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in Financial Crime
lompocrecord.com
· 2025-12-08
Julie Ann Darrah, a 52-year-old former financial advisor from Santa Maria, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for stealing over $2 million from at least nine elderly clients between 2016 and 2023. Darrah exploited her clients' trust by positioning herself as a caretaker figure, then used her position at Vivid Financial Management Inc. to liquidate their assets for personal use, leaving some victims unable to afford end-of-life care. She was ordered to pay $7 million in restitution and is banned from selling securities.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains why retirees are targeted for financial fraud and describes common scams affecting older adults. Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with victims aged 80+ reporting average losses of $1,450—nearly three times higher than younger victims. The piece identifies key vulnerabilities (accumulated wealth, lower tech familiarity, trusting nature, social isolation) and provides warning signs and protection strategies for imposter scams (posing as IRS, Medicare, Social Security) and tech support scams, emphasizing awareness as the primary defense against financial fraud.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Investment advisor Julie Anne Darrah of Santa Maria was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients between November 2016 and July 2023 by obtaining control of their assets and liquidating them without consent. Darrah exploited her clients' trust—often portraying herself as a caring daughter figure—to convince them to sign documents granting her power of attorney and trustee status, then transferred funds to her own accounts to purchase properties and luxury vehicles, leaving some victims unable to pay for end-of-life care. Additionally, a Minnesota-based investment firm that acquired Darrah's company incurred $5.4 million in losses
patriotledger.com
· 2025-12-08
Tom Clasby, Quincy's former director of elder services, faces embezzlement charges and has not engaged in plea discussions as of late March 2025. If the case proceeds to trial, both the prosecution and defense estimate proceedings will last approximately one week, with the next status conference scheduled for May 28.
coloradosun.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes the evolution of financial scams targeting vulnerable individuals, including romance scams, impersonation scams, and AI-generated voice fraud. Scammers operate in organized international compounds and employ psychological manipulation tactics to isolate victims and extract maximum money, increasingly directing victims to withdraw cash and transfer funds through cryptocurrency ATMs, which offer scammers near-irreversible transactions. Law enforcement emphasizes that victims should verify suspicious communications with trusted contacts and know that legitimate police will never request money via phone, computer, or cryptocurrency.
newscentermaine.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered voice cloning technology is enabling scammers to create convincing replicas of trusted individuals to perpetrate fraud, with common schemes including family emergency scams targeting relatives and "vishing" attacks on businesses (one case involving a quarter-million dollar theft). Since AI voices are now difficult to distinguish from real ones by ear alone, experts recommend focusing on suspicious situations rather than voice authenticity, verifying callers through independent contact methods, and establishing family verification codes to confirm identity during unexpected calls requesting money.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are exploiting confusion about new tariff policies by sending fraudulent "tariff payment request" emails and texts posing as retailers, delivery companies, or government agencies to steal consumers' financial information and money. The scam capitalizes on widespread public unfamiliarity with how tariffs work and consumers' expectation to pay higher prices, with cybersecurity researchers discovering approximately 300 tariff-related fraudulent domain registrations in early 2024. Consumers should be cautious of unsolicited payment requests and verify directly with official sources before providing payment information, though some legitimate tariff and customs duty payments do exist.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
On May 12, 2025, the DOJ's Criminal Division issued a memorandum recalibrating white-collar crime enforcement around three principles: Focus (targeting the most urgent threats), Fairness (prioritizing individual accountability while providing clearer guidance for cooperating companies), and Efficiency (streamlining investigations). The DOJ identified 10 priority enforcement areas, including healthcare fraud, elder fraud, investment fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and trade violations, signaling a targeted approach to white-collar crimes that harm public finances, investors, and national security.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Idaho passed a "report and hold" law effective July 1 that allows financial institutions to temporarily freeze transactions for up to 15 days if they suspect adults 65 and older or those with disabilities are being targeted by scammers seeking fraudulent transfers. Idaho consumers reported losing nearly $54 million to scams in the previous year, and the law enables banks and securities firms to report suspected financial exploitation to state officials while investigating red flags such as sudden withdrawals, unusual contact changes, or nervous customer behavior during transactions. The legislation fills a gap as Idaho becomes one of only 26 states with such protections applying to both the banking and securities industries.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced 22 new indictments against individuals and entities involved in a fraudulent sober living home scheme, with charges including money laundering, theft, conspiracy, fraudulent schemes, patient referral fraud, and forgery. The defendants' initial arraignment took place in Maricopa County Superior Court. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
ksby.com
· 2025-12-08
Julie Darrah, a Santa Maria investment advisor, was sentenced to over 10 years in federal prison for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients of her advisory firm between 2016 and 2023. Darrah manipulated vulnerable elderly clients by gaining their trust, convincing them to authorize fund transfers from their accounts into her own, and then used the stolen money for personal purchases including properties and luxury vehicles, leaving some victims unable to afford end-of-life care. She was also ordered to repay $2.4 million in restitution and a Minnesota investment firm lost over $5 million after acquiring her company based on false representations.
