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Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.

3,874 results in Investment Fraud
koaa.com · 2025-12-07
**Summary:** Colorado author Josh Kern lost over $100,000 to a romance and investment scam involving an AI-generated persona who conducted convincing video calls on WhatsApp, then lost an additional $50,000 to a fake recovery scam. FBI Special Agent Eric Burns confirmed that scammers now use AI technology downloaded from the dark web or smartphone apps to disguise their voices and faces during video chats to appear as different people and target vulnerable individuals on dating websites. The FBI recommends meeting people in person before sending money and filing reports through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center if victimized.
justice.gov · 2025-12-07
Antonio Peña and Brandi Durst were indicted in August 2025 for operating a "gold bar scam" that defrauded senior victims across the United States between April 2024 and July 2025. The defendants posed as Federal Reserve agents and government officials, convincing elderly victims to liquidate retirement funds to purchase gold under the false premise of protecting assets from identity theft, then stole the gold and laundered the proceeds. Both face up to 40 years in prison, fines, and restitution if convicted.
wcnc.com · 2025-12-07
In 2023, older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to scams, with the problem escalating in 2024 when individuals over 60 represented the largest group of cybercrime victims in the U.S., losing more than $1 billion since the start of the year through increasingly sophisticated schemes including tech support fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and government impersonation. Experts recommend seniors protect themselves by never sharing personal information unsolicited, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, consulting family before financial decisions, and recognizing red flags such as urgent requests for money via gift cards or wire transfers, pressure to act quickly, and threats from callers.
bluewin.ch · 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Japan was defrauded of approximately 5,780 francs in a romance scam where a fraudster posing as an astronaut claimed to be under attack in space and needed money for oxygen. The woman met the scammer online in July, developed emotional feelings for him, and transferred the funds based on his fabricated emergency. Police warn that romance scams use elaborate stories and fake identities to manipulate victims into sending money, and advise people to remain suspicious of online acquaintances requesting funds and to contact authorities if targeted.
mirror.co.uk · 2025-12-07
A Japanese woman on Hokkaido was defrauded of ¥1 million (£5,000) in a romance scam after meeting a fraudster on social media who claimed to be an astronaut under attack on a spaceship in need of oxygen. The article also highlights a separate investment fraud case where an elderly UK man lost £120,000 of his and his wife's life savings to a fake Bitcoin scheme falsely endorsed by financial journalist Martin Lewis, involving manipulative phone contact three times weekly over an extended period.
people.com · 2025-12-07
A woman in her 80s in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately $6,700 (1 million yen) in a romance scam that began on social media in July, when a con artist posed as an astronaut claiming to be in space under attack and in need of oxygen, convincing her to send money for his survival. The incident reflects a broader trend: in 2024, over 7,600 people over 60 in the United States fell victim to romance and confidence scams, resulting in more than $389 million in losses, with elderly victims being particularly vulnerable due to their trustworthiness, financial resources, and reluctance to report fraud.
netflix.com · 2025-12-07
Netflix's "Love Con Revenge" follows host Cecilie Fjellhøy (a former "Tinder Swindler" victim) and private investigator Brianne Joseph as they investigate romance scams and help victims pursue justice. The series documents cases including a man who manipulated a woman out of thousands by fabricating military trauma stories, and another who posed as a doctor while orchestrating approximately $2 million in fraud against his wife and her daughters. The hosts emphasize that romance fraud is widespread and encourage victims to come forward despite the emotional and financial devastation, as well as challenges in holding perpetrators accountable.
netflix.com · 2025-12-07
Romance fraud is a crime where scammers create fake relationships to steal money or personal information from victims, costing Americans over $1 billion annually. The documentary series "Love Con Revenge" features Cecilie Fjellhøy (known from the "Tinder Swindler" case) and private investigator Brianne Joseph breaking down warning signs such as "love bombing," "future faking," and manufactured crises, while highlighting how law enforcement often fails to prioritize these cases, allowing serial scammers to continue victimizing others. The experts recommend victims report suspected scams immediately to social media platforms and emphasize the importance of overcoming shame to seek help and justice.
