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in Scam Awareness
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2026-09-15
Scammers are impersonating legitimate farm equipment businesses on social media and online search results to defraud farmers, requesting thousands of dollars via wire transfer for tractors and equipment that are never delivered. The scheme involves fake purchase agreements and invoices that appear legitimate, leaving victims without both their money and the promised equipment. The FTC is actively tracking these impersonation scams and urges farmers to verify business legitimacy before making payments.
ftc.gov
· 2026-09-15
The FTC published guidance clarifying that auto dealers must advertise the actual price consumers will pay for vehicles, including all mandatory fees, to comply with the FTC Act. The agency has warned 97 auto dealer groups about deceptive pricing practices and continues pursuing lawsuits against dealers who advertise lower prices but charge higher amounts through undisclosed fees. This enforcement action aims to promote price transparency and protect consumers from bait-and-switch tactics in automobile sales.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-09-15
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen warned the public about a scam falsely claiming homeowners can reduce or freeze property taxes by filing a non-existent federal IRS "Form 1098-SR." The fraudulent scheme targets seniors and homeowners seeking legitimate tax relief by using official-sounding language and urgency tactics to solicit personal information and fees, though no such federal form or property tax relief program exists. Cohen advised homeowners to verify any property tax information directly through official government sources and to be skeptical of claims that federal programs can eliminate or freeze local property taxes in California.
wral.com
· 2026-09-14
North Carolina law enforcement reports a 59% increase in elder fraud complaints in 2025, with seniors over 60 filing more complaints than any other age group, resulting in billions in losses including one case where an individual lost approximately $4 million from a phishing scam. Cary-area high school students have launched a nonprofit called Click With Confidence to educate seniors about avoiding common scams such as phishing emails, the "Grandparent Scam" using AI voice mimicry, and impersonation of government officials. Investigators advise seniors to pause and verify requests before acting, emphasizing that the IRS does not contact people demanding passwords or social security numbers.
amac.us
· 2026-09-14
Patients using MyChart and other healthcare patient portals are being targeted by phishing emails and text messages designed to steal login credentials, with scammers also impersonating healthcare providers to trick users into downloading malware or revealing personal health information. While the MyChart system itself has not been breached, successful attacks could expose sensitive medical records, insurance details, and personal identifying information that criminals could use for medical identity theft, fraudulent insurance claims, or sale on the dark web. Patients are advised to access their accounts only through official apps and to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear legitimate.
lavocedinewyork.com
· 2026-09-14
Six Nigerian nationals alleged to be members of the Black Axe criminal syndicate were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of approximately $6 million. The suspects used social media, dating sites, and VoIP services to build emotional connections with victims before manipulating them into sending money for fabricated emergencies, legal fees, and inheritance claims. The investigation involved South African law enforcement's Hawks unit, the FBI, and the U.S. Secret Service, with prosecutors alleging the network also used money laundering tactics including shipping electronics and opening U.S. bank accounts to transfer stolen
aarp.org
· 2026-09-14
I cannot provide a summary of this article because the content provided is only a navigation menu and website structure from AARP.org, not an actual article about Medicare mistakes or fraud. Please provide the full text of the article you'd like summarized.
tech.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-14
MetaMask is launching new security features including AI-powered scam detection, warnings for lookalike wallet addresses, and protections against investment and romance fraud to help users avoid sending cryptocurrency to scammers. The wallet provider is implementing contextual alerts and an "Added Protection" feature that automatically reverts transactions that don't match their previews, with priority support access for uncertain users. This comes as U.S. authorities recently seized over $25 million in cryptocurrency tied to investment and romance schemes that defrauded thousands across the U.S. and Canada.
fincrimecentral.com
· 2026-09-14
Six Nigerian nationals affiliated with the Black Axe organization were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges for defrauding over 100 victims of more than R100 million (approximately $6 million) between 2011 and 2021. The organized scheme involved online deception, identity theft, manipulated payment instructions, and international fund transfers routed from the United States through South African accounts. The defendants face conspiracy and wire fraud charges, with potential sentences of up to 20 years imprisonment.
pymnts.com
· 2026-09-14
According to Financial Action Task Force officials, fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to operate smaller, highly profitable scams instead of large-scale operations, with AI-enabled fraud being 4.5 times more profitable than traditional methods. Criminals leverage AI tools like chatbots, deepfakes, and autonomous systems to impersonate victims, build trust relationships, and execute romance scams, investment fraud, and money laundering schemes with minimal staffing requirements. The FBI reported $893 million in AI-assisted fraud losses in 2025, with fraud-related reports climbing 54% since 2024, as AI-generated schemes become increasingly difficult to detect using traditional fraud detection methods.
