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in General Elder Fraud
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old customer who lost $1,511,700 to an internet scam involving fake hacking threats failed in his lawsuit against his bank for failing to prevent seven wire transfers to fraudster accounts in Hong Kong. On December 18, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed the breach of contract complaint, ruling that Article 4-A of the New York Uniform Commercial Code preempts common law claims against banks for processing authorized wire transfers, even when customers are victims of fraud, and that the bank's agreements with the customer adequately disclaimed liability for customer-authorized transactions.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans aged 60 and over filed over 101,000 internet crime complaints resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion, with fraud remaining significantly underreported. AARP's hearing center provides practical defense strategies, emphasizing that scam vulnerability is universal regardless of intelligence or education level, and recommends adopting practices such as radical skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, pausing when pressured emotionally, being wary of requests for secrecy, monitoring accounts regularly, and educating oneself about fraud threats.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Northern Wake Senior Center in Wake Forest, North Carolina will host a viewing party on January 15, 2025, for an interactive webinar titled "Scam Jam & Medicare Fraud Patrol" led by state Senior Medicare Patrol Program Coordinator Stephanie Bias. The webinar aims to educate seniors on protecting themselves from Medicare fraud, being good stewards of their benefits, and understanding the growing annual losses from such scams. Registration is required by January 10 for remote participants, with the Zoom link to be sent on January 13.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
A 57-year-old senior technical officer from DRDO in Pune lost Rs 13 lakh after clicking on a malicious WhatsApp message claiming to be from his bank requesting KYC updates. The downloaded file gave scammers remote access to his phone, allowing them to execute unauthorized transactions totaling Rs 12.95 lakh while the victim missed alert notifications. The incident highlights the importance of verifying bank communications directly and remaining vigilant about OTP notifications.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Two retired government employees in Mumbai fell victim to separate digital arrest scams in November. A 68-year-old retired banker lost Rs 1.2 crore after being threatened with false allegations of money laundering and terrorism, while a 74-year-old retired Income Tax officer was defrauded of Rs 25 lakh through fake letters from the I-T department and RBI claiming involvement in a money laundering case. Both victims were isolated through video calls and threatened with arrest before liquidating their savings, though the second victim eventually recognized inconsistencies in the fraudulent documents and reported the scam to police.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old retired therapist in Washington, DC was defrauded by scammers posing as FBI agents and police officers who convinced her that her Social Security number was involved in criminal activity. Over several months in 2023, she withdrew $595,000 from her 401(k) to assist in a fake investigation, resulting in a $180,000+ tax liability she now owes to the IRS and Maryland. The scam traces to a call center in India, and while she may have limited recourse for the stolen funds, potential Congressional legislation could restore tax deductions for fraud victims that were eliminated in 2017.
valleynewslive.com
· 2025-12-08
A Minnesota man warned of a lottery scam targeting elderly residents, in which callers claiming to represent a prize giveaway repeatedly contacted him over four days, offering $2.5 million and a car in exchange for purchasing a pre-paid debit card. The scammer used a Jamaican area code (867) and did not request credit card information directly, instead asking the victim to buy Green Dot cards at local retailers. The victim did not fall for the scheme and urged others—particularly seniors—to remain vigilant and report such incidents to the Federal Trade Commission.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Rising voice phishing (vishing) attacks in Pune use sophisticated social engineering tactics, data familiarity, and technology tools like IVR to impersonate legitimate companies and manipulate victims into sharing personal information. Scammers specifically target vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, by exploiting psychological vulnerabilities such as fear, greed, and FOMO (fear of missing out), with surveys indicating over 60% of Indians receive three or more scam calls daily despite Do Not Disturb lists. Prevention measures include avoiding unknown calls, recognizing red flags like pressure tactics and suspicious numbers, and using legitimate communication channels like Caller ID badges and in-app calling services offered by companies.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
An 80-year-old Washington DC retiree was defrauded through a government impersonation scam in which scammers posing as FBI and police officials convinced her to withdraw $595,000 from her 401(k) to assist in a fake drug cartel investigation. In addition to losing her life savings, Boivin now faces a $180,000 tax liability ($137,000 federal and $42,000 state) since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act eliminated protections that previously allowed fraud victims to claim theft deductions. Two bipartisan bills in Congress that would restore these protections for fraud victims remain stalled in the intro
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio highlighted its 2024 elder fraud prosecutions as part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiatives, noting that senior citizens lose billions annually to schemes exploiting their trust. Notable cases included a caregiver who forged power of attorney documents and stole $46,064 from a nursing home resident, a Ponzi scheme that defrauded 72 investors of $8.5 million, and various impersonation and money-mule schemes targeting elderly victims, with sentences ranging from 16 months to 37 months in prison and restitution orders totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
desmoinesregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa is experiencing a wave of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly residents, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, hospitalized, arrested, or stranded abroad to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers use social media information and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. Iowa's Attorney General recommends victims hang up and verify claims with trusted family members, avoid acting quickly or in secret, and never wire money or provide banking information over the phone.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Florida's Cyber Fraud Enforcement Unit dismantled six major cybercrime schemes in three months, seizing nearly $2.4 million in stolen cryptocurrency with over $100,000 returned to victims and $2.2 million pending restitution. Three schemes specifically targeted seniors, including a bank employee stealing from 13 elderly victims, a grandparent scam, and a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading website. Additional cases involved identity theft operations and mail interception schemes, with perpetrators prosecuted for stealing from individuals and businesses across the state.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Patrick Wall, a homeless man posing as a masonry worker, scammed elderly victims in Nassau County from September 2023 to January 2025 by offering home repair services, then intentionally causing additional damage to increase costs. Wall was arrested and faces multiple felony charges including grand larceny, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy; police are urging additional victims to contact detectives at 516-573-6354.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of "grandparent scams" targeting elderly Iowans, in which scammers impersonate grandchildren claiming emergencies (accidents, arrests, hospitalization, or being abroad) to pressure grandparents into sending money. The scammers often use information gleaned from social media and may impersonate police, attorneys, or doctors to add credibility, with funds typically transferred abroad making them nearly impossible to trace. To avoid victimization, the Attorney General's Office recommends hanging up and independently verifying claims with trusted family members, never sending money over the phone or by wire, and reporting suspected scams to local law
westerniowatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting seniors in rural areas can result in significant financial losses and emotional devastation, according to Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture. Michelle Reinen, the division's administrator, emphasizes that these scams affect people across all demographics and recommends discussing warning signs with elderly relatives or friends who may be at risk. Consumers seeking protection tips can visit datcap.wi.gov.
hongkongfp.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police arrested 31 people operating a deepfake-enabled romance and cryptocurrency investment scam that targeted victims in Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore, resulting in losses exceeding HK$34 million. The syndicate recruited local youth to pose as attractive women on dating apps using deepfake technology, building trust with victims before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms. Five leaders were charged with conspiracy to defraud and money laundering, while authorities plan international cooperation to pursue further investigations.
amp.scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Hong Kong deepfake scam syndicate trained recruits to impersonate wealthy, single women in order to defraud victims across Asia, including those in Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. The scammers were taught to discuss luxury topics like fine wine, golf, and Japanese language while gathering information about victims' finances and cryptocurrency investments to build trust and exploit them. Hong Kong police intercepted over HK$34 million (US$12.85 million) in scam proceeds during their operation against the organization.
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Vidya, a marketing consultant, lost Rs 6 crore to a "digital arrest" scam in September 2024 in which criminals posing as officials convinced her to liquidate assets and transfer funds while keeping her under fake video surveillance. Through persistent follow-up with law enforcement, bank connections, and court orders, she recovered approximately Rs 60.4 lakh (about one-tenth of the loss), though the case reveals significant systemic failures in money tracing, inter-agency coordination, and bank accountability in recovering scammed funds.
wjer.com
· 2025-12-08
Sheriff Orvis Campbell will present an educational session at the Tuscarawas County Senior Center on January 16th to teach seniors how scammers operate and what red flags to recognize. The presentation covers common tactics used across frauds and scams, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and identifying warning signs to protect oneself and family from financial loss. The event is part of the Dover Public Library's monthly "Lunch and Learn" series.
midfloridanewspapers.com
· 2025-12-08
A man in assisted living fell victim to a misleading Medicare plan advertisement that eliminated critical health services from his previous coverage, requiring emergency intervention two days before the enrollment deadline to reverse the policy. The article highlights that seniors lose approximately $2.9 billion annually to scams, with vulnerable populations like those with memory loss facing particular risk; it emphasizes that awareness, research through the Federal Trade Commission, caregiver vigilance, and proactive financial safeguards (such as limiting access to credit cards and personal information) are essential protective measures.