straitstimes.com · 2025-12-07
A 75-year-old South Korean woman nearly lost her life savings of 100 million won (approximately $92,500) to a voice phishing scam in which a fraudster impersonated a Financial Supervisory Service official and convinced her to withdraw funds and convert them to gold. A taxi driver became suspicious after overhearing her phone conversation with the scammer, noticing a male voice despite her claim she was speaking to her daughter, and alerted police who intercepted the vehicle and prevented the handover of the gold.
bitdefender.com · 2025-12-07
This educational piece highlights the rising threat of sophisticated online scams targeting seniors, noting that FTC data shows reports of victims aged 60+ losing $10,000 or more quadrupled between 2020 and 2024. Scammers use impostor schemes impersonating businesses or government agencies, increasingly leveraging AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology, with a notable 2024 case involving 16 defendants charged in a grandparent scam ring that defrauded victims of over $55 million. The article recommends verification through trusted channels, raising awareness of scam tactics, and implementing cybersecurity tools as key defenses against elder fraud.
netflixjunkie.com · 2025-12-07
Cecilie Fjellhøy, a victim of the Tinder Swindler romance scam, partnered with private investigator Brianne Joseph to create Netflix's "Love Con Revenge" docuseries, which explores multiple romance fraud cases and the tactics scammers use, including fake professions, fabricated identities, and phony investment schemes. The six-episode series addresses systemic issues victims face, including law enforcement reluctance and shame, while helping fraud victims reclaim their narratives and pursue justice. Fjellhøy's shift from victim to advocate was motivated by the overwhelming global response she received after The Tinder Swindler documentary, revealing how prevalent
mitrade.com · 2025-12-07
**Risk Factors and Prevention for Elder Fraud** Research by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation identifies key risk factors that increase older adults' vulnerability to fraud, including exposure to unsolicited communications, loneliness, financial fragility, and preference for higher-risk investments. The article recommends protective strategies such as blocking unknown contacts, ignoring promises of guaranteed returns, researching sellers and products, combating loneliness through in-person connections, avoiding rushed financial decisions, building financial literacy, and staying informed about current scams through trusted organizations like AARP and the BBB.
taipeitimes.com · 2025-12-07
Seven suspects were charged with defrauding 35 people through the Line messaging app by posing as cryptocurrency dealers, stealing nearly NT$97.43 million (US$3.18 million). Investment scams in Taiwan increased 21 percent year-over-year, with women aged 50 and older representing the majority of victims, and losses from such schemes comprising the largest share of all fraud-related financial losses. The article calls for strengthened government education campaigns and legislation empowering banks and technology platforms to intervene against fraudulent activity, particularly to protect vulnerable elderly populations.
trmlabs.com · 2025-12-07
This resource is a law enforcement guide for investigating cryptocurrency-enabled scams, which have caused at least $53 billion in losses since 2023, with figures likely underreported due to delayed victim reporting. The guide provides investigators with essential terminology, investigation methodologies, and blockchain forensics techniques to trace fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions and identify the real-world controllers behind pseudonymous addresses. It serves as a practical manual for police and law enforcement professionals to understand and combat crypto-related investment scams, phishing schemes, and other cryptocurrency fraud.
ainvest.com · 2025-12-07
Social Security scams surged 46% in 2024, resulting in $4.885 billion in losses and disproportionately affecting retirees who were pressured through fake government alerts to transfer funds or deposit cash into ATMs or cryptocurrency accounts. The FBI and FTC reported that fraud losses for those aged 60+ skyrocketed from $122 million in 2020 to $700 million in 2024, with significant regional impacts such as $99.8 million in losses in Massachusetts alone. To protect themselves, retirees are advised to adopt strategic diversification, use Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, implement fraud detection technology, maintain social networks, and work with
cosmopolitan.com · 2025-12-07
*Love Con Revenge*, a Netflix series featuring private investigator Brianne Joseph and Tinder Swindler victim Cecilie Fjellhøy, investigates romance scams, including the case of Christopher Earl Lloyd, who defrauded multiple women of over $2 million by posing as a former Major League Baseball player and investment broker on dating apps. Lloyd was apprehended on July 24th on a 14-count federal indictment and currently faces 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of monetary transaction fraud, with potential sentences of up to 20 years per wire fraud count plus an additional 10 years if convicted on the monetary transaction charge.