ballymoneytimes.co.uk
· 2026-09-14
The Police Service of Northern Ireland and ScamwiseNI are distributing "The Little Book of Big Scams" to senior citizens in Ballymena and Carrickfergus to help them recognize and avoid fraud. The resource covers common scams affecting older adults, including courier fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, and rogue traders, providing practical guidance on warning signs and protective measures. The initiative aims to prevent vulnerable residents from becoming victims and potentially losing hundreds of pounds.
aarp.org
· 2026-09-14
I cannot provide a summary of the article content because the text provided contains only the navigation menu and page structure of an AARP website, not an actual article about a "Naples Coffee Scam." To write an accurate summary, I would need the actual article content that describes the scam details, who was affected, the type of fraud, and any monetary amounts involved.
kaaltv.com
· 2026-09-14
The Lewiston Police Department is warning residents about a rise in scams targeting iPads and computers, where scammers lock devices and display fake phone numbers claiming to unlock them. Victims are advised not to call the displayed numbers, power down devices instead, and contact law enforcement, while avoiding sharing banking information, Social Security numbers, or purchasing gift cards for scammers. Police are urging people to report these incidents and share warnings with those less familiar with technology.
jerseyeveningpost.com
· 2026-09-14
Reports of online fraud in Jersey have tripled over three years, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to create increasingly sophisticated and convincing frauds including deepfake videos impersonating politicians and fake investment platforms. The Jersey Financial Services Commission warns that fraudsters are using AI and subtle impersonation tactics to manipulate victims into making quick financial decisions, with Revolut scams alone accounting for £180,000 in losses across 75% of scam crime reports last month.
foxnews.com
· 2026-09-14
Malwarebytes research reveals that scammers strategically time their attacks, with scam text volume peaking around noon EST (874% higher than 1 a.m.) and increasing throughout the week, reaching peak volume on Fridays. Criminals also tailor their scam delivery channels—job scams via email, romance scams through social media, and tech support scams by phone—to maximize effectiveness, while phishing websites remain the leading method for reaching victims, with Malwarebytes blocking approximately 500,000 phishing sites daily.
ag.ny.gov
· 2026-09-14
New York Attorney General Letitia James and 17 other state attorneys general are opposing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, warning that it would strip states of their authority to protect investors from cryptocurrency fraud and scams. The coalition cites an epidemic of crypto fraud, with the FBI reporting $11.4 billion in cryptocurrency-related losses in 2025 and New York alone reporting nearly $500 million in crypto scam losses over five years. States have successfully brought over 330 anti-fraud enforcement actions against crypto scammers since 2017, and the attorneys general argue that preserving state oversight is critical to continuing this consumer protection work.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-14
A North Carolina high school student founded Click With Confidence after his grandfather's business collapsed following a 2022 phishing scam, and the organization now deploys over 30 teenagers to senior centers to educate older adults about fraud recognition and safe technology use. The effort addresses a growing crisis: the FBI recorded 201,266 fraud complaints from Americans 60 and older in 2025 with losses totaling $7.75 billion, while the IRS opened 255 elder fraud investigations from fiscal 2021-2026 involving approximately $885.86 million in alleged fraud. Click With Confidence provides in-person presentations, digital mentorship training, and a browser extension to help seniors identify
azag.gov
· 2026-09-14
A bipartisan coalition of 15 state attorneys general, led by Arizona's Attorney General Mayes, opposes the proposed Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, warning it would undermine their ability to protect consumers from cryptocurrency fraud. The FBI and FTC reported combined losses exceeding $13 billion from crypto scams in 2025, with the attorneys general citing over 330 enforcement actions since 2017 that have shut down fraudulent schemes and helped victims. The coalition argues the legislation would cede critical consumer protection authority to the SEC and prevent states from serving as a first line of defense against the escalating crypto fraud epidemic.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2026-09-14
Senior citizens in Guwahati are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals exploiting their smartphone use through digital arrest scams, fake investment schemes, and malicious APK files, with police reporting 18-20 cases daily. Victims have lost between Rs 45-50 lakh in digital arrest scams, with one individual losing as much as Rs 3.5 crore in investment fraud schemes. Fraudsters impersonate police, RBI officials, and government agencies through WhatsApp and Telegram, using fear tactics and fake refund promises to extract money from elderly residents.