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-08
92-year-old Dionisia Galarza of Santa Maria lost her home of four decades to foreclosure after being defrauded by real estate agent Blanca Mendez, who instructed her to send $39,734 in mortgage payments to Alliance Services instead of her lender between August 2020 and July 2024 under the guise of a loan modification. The home was sold at auction in July 2024 despite Galarza's continued payments, and she is now fighting to remain in the house with her disabled son and other family members through a civil lawsuit alleging fraud and financial elder abuse. Mendez has denied the allegations, claiming
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
United States Attorney Nikolas Kerest announced his resignation effective January 20, 2025, after serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont since December 2021. During his tenure, Kerest's office prioritized violent crime prosecution, civil rights enforcement, and elder financial fraud prevention, including successful prosecutions of elder fraud perpetrators Nicholas Melanson and Nasir Hussain, and educational outreach events in partnership with federal agencies to help Vermont's elder community avoid fraud victimization.
wtxl.com
· 2025-12-08
A new law effective January 1st aims to reduce the $28.3 billion in annual financial exploitation of seniors by empowering financial institutions to delay transactions when exploitation is suspected and requiring employee training on identifying red flags. According to AARP, 72% of elder fraud losses involve someone the victim knows, with the average victim losing over $33,000 in 2023; the law allows institutions 15-30 days to conduct internal reviews before completing questioned transactions. Local organizations and advocates emphasize the importance of financial literacy training for seniors and note that the delayed-transaction protection provides a "second set of eyes" on vulnerable accounts while protecting institutions acting in good faith.
govinfosecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Trace Fooshee of Datos Insights predicts that scams and fraud reimbursement will persist through 2025, with governments implementing minimum care standards and requiring collaboration between financial institutions, tech platforms, and telecom companies to address the issue effectively. He warns that focusing solely on reimbursement without addressing root causes—such as mobilizing telecom providers and law enforcement—risks enabling criminal activity rather than preventing it. Emerging regulatory frameworks in markets like Australia, Canada, and the U.K. are shaping how the financial services sector approaches fraud prevention as a multi-sector challenge.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams can target seniors in rural areas and result in significant financial losses despite victims' age or location. Michelle Reinen, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture's Administrator of the Division for Trade and Consumer Protection, advises that these scams can be devastating and recommends having conversations with elderly relatives or friends who may be vulnerable to such schemes. Resources for consumer protection information are available at datcap.wi.gov.
sfntoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams target seniors, including those in rural areas, often exploiting their desire for companionship and emotional connection, resulting in losses sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. Wisconsin's Division for Trade and Consumer Protection emphasizes that approaching victims requires empathy and avoiding blame, as scammers are skilled professionals who deliberately target vulnerable people. Families should communicate openly and collaboratively with affected seniors to help them recognize the scam and seek help from consumer protection authorities.
vermontbiz.com
· 2025-12-08
This article announces the resignation of United States Attorney Nikolas Kerest, effective January 20, 2025, following a typical transition with a new presidential administration. While primarily focused on administrative transition, it notes that during Kerest's three-year tenure, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Vermont prosecuted elder financial fraud cases including those against Nicholas Melanson and Nasir Hussain, and partnered with federal agencies to provide education to Vermont's elder community on fraud prevention.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Russell Rahm, leader of a telemarketing scheme spanning two decades (2000-2020), was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding 183,000 elderly and vulnerable victims of approximately $335 million through fake magazine subscription sales. The conspiracy involved 61 defendants across the U.S. and Canada who used fraudulent scripts and lead lists to trick victims into unwanted subscriptions, with some victims charged up to $1,000 monthly by multiple phony companies simultaneously; Rahm was ordered to pay full restitution.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A 71-year-old Cleveland woman, Toni Laverne Smith, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for conspiring to transport and sell stolen U.S. Treasury bonds across state lines from 2011-2012. Smith and a co-conspirator used forged identification and the victim's social security number to negotiate the sale of over 350 counterfeit Treasury bonds with a face value of $268,500, netting approximately $299,364 in proceeds and opening fraudulent bank accounts in multiple states. Smith evaded capture for more than a decade before federal authorities arrested her in June 2024.