durbin.senate.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Crypto ATM Fraud Targeting Seniors**
Senator Dick Durbin proposed an amendment to the GENIUS Act (cryptocurrency regulation legislation) aimed at preventing crypto ATM scams that disproportionately target elderly Americans. According to FTC data, consumer losses from crypto ATM fraud increased nearly tenfold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million in 2023, with the FBI receiving nearly 2,700 complaints from individuals aged 60 and older in 2023 alone—more than all other age groups combined. Durbin's amendment seeks to add transaction protections and require greater transparency from crypto ATM operators, mirr
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
SuperCard X is an Android malware distributed via fake bank text messages that uses NFC relay technology to remotely copy card data and conduct unauthorized contactless payments or ATM withdrawals without requiring the physical card or PIN. Victims are tricked into installing a fraudulent security app through social engineering, where attackers impersonate bank representatives and instruct them to tap their card against the infected phone. The malware operates as a Malware-as-a-Service model, targets any cardholder regardless of bank, and remains difficult to detect due to minimal permissions and stealthy design.
rnz.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are targeting hospitality venues in Wellington and Christchurch with at least two scams: one involving false claims of allergic reactions (particularly to onions) causing severe illness, and another involving fabricated overcharging or double-charging complaints. Business owners report that while individual refund amounts typically range from $200-$300, several venues fell for the scams before industry alerts circulated on social media, with at least 10 bars identified as targets of the onion allergy scam alone.
pintu.co.id
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Retired artist Ed Suman, age 67, lost over $2 million in cryptocurrency assets (17.5 Bitcoin and 225 Ethereum) after falling victim to a phishing scam involving fake text messages and emails impersonating Coinbase security staff. The scammers, who obtained personal data including Suman's wallet type through a data breach at Coinbase caused by a bribed third-party support contractor, tricked him into entering his seed phrase on a fake website designed to mimic Coinbase's interface. The incident was one of multiple attacks following a social engineering-based breach at Coinbase that began in January 2025 and involved attackers attempting
kpq.com
· 2025-12-08
Two women, Leah Maria Wedgeworth (34) and April Marie Tomisser (43), were charged with first-degree theft, identity theft, and forgery for stealing thousands of dollars from an 87-year-old blind and bed-ridden man in Ellensburg, Washington in 2023. Wedgeworth withdrew at least $6,014 from the victim's bank account using fraudulent means, while Tomisser, a caregiver employed for only 11 hours, made multiple unauthorized withdrawals for personal expenses; both face enhanced felony charges due to the victim's vulnerable adult status and have pleaded not guilty with trials scheduled for August 4
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 82-year-old Bedford resident fell victim to a computer fraud scam on May 9 after receiving a fake virus alert threatening legal consequences for alleged child pornography on their device, prompting them to mail $17,500 in cash to Pennsylvania. Quick action by Bedford police officers, who tracked the UPS package and coordinated with a Pennsylvania police department, allowed investigators to intercept the payment before delivery and return the full amount to the victim.
chadronradio.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old Nebraska woman lost over $14,000 in a "smishing" (text message scam), exemplifying a growing crisis where Americans aged 60+ lost $4.9 billion to scams in 2024, averaging $83,000 per case. Social isolation significantly increases seniors' vulnerability to fraud, as those with limited in-person contact are more likely to conduct transactions online