business.scoop.co.nz
· 2026-09-14
The Banking Ombudsman Scheme in New Zealand received 283 disputes in 2025-26, a 26 percent increase driven primarily by a 59 percent rise in lending disputes attributed to financial hardship facing many New Zealanders. Fraud and scam complaints dropped 40 percent, with phishing and information harvesting scams remaining most common, likely due to improved bank fraud detection measures and increased public awareness efforts. The scheme resolved disputes in an average of 49 working days, 14 days faster than the previous year.
retailnews.asia
· 2026-09-13
Nearly half of all scam cases across six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) remain unresolved, with 82% of victims recovering no money and only 10% achieving full reimbursement. Messaging applications account for 41% of fraudulent outreach, with AI-enabled schemes including deepfakes and voice cloning accelerating scams targeting investment, cryptocurrency, job opportunities, and fake e-commerce. The high fraud rates are causing consumers to abandon digital service providers at twice the rate of unaffected users, creating significant commercial losses for merchants and operators.
iharare.com
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering for operating a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The suspects, arrested in Cape Town in 2021, allegedly used fake online romantic relationships to gain victims' trust before stealing money, targeting pensioners and businesspeople. The men are believed to be members of Black Axe, a transnational criminal network linked to cyber-enabled financial fraud schemes worldwide.
telegraph.co.uk
· 2026-09-13
A Belgian man has lost £8,500 in supermarket vouchers to a romance scam impersonating Céline Dion, having sent codes to the fraudster over a three-year period while believing he was in a relationship with the singer. Despite warnings from his family, he continues to send money and has shared personal information about his relatives with the scammers, causing safety concerns. This case reflects a broader trend of celebrity romance scams targeting middle-aged and elderly victims, with British authorities reporting £102 million lost to such fraud in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year.
impartialreporter.com
· 2026-09-13
Rural communities and agricultural workers are being targeted by fraudsters through fake farm machinery and vehicle sales on online platforms, as well as romance scams and sextortion schemes that exploit isolated individuals. Police warn that victims often lose significant sums after transferring money for non-existent items or being manipulated into sending money and personal information to criminals posing as romantic interests. Authorities are urging residents to verify seller identities, research purchases thoroughly, and report suspected fraud immediately to police and their banks.
transcripts.cnn.com
· 2026-09-13
This transcript is not about elder fraud or scams. It covers President Trump's visit to Ireland for meetings with Irish leaders and attendance at a golf event. While the transcript mentions "Nigerians Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in Romance Scams" in the headline, the actual content provided does not include details about that story. I cannot summarize elder fraud content that is not present in the provided text.
hayspost.com
· 2026-09-13
Six Nigerian nationals arrested in Cape Town in 2021 are being extradited to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for their roles in a romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The men are alleged members of the Black Axe criminal network, which targeted pensioners and businesspeople through sophisticated online relationships. They will be handed over to FBI and U.S. Secret Service officials for prosecution in the United States.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-13
A 70-year-old retiree lost over $2,400 (1,800 pounds) in an Amazon impersonation scam after fraudsters called claiming suspicious activity on his account and used social engineering tactics, including a fake verification call and warnings about a compromised IP address, to convince him to authorize 12 separate bank transfers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 96,000 consumers reported being targeted by Amazon impersonators over one year, with almost 6,000 reporting losses totaling over $27 million, and adults 60 and older being four times more likely than younger people to lose money with a median loss of $1,500. The scammers explo
theguardian.com
· 2026-09-13
Criminals have created hundreds of fake websites offering discounted iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo models at prices substantially below Apple's official £1,199-£1,299 retail price, with scammers using AI-generated realistic content and accepting only bank transfers to avoid payment protections. The fraudulent sites registered a spike in domain names around Apple's launch announcement and exploit buyer urgency through limited-time offers and claims of early access. Victims who fall for the scam lose money through bank transfers and may have their financial details compromised.
coveringkaty.com
· 2026-09-13
A Fort Bend County woman lost $50,000 in a jury duty scam after a caller impersonating a sheriff's office captain threatened her with arrest for missing federal jury duty and directed her to withdraw cash and deposit it via Bitcoin ATM. The scammer used pressure tactics including a fake "gag order" to prevent her from verifying the claim, which she eventually did by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Federal courts and law enforcement do not demand payment by phone, text, or cryptocurrency for jury duty violations or warrants.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2026-09-13
This article debunks common myths about fraud and scams, emphasizing that anyone—regardless of education or wealth—can become a victim, as criminals target educated people with assets and exploit personal data through organized, technology-enabled operations. The article recommends credit freezes as protection and advocates for victims to speak out without shame, as victimization results from criminal manipulation and relentless attacks rather than victim weakness, with reporting encouraged to agencies like the FTC and FBI.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after being targeted by a government impersonation scam in which a fraudster posing as an FTC agent claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammer instructed her to purchase gold and later demanded she cash out her and her deceased husband's pension accounts, threatening arrest if she contacted police. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community camera footage to track him down.