dailyhodl.com · 2025-12-07
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City reported that U.S. consumers lost $8.9 billion to scams in 2024, more than tripling from $2.6 billion in 2020, with investment scams and imposter fraud accounting for 60% of losses. Investment scams experienced the most dramatic growth with losses increasing nearly twelvefold, while scammers shifted to more effective digital contact methods like social media and mobile apps, and increasingly use cryptocurrency (40% of investment fraud payments) and bank transfers. Financial institutions and payment providers are urged to develop tools that quickly identify and intercept scam payments before they reach fraudsters.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com · 2025-12-07
A 62-year-old retired government employee in Visakhapatnam lost over Rs 2.5 crore in a digital arrest scam after fraudsters posing as police officials called him claiming his Aadhaar was linked to money laundering and threatened him with arrest warrants. The victim transferred all his savings following the scammers' instructions before discovering the fraud through reading about similar cases and reporting it to cyber crime police. Police note that senior citizens are increasingly targeted in digital arrest scams, with many victims reluctant to report due to shame or lack of awareness.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com · 2025-12-07
A 62-year-old retired government employee in Visakhapatnam lost over Rs 2.5 crore in a digital arrest scam after fraudsters posing as police officials claimed his Aadhaar card was linked to money laundering and threatened him with arrest warrants and imprisonment. The victim transferred his entire savings under duress before realizing the deception after reading about similar scams. Police report that senior citizens are increasingly targeted in digital arrest fraud schemes across the state, with many victims failing to report due to shame, fear, or lack of awareness.
ainvest.com · 2025-12-07
Singapore reported S$456 million in fraud losses during the first half of 2025, a decline from the previous year, though cryptocurrency scams remained a significant concern accounting for S$81.6 million (18% of total losses), with Tether, Bitcoin, and Ethereum being the primary targets. Victims were predominantly aged 30-49 and fell prey to investment scams, job fraud, and phishing schemes, while authorities recovered S$56.7 million in fraudulent funds and prevented S$179 million in potential losses through collaborative efforts.
thehansindia.com · 2025-12-07
A sophisticated dark web-orchestrated IPO investment scam targeting professionals across India defrauded victims by impersonating Axis Bank and Bank of Baroda through WhatsApp and Telegram, using fake investment dashboards and promises of high returns. Police arrested 34-year-old Bobbari Srinivasa Rao in connection with at least 19 cases and Rs 43 lakh in fraud, after a 63-year-old Hyderabad victim lost over Rs 43 lakh to the scheme between July and August 2025. The scam successfully targeted educated professionals including doctors, teachers, and bank managers by presenting fabricated profit statements and press
marketing-interactive.com · 2025-12-07
Hang Seng Bank launched a public awareness campaign from September to December featuring four Hong Kong actors known for villain roles who formed the "Hang Seng Anti-Fraud Band" to promote fraud prevention through a reimagined Cantonese song and music video highlighting common scams including phishing, investment fraud, online shopping scams, and virtual romance scams. The bank's integrated campaign included live performances, a traveling educational bus, and social media content, supported by technology measures that detected over 1,200 fraud cases in the first half of the year and protected approximately HK$200 million in customer funds.
primetimer.com · 2025-12-07
**Love Con Revenge** is a six-part Netflix docuseries released September 5, 2025, that investigates multiple romance scams where perpetrators manipulated victims into financial fraud totaling millions of dollars. The series, hosted by Tinder Swindler victim Cecilie Fjellhøy and private investigator Brianne Joseph, features cases including Todd Dean (mental health facility investment fraud), Christopher Lloyd (alleged $2M+ investment scheme targeting women), Dorian Wilkerson ($2M fraud involving false medical credentials), Ricky Morrissey (veteran-themed romance con), and Aaron Ward (male victim defrauded of $
blavity.com · 2025-12-07
**Love Con Revenge** is a Netflix docuseries that premiered September 5, 2025, following Cecilie Fjellhøy, a romance scam victim who lost $250,000 to Tinder scammer Shimon Hayut (who defrauded approximately $10 million total from multiple victims). Fjellhøy partners with private investigator Brianne Joseph to expose real-world romance scams, help victims recover emotionally and financially, and advocate for changing the cultural stigma around fraud victims who have had money stolen rather than "given away."
brookline.news · 2025-12-07
Two New York men, Amarjot Singh (30) and Jaykumar Raval (20), were arrested in July and charged in September for facilitating a scheme that defrauded a 71-year-old Brookline woman of $45,000 in June. The scam began with a fake Apple Pay alert text, followed by impersonation calls from fake Apple Security and Federal Trade Commission representatives who convinced the victim her accounts had been compromised and instructed her to withdraw cash for pickup by supposed undercover federal agents. Raval is also suspected in connection with nearly $200,000 stolen from elderly women across New York and New Hampshire through similar schemes.
