud and exploitation through enhanced consumer protections for solar contracts and cryptocurrency transactions, as well as addressing common scams like identity theft, spoofing, and deed theft. The organization will also advocate for improved emergency preparedness for vulnerable older adults, healthcare access and affordability, and financial security measures including affordable housing and utilities. These initiatives aim to protect older Texans during the 89th regular session of the Texas Legislature.
lakeonews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams targeting adults aged 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses during 2023, with fraud incidents typically increasing during the holiday season when older adults engage in more online shopping and charitable giving. The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida launched the "Home for the Holidays" campaign to educate seniors, caregivers, and families about common scams and prevention strategies, particularly targeting isolated or lonely seniors who face heightened vulnerability.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-08
Matthew Ramos-Soto, 27, from Hartford, Wisconsin, was sentenced to three years and five months for his role in a grandparent scam network that defrauded elderly victims nationwide. Between October 2022 and June 2023, Ramos-Soto and other conspirators posed as bail bondsmen collecting over $250,000 from victims in at least 18 U.S. locations by falsely claiming their relatives had been arrested in serious accidents. The sentencing judge described the scheme as "cruel and devastating," emphasizing the severe financial and emotional trauma inflicted on elderly victims.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
**Tech Support Scam with Banking Resolution**
John Beagle lost approximately $9,506 after falling victim to a fake Microsoft tech support pop-up scam that convinced him to transfer funds to trap the scammer. When his bank provided poor customer service during the fraud investigation, Beagle escalated his complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, which intervened and prompted the bank to reimburse 50 percent of his losses based on his 80-year customer relationship. The article provides guidance on steps scam victims should take, including contacting their bank immediately, reporting to relevant agencies like ReportCyber and Scamwatch, and accessing support services
waylandstudentpress.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wayland Police Department issued a holiday season warning about rising scam activity, identifying the "Grandparent" scam—where perpetrators impersonate family members in distress requiring bail money—as particularly prevalent among elderly residents. Common scam tactics include impersonation of police or family members via phone, text, email, or social media, with scammers using personal background information to create urgency and fear; police also flagged pet scams, noting one family lost $3,600 before discovering a fake Corgi listing was fraudulent. Chief Edward Burman recommends residents immediately report suspected scams to police if personal information or money has been exchanged, and advises that
witness.co.za
· 2025-12-08
Approximately 20 elderly residents of Pietermaritzburg were defrauded of an estimated R15,000+ each after paying for a five-day tour package (R4,350 per person plus entrance fees) that never materialized; the tour operator disappeared after collecting deposits and additional payments via electronic transfer, leaving victims stranded in the rain at the agreed pickup point. Pietermaritzburg SAPS is investigating the case of theft by false pretences, which occurred between August 2 and December 13, though victims expressed low expectations of recovering their funds. The victims, many of whom used pension and grant money to finance the trip, had selected the operator based on previous positive
kens5.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers are targeting seniors with fraudulent Facebook advertisements for "senior grocery cards" supposedly containing $3,400, often falsely claiming connection to Medicare or government programs. The Better Business Bureau confirms these are scams, noting that Medicare does not issue food allowance cards and legitimate programs do not distribute open prepaid cards with loaded money. Seniors are urged to be cautious of such offers, as they may be used to steal personal information or facilitate identity theft.
deseret.com
· 2025-12-08
Holiday shopping scams cost Americans over $309 million in non-payment and non-delivery fraud last year, with nearly 80% of consumers falling victim to scams—a 10% increase from the prior year. The FBI warned consumers against unrealistic deals during peak shopping periods, as scammers exploit holiday distractions and increased transaction volumes through tactics including counterfeit in-demand items, fake charities (affecting nearly 1 in 3 people), phishing emails and texts, fraudulent gift card offers, and fake employment opportunities. Common advice includes avoiding unsolicited links, verifying charity legitimacy, and purchasing only from authorized retailers.