katv.com
· 2026-09-12
The IRS is warning of rising scams targeting seniors ahead of National Grandparents Day, noting that fraud schemes have evolved from local, in-person scams to sophisticated online operations involving perpetrators worldwide who exploit trust to gain access to personal information and bank accounts. Common schemes include romance scams targeting widowers on dating sites and "grandparent scams" where callers pose as grandchildren claiming emergencies and requesting urgent money transfers. Authorities recommend warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for personal or financial information, and pressure to act quickly, and advise victims to immediately cut contact, notify police and banks, and report to resources like the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
moneywise.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after falling victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as FTC agents claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The victim withdrew her own and her deceased husband's pension accounts to pay the scammers in gold and cash as demanded. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community surveillance footage, though it remains unclear whether the victim's money was recovered.
yellow.com
· 2026-09-12
Cryptocurrency scams stole an estimated $17 billion globally in 2025, with U.S. losses reaching $9.3 billion according to the FBI—a 66% year-over-year increase—as criminal operations professionalized with industrialized phishing kits, AI-deepfakes, and money laundering networks. The average scam payment surged 253% to $2,764, with seniors aged 60+ losing $2.8 billion at an average of $83,000 per victim, four times higher than other internet crime categories. The article identifies seven specific scam types including rug pulls, phishing, and investment fraud, noting that scammers have low
koat.com
· 2026-09-12
Albuquerque approved an ordinance banning cryptocurrency ATMs after 109 crypto ATM scams were reported statewide in 2025, resulting in approximately $2.2 million in losses to New Mexicans. One victim, Judy Hartmann-Ortiz, lost her entire $32,000 life savings after scammers impersonating Apple and Wells Fargo representatives convinced her to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs. The FBI warns that scammers create artificial urgency to pressure victims into quick cryptocurrency transactions, which are difficult to reverse or trace.
americanpress.com
· 2026-09-12
Senior citizens are frequent targets of illegal robocalls and text message scams involving government imposters, fake utility threats, package delivery issues, romance scams, virus warnings, and bank fraud schemes. The author describes personal experiences with scams that cost him $500 and nearly cost him another $500, and recommends verification strategies such as independently calling verified numbers and utilizing resources like AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) to combat these schemes.
creators.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-12
A scammer impersonating a sergeant from the Adams County Sheriff's Office called the author claiming there was a legal matter, but the caller made a critical error by referring to the agency as "Sheriff's Department" instead of "Sheriff's Office," which tipped off the experienced former investigative reporter. The scam typically involves impersonators claiming victims missed federal jury duty or face arrest unless they pay fines immediately, and can be sophisticated enough to include spoofed caller ID, personal information, and fake voicemail systems. The sheriff's office confirmed the scam was circulating and warned that the impersonator was using the false identity "Sgt. Don Davis."
wsfa.com
· 2026-09-12
The Alabama Securities Commission warned consumers about fraudulent electronic invitations ("evites") that appear to come from trusted sources but may contain malicious links designed to install viruses, steal login credentials, or compromise personal information. Cybercriminals use these deceptive invitations to expose personal data and gain unauthorized access to accounts and devices. The commission recommends verifying invitations by contacting the supposed sender directly through a known phone number before clicking any links.
hoodline.com
· 2026-09-12
A 37-year-old Indian student visa holder was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for acting as a courier in a gold fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, including a Delaware County, Oklahoma veteran who lost nearly $100,000 after being tricked by fake Microsoft support and federal officer impersonators into converting cash to gold. Venkateswara Chagamreddy was arrested during an undercover sting after collecting gold from multiple victims across three states within 48 hours, with evidence showing he received real-time instructions and victim photos from co-conspirators. The case reflects a national surge in elder fraud, with gold courier scams alone causing $311.8 million in losses across approximately
bizpacreview.com
· 2026-09-12
The House is advancing three bills to combat federal and state fraud, including establishing an assistant attorney general position to lead DOJ fraud investigations and creating data-sharing requirements between state and federal governments. Fraudsters have stolen billions in taxpayer dollars from programs like SNAP and COVID-era assistance programs, with the White House Task Force identifying approximately $230 billion in suspected fraud and stopping about $55 billion in flagged payments.