501lifemag.com · 2025-12-07
The Arkansas Securities Department reports a substantial increase in financial fraud targeting elderly Arkansans, with older Americans nationwide reporting $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints in 2024, including 1,063 Arkansas victims who lost $27.25 million. Common schemes include social media scams, romance fraud, and "pig butchering" scams that build trust before encouraging cryptocurrency investments, with seniors being targeted due to accumulated savings, higher trust levels, and social isolation. The ASD advises elderly investors to avoid unsolicited investment opportunities claiming guaranteed returns, secrecy, or low risk with high returns, and encourages reporting suspected fraud to 800.981.4
state.gov · 2025-12-07
The U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on nine targets in Shwe Kokko, Burma and ten individuals/entities in Cambodia involved in operating online scam centers that victimized Americans and exploited forced laborers. In 2024 alone, Americans lost at least $10 billion to scam operations based in Southeast Asia, with criminal networks facilitating virtual currency investment scams and other fraud schemes targeting U.S. residents and international victims.
home.treasury.gov · 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost over $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based cyber scams operated by transnational criminal organizations, representing a 66 percent increase from the prior year. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 19 scam centers across Burma and Cambodia that used forced labor, debt bondage, and violence to coerce workers into conducting romance and virtual currency investment scams targeting American victims. These operations typically lure victims with promises of romantic relationships or investment opportunities, then steal funds deposited on fraudulent platforms designed to mimic legitimate investment sites.
justice.gov · 2025-12-07
Shengsheng He, a California man and co-owner of the Bahamas-based Axis Digital Limited, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for his role in an international digital asset investment scam that defrauded U.S. victims of more than $36.9 million. The conspiracy involved overseas scammers contacting victims through unsolicited social media and dating apps to solicit fraudulent digital asset investments, with stolen funds laundered through shell companies, international banks, and digital asset wallets connected to scam centers in Cambodia. He was ordered to pay $26,867,242.44 in restitution, and eight co-conspirators have ple
news.abplive.com · 2025-12-07
A 64-year-old man in Mohali lost Rs 1.5 crore after clicking on a Facebook investment pop-up that redirected him to a fake trading group impersonating HDFC Securities and Upstox. The scammers used forged SEBI certificates and false CEO identities to build trust, initially showing him doubled returns on a small investment before requesting larger sums that were ultimately stolen. Authorities advise verifying company credentials through official channels, avoiding unsolicited investment groups, enabling two-factor authentication, and consulting certified financial advisors before investing.
people.com · 2025-12-07
Cecilie Fjellhøy was one of three women defrauded by Simon Leviev (the "Tinder Swindler") in a romance scam documented in the 2022 Netflix film; she lost approximately $250,000 after meeting him on Tinder, while Leviev allegedly swindled around $10 million total from multiple victims over the years. Since coming forward, Fjellhøy has become an advocate for romance fraud victims and now hosts the Netflix docuseries *Love Con Revenge* (premiered September 5, 2025), where she partners with a private investigator to expose romance scammers and help victims recover.
ew.com · 2025-12-07
Netflix's docuseries "Love Con Revenge" features Cecilie Fjellhøy and private investigator Brianne Joseph exposing romance scams, with cases including Todd Dean (the "Selfie Scammer"), who defrauded at least eight women of tens of thousands of dollars for a fake wellness startup called Sanjara and was ordered to pay one victim $30,727.50 in court before filing for bankruptcy in December 2023, and Ricky Morrisey, who stole over $13,000 from victim Bridget Phillips while posing as a military veteran with a fabricated tragic backstory, resulting in fraud and larceny
dlapiper.com · 2025-12-07
The SEC has launched a Cross-Border Task Force to investigate fraud by foreign-based companies, particularly targeting market manipulation schemes like "ramp-and-dumps" involving Chinese companies and misconduct by gatekeepers such as auditors and underwriters who enable access to US capital markets. The task force aligns with DOJ enforcement priorities and signals increased scrutiny and liability exposure for auditors and underwriters involved with foreign issuers, especially those with opaque governance structures or VIE arrangements. The SEC is also directing other divisions to develop new disclosure rules and guidance to better protect US investors from transnational fraud schemes.