vpnranks.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud losses reached $3.4 billion in 2023 with over 101,000 victims aged 60 and older reporting fraud, representing an 11% increase in losses and 14% increase in complaints compared to 2022. Tech support scams are the most commonly reported fraud type affecting seniors, while investment scams cause the highest financial damages at over $1.2 billion. Projections estimate elder fraud losses could rise to $4.47 billion by 2025 with approximately 121,229 victims, underscoring the need for stronger awareness and protective measures.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old Canton, Michigan woman was defrauded of $65,000 in December 2024 after scammers posing as bank fraud officers convinced her she owed money due to an account error. Li Biao, a Chinese national in the country illegally, was arrested while collecting the third scheduled payment of $25,000 after police set up surveillance at the victim's home, and he faces felony charges for fraud and obstructing police. A second suspect remains at large, though Canton Police recovered at least the final $25,000 and emphasized the importance of hanging up on unsolicited calls and contacting banks directly rather than following caller instructions.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
A travelling con artist group targeted elderly Asian women in Melbourne's Box Hill area, defrauding at least three victims of over $200,000 through an elaborate "blessings" scam that claimed to remove evil spirits. The scammers convinced victims that demons were following them and their families, then persuaded them to withdraw cash and jewellery from home, which was swapped for worthless items while victims were instructed to keep their eyes closed. The scam, which originated in Hong Kong and China, may involve a travelling syndicate with additional unreported victims, with one woman losing her life savings of $150,000.
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
A syndicate of five people allegedly defrauded three elderly Asian women in Melbourne's Box Hill area of over $200,000 in cash and valuables between November and December by claiming they were cursed by an evil spirit requiring a "blessing" ritual; the scammers convinced victims to place valuables in bags that were swapped with empty decoys. This "blessing scam" is a known international scheme operating across the UK, Canada, US, Hong Kong, and Australia, with police warning local residents to alert elderly relatives of Asian descent in the area about the con.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
Cristine Petitfrere, a Florida resident, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for laundering over $2.7 million from romance scams, earning hundreds of thousands in fees while working with a co-conspirator. Romance scams caused Americans $1.14 billion in losses in 2023, with elderly and vulnerable individuals disproportionately affected by both the financial losses and emotional harm.
nbcmiami.com
· 2025-12-08
Cristine Petitfrere, a 30-year-old Miramar woman, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for laundering over $2.7 million stolen through romance scams, keeping hundreds of thousands in fees while funneling the remainder to overseas conspirators. Romance scams, which involve fraudsters creating fake personas to exploit victims' trust and finances, cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023, with elderly individuals representing a significant portion of victims. Petitfrere was ordered to forfeit $203,815.59 in personal proceeds from the scheme.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cristine Petitfrere, a 30-year-old South Florida woman, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for laundering over $2.7 million from romance scam victims, keeping a portion for herself while transferring the remainder to overseas conspirators. Romance scams involve fraudsters establishing fake online relationships to manipulate victims into sending money under false pretenses such as emergencies or investment opportunities. Petitfrere was ordered to forfeit $203,815.59 in personal proceeds.
in.mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
31-year-old YouTuber Ankush Bahuguna lost Rs 2.5 lakhs in a "digital arrest" scam that began with a fake automated call about a cancelled courier delivery. After pressing zero to connect with "customer service," scammers fabricated claims of illegal items in a package allegedly sent by him, then transferred the call to WhatsApp video where an impersonator dressed as a police officer accused him of money laundering and drug trafficking while threatening his family and keeping him under "self-custody" surveillance for 40 hours. Bahuguna was freed from the ordeal only when a concerned friend alerted him to similar cases circulating online.
channelnewsasia.com
· 2025-12-08
An 18-year-old student on a social visit pass to Singapore was arrested after being manipulated by scammers into assisting with an impersonation fraud targeting an elderly woman, who lost S$290,000 after being deceived into believing her identity had been misused in China. The teenager herself had been a prior victim of the same scam and was tricked into believing she was helping with official investigations. She now faces potential imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine if convicted of cheating.
tribune242.com
· 2025-12-08
Bahamian police warned of a rising number of social media scams, including a fake "Smart Pass" scheme using a fraudulent Facebook page claiming to represent the Ministry of Energy and Transport that directed users to register on an unsafe website to obtain personal information. Additionally, authorities reported an increase in Facebook Marketplace scams where fake accounts impersonate Bahamians to sell rental properties and vehicles at artificially low prices, requesting down payments or personal data before any transaction occurs.
regtechtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cristine Petitfrere, a 30-year-old from Miramar, Florida, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring to launder over $2.7 million stolen from romance scam victims. She helped funnel money from these schemes to international criminals and kept $203,815.59 for herself, which she was ordered to forfeit as part of her sentence. Romance scams—where fraudsters create fake online personas to deceive victims into sending money—disproportionately affect vulnerable populations including the elderly who lose savings and retirement funds.
wnbf.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a general informational piece about life expectancy rankings across New York counties based on 2024 health data, comparing regional longevity trends and noting that Manhattan has the highest life expectancy at 83.3 years. While the article mentions related content about fraud protection in its footer, the main content focuses on health statistics and geographic factors affecting lifespan rather than fraud or scam prevention.
capecodtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Thomas Clasby, the fired director of Quincy's Elder Services Department, was indicted on federal charges of embezzling public funds between 2019 and 2024, including approximately $17,644 spent on personal items such as a framed self-portrait, steak tips, music studio recordings, and a Toyota Prius, plus $38,000 funneled through a consulting company owned by a friend. Clasby also allegedly stole cash receipts from the Kennedy Center where Elder Services operated, betraying the trust of vulnerable seniors he was sworn to serve. He pleaded not guilty and faces up to 20 years in prison, potential fines totaling $750
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Tom Clasby, former director of elder services for Quincy, Massachusetts, was indicted on federal charges of embezzlement, mail and wire fraud, and transporting stolen property for stealing tens of thousands of dollars in city funds between 2019 and 2021. His personal expenditures included $8,950 for a music studio recording session, $2,236 for 153 pounds of steak tips, $4,800 for a Toyota Prius, and $1,658 for a framed self-portrait, along with arranging a fraudulent $38,000 consulting contract that funneled money back to him through cash handoffs at rest stops an
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses romance scams on online dating platforms, where fraudsters create fake profiles to emotionally manipulate victims before requesting money. In 2023, the average romance scam in the UK was worth approximately £30,000, with fraudsters spending weeks or months "grooming" victims before making financial requests, resulting in nearly £6 million in attempted romance scams that year. The article provides warning signs of romance fraud (inconsistent stories, quick professions of love, requests for money) and prevention tips for online daters.
nj1015.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to elder fraud research. It discusses life expectancy statistics across New York counties based on the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, comparing longevity rates in different areas and referencing global "blue zones" where people live longer. While the article mentions elderly individuals in the context of aging and longevity, it contains no information about scams, fraud, elder abuse, or victimization.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scam Type:** Account takeover and wire fraud following inheritance receipt
**What Happened:** An 86-year-old widow received a life insurance check after her husband's death in July. Within days, a fraudster opened two bank accounts using her name and stole the funds by transferring them between the accounts. The theft was discovered on August 11, and the money was eventually recovered with help from the U.S. Secret Service and Palm Beach County Police—a rare outcome, as most victims do not recover stolen funds.
**Key Issue:** The article highlights systemic banking vulnerabilities including inconsistent anti-fraud regulations, lack of document authentication tools to detect forgeries, an
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
The Supreme Court declined to consider a bail plea from an alleged kingpin of recruitment scams in Karnataka, with the bench allowing his senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi to withdraw the petition. The decision means the accused individual, referred to as Patil, will remain in custody pending resolution of the recruitment fraud cases against him.
mycouriertribune.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides cautionary guidance about AI-based scams targeting older adults. Senior writer Matilda Charles warns readers to be vigilant against emerging AI tricks and scams that are becoming increasingly prevalent at the start of 2025. The piece emphasizes the need for seniors to educate themselves on how artificial intelligence is being exploited by scammers to target vulnerable populations.
fredericton.ca
· 2025-12-08
The Fredericton Police Force issued a warning about a rise in scams and fraud complaints, with 11 reports already filed since January 2024 and over 350 instances reported throughout 2024 costing residents more than $500,000. The grandparent scam, where fraudsters impersonate distressed family members requesting urgent money, is identified as particularly targeting elderly residents. The police recommend verifying caller identity, refusing requests for money from anyone claiming to be police, avoiding rushed decisions, and consulting trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
yorknewstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" is a romance scam scheme developed by Asian organized crime groups that targets individuals through social media and dating apps by building fake romantic relationships to gain trust before requesting investments in cryptocurrency. The scam involves four phases—the Hook, Relationship building, Investment pitches, and Delivery—where perpetrators use AI-generated profiles, false identities, and fraudulent investment websites to convince victims to send money, sometimes requesting initial investments as small as $10. According to Claire McHenry, deputy director of Nebraska's Department of Banking and Finance, victims can be anyone, and scammers employ sophisticated tactics including AI-generated voices and appearances to make fake personas seem credible before eventually asking