scvnews.com
· 2026-09-12
U.S. Representatives Whitesides, Salazar, and Davis introduced the bipartisan Protecting Elders from Wire Fraud Act, which would require financial institutions to place holds up to 90 days on suspicious wire transfers from senior accounts while legitimacy is determined. According to the FTC, $334 million was reported lost to fraudulent wire transfers in 2025 alone, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting. The legislation also directs banks to contact trusted associates when holds are placed and provides liability protection for institutions acting in good faith.
ottawapolice.ca
· 2026-09-11
Suspects impersonating Ontario Provincial Police officers and judges have defrauded seniors in Ottawa's Kanata area through a roofing scam, convincing victims to pay tens of thousands of dollars for misrepresented or undelivered services. The Ottawa Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents to be vigilant when contacted by individuals claiming to represent government agencies, law enforcement, or courts. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
hindustantimes.com
· 2026-09-11
Indian student visa holder Venkateswara Chagamreddy, 37, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in an elder fraud scheme targeting elderly people through impersonation scams, including one against a Vietnam veteran from whom he defrauded $99,496. Chagamreddy posed as various officials including Microsoft support, federal officers, and Treasury Department representatives to convince victims to purchase gold and hand over their money, and he traveled across multiple states to collect payments from victims. He was ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and faces removal proceedings after completing his sentence.
midislandtimes.com
· 2026-09-11
A 32-year-old Queens woman was arrested for defrauding a 70-year-old victim in an elder scam where the victim was told she was involved in a crime in India and needed to withdraw funds to rectify it. The victim withdrew and wired $919,200 between June 29 and July 27, and was later instructed to purchase an additional $300,000 in gold bars before realizing the fraud and contacting police. The suspect, Tierigeli, was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2026-09-11
Criminals in Australia are tampering with Apple gift cards on supermarket shelves through "card draining," where they open packaging, record card numbers and redemption codes, reseal the packages, and then drain the balance once an unsuspecting customer activates the card by purchasing it. The fraud often goes undetected for weeks or months because gift cards are frequently stored for later use, allowing criminals time to steal the full balance before the purchaser realizes the theft. The scam has been discovered at major supermarkets across multiple Australian states, affecting customers who believe they are buying legitimate products from legitimate retailers.
ellecanada.com
· 2026-09-11
This article provides eight tips to protect against fraud, including using strong passwords (minimum 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols), enabling two-factor verification, using password managers, installing antivirus software, and avoiding sharing personal information with unsolicited callers or emails. The article notes that nearly 28,000 Canadians fell victim to scams last year, resulting in $704 million in losses, and recommends staying informed about current scam techniques through the Government of Canada's resources. The tips emphasize recognizing common fraud indicators such as poor call quality, suspicious urgency, and impersonation of legitimate organizations.
thenews.com.pk
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals are being extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges for operating romance scams that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $100 million. The victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through sophisticated online relationships. The suspects are linked to the Black Axe criminal organization, which has been the subject of ongoing international law enforcement operations coordinated by Interpol, the FBI, and U.S. Secret Service.
saharareporters.com
· 2026-09-11
Six Nigerian nationals alleged to be members of the Black Axe criminal network were extradited from South Africa to the United States to face wire fraud and money laundering charges. The suspects targeted over 100 women in the US through online romance scams, defrauding them of more than R100 million, with victims including pensioners and businesspeople. The men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 and handed over to FBI and US Secret Service officials following coordination with INTERPOL South Africa.
telquel.ma
· 2026-09-11
Recent WhatsApp scams targeting Moroccan users employ two primary methods: manipulating Google Contacts by compromising victims' Google accounts to impersonate trusted relatives and request urgent money transfers, and "Ghost Pairing" which allows scammers to secretly connect their devices to victims' accounts by tricking them into scanning QR codes under the guise of account verification. These scams exploit social engineering and account vulnerabilities, with scammers using stolen contact information, familiar profile pictures, and false urgency to convince victims to send money or grant account access.
canberratimes.com.au
· 2026-09-11
Travel scams range from overpriced transportation to pickpocketing and distraction theft, affecting tourists globally with losses varying from small amounts to thousands of dollars—such as one traveler's $1,500 Santiago taxi ride or repeated credit card charges. Common schemes include fake porters demanding payment, phone/camera theft at tourist attractions, hotel lobby con artists requesting borrowed money, and organized gang distraction tactics. Protection strategies include using official services like Uber or public transport, avoiding wearing jewelry, keeping bags secured to the front, and never handing valuables to strangers or unofficial operators.