cheapism.com · 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams, with adults over 60 being frequent targets due to their savings, limited digital experience, and trust in official-sounding messages. Modern scammers employ sophisticated tactics like AI voice cloning and deepfake videos to impersonate loved ones and government agencies. The article provides ten practical tips for seniors to avoid scams, including not answering unknown numbers, never sharing personal information over the phone, recognizing pressure tactics, avoiding unusual payment methods, verifying identities through trusted sources, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
Crypto Investment Scam Investment Fraud Inheritance Scam Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
yahoo.com · 2025-12-07
An 85-year-old grandmother nearly fell victim to an imposter scam when scammers posing as her bank claimed she owed $50,000 in fraudulent charges, then connected her with someone impersonating an FTC official who pressured her to purchase prepaid debit cards for payment. According to the FTC, fraud losses for seniors have surged dramatically, with losses of $10,000 or more quadrupling between 2020 and 2024, as scammers exploit fear and use untraceable payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, and prepaid cards. Key protective measures include recognizing red flags such as unexpected contact from institutions, requests for unusual payment
state.gov · 2025-12-07
In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Treasury imposed sanctions on nine targets in Shwe Kokko, Burma and ten individuals/entities in Cambodia involved in operating online scam centers that targeted Americans. Americans lost at least $10 billion to scam operations in Southeast Asia in 2024, with the sanctioned operations involving forced labor compounds conducting virtual currency investment scams and exploiting workers under protection of the Karen National Army criminal organization.
thenewsminute.com · 2025-12-07
A Special Investigation Team in Kochi is investigating a massive digital fraud scheme involving the bogus online trading platform Capitalix, which has defrauded multiple Kerala residents of an estimated Rs 28 crore total. A 49-year-old pharmaceutical company owner lost Rs 24.76 crore after depositing money in installments since March 2023 based on promises of high returns, while a 59-year-old woman lost Rs 2.88 crore through a related "virtual arrest" scam where perpetrators impersonated police officials. The platform, registered in California but believed to operate from Cyprus, used Malayalam-speaking operators contacting victims via phone and Telegram
jsonline.com · 2025-12-07
Ankurkumar Patel, a 41-year-old Brookfield man, was indicted for operating a "Phantom Hacker Scam" that defrauded elderly victims across multiple states of over $1 million. The scheme involved fraudsters posing as customer service agents or law enforcement officers who convinced victims their accounts were compromised, then directed them to transfer cash or gold to supposedly safe accounts before the funds were laundered through co-conspirators. Patel faces up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines if convicted of money laundering conspiracy and substantive money laundering charges.
investopedia.com · 2025-12-07
Text message job scams have surged in recent years, with reported losses rising from $90 million in 2020 to $501 million by 2024. Contrary to expectations, younger Americans—particularly Gen Z (20%) and millennials (16%)—are more vulnerable to these scams than older generations, with young men being especially susceptible due to financial pressures, career inexperience, and the appeal of fast remote income. Among victims who engaged with scam texts, approximately 30% had money stolen from their accounts and 45% shared personal information with scammers.
sebastopoltimes.com · 2025-12-07
A Sebastopol resident, Shai Plonski, fell victim to a romance scam in 2022 that began on Facebook and involved a fake cryptocurrency trading app, resulting in financial loss. The scam is part of a larger trafficking operation where workers from underdeveloped countries are smuggled across borders, imprisoned, and forced under threat of violence to perpetrate romance scams (known as "pig butchering") to repay their traffickers. Plonski is now publicly sharing his experience through a YouTube video to help prevent others from becoming victims of these operations, which are often linked to organized crime and generate millions by exploiting both the trafficked workers and their romance scam victims
dailyrecord.com · 2025-12-07
Scammers are spoofing caller ID to appear as Mount Olive Police Department, with callers impersonating Police Chief Michael Spitzer and requesting banking and personal information from residents. Police warn that legitimate officers never request personal information over the phone and advise residents to hang up immediately and verify any questionable calls by contacting the department directly at their official number.
aol.com · 2025-12-07
Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, with adults over 60 being frequent targets due to their savings, limited digital experience, and trust in official-sounding communications. The article provides 10 protective strategies for seniors, including not answering unknown numbers, rejecting unsolicited calls from government agencies, never sharing personal information over the phone, resisting pressure tactics and unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), verifying impersonators through independent sources, consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious requests, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
Crypto Investment Scam Investment Fraud Inheritance Scam Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
aarp.org · 2025-12-07
Affinity fraud and friendship scams represent an evolving variation of romance scams where criminals build false bonds with victims by claiming shared interests—such as hobbies, support groups, or online gaming—rather than romantic attraction, exploiting the trust that develops from perceived commonality. Recent victims reported to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline lost $10,000 and over $100,000 respectively after scammers posed as friends and requested loans via Cash App, Bitcoin, and gift cards with no intent to repay. The scams typically begin with unsolicited contact on social media, friendship apps, or through wrong-number texts, after which perpetrators quickly attempt to establish rapport an
observervoice.com · 2025-12-07
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned multiple scam organizations operating in Burma and Cambodia on September 8, targeting groups responsible for approximately $10 billion in fraud losses from Americans in 2024, including romance scams and fake investment schemes. The sanctions freeze assets and prohibit U.S. citizens and companies from conducting business with two dozen sanctioned entities and individuals, addressing both financial crime and human trafficking operations that have seen a 66% increase in funds stolen from Americans originating from Southeast Asia.
cubaheadlines.com · 2025-12-07
Ana María Núñez, a 68-year-old woman with at least 16 prior fraud convictions, is on trial for defrauding a 78-year-old terminally ill woman in Doral of over $430,000 by posing as her daughter and obtaining power of attorney to transfer the victim's home and savings. Núñez and her son allegedly exploited the victim as her health declined from cancer; she faces multiple additional pending charges for other scams dating back to at least 1996, including a $105,000 investment fraud and another elderly victim scheme yielding $437,107. Authorities suspect the actual number of victims exceeds those documente
digitaljournal.com · 2025-12-07
This is a press release announcing that Global Pursuit Investigations, a 40-year-old private investigation firm, is enhancing affordability of its services globally. The agency specializes in cases including fraud, elder abuse, missing persons, human trafficking, and international recoveries, and emphasizes making professional investigative help accessible to clients regardless of financial constraints.
justice.gov · 2025-12-07
Eight members of a transnational money laundering conspiracy, seven Indian nationals and one Ohio resident, were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 2 to 6 years for laundering proceeds from "phantom hacker" fraud schemes that victimized residents across Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana between May and November 2023. The scam involved fraudsters falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised, then impersonating law enforcement to pressure victims into transferring their life savings under the guise of account protection. The eight defendants were ordered to pay nearly $4 million in restitution to victims who lost their life savings.
wislawjournal.com · 2025-12-07
Ankurkumar Patel, a Brookfield man, was indicted on money laundering charges for his role in a "phantom hacker scheme" that defrauded elderly victims across multiple states by posing as customer service and law enforcement agents to trick victims into transferring funds. Patel allegedly personally retrieved over $1 million from victims and conspired to launder the money through anonymous transactions, with one victim from Sheboygan identified in the case. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $500,000 if convicted on the money laundering conspiracy charge.
the-sun.com · 2025-12-07
A 95-year-old North Carolina woman lost $18,000 to a door-to-door driveway repair scam in May, where a man falsely claimed to represent the city government and promised subsidized repairs; the work cracked immediately after completion. Brian Alexander Taulton, 57, was arrested in September after defrauding multiple elderly victims of over $100,000 combined through similar home repair schemes across multiple states, and is facing 22 felony charges including exploiting disabled/elderly persons and obtaining property by false pretense.
investopedia.com · 2025-12-07
This educational article warns seniors about Medicare scams that surge during fall open enrollment periods. Scammers impersonate Medicare or medical providers via phone calls to trick beneficiaries into revealing Social Security numbers, Medicare card numbers, and other personal information—which criminals use to submit fraudulent claims worth tens of thousands of dollars. The article advises that Medicare will never call unsolicited, recommends hanging up on suspicious callers, and directs victims to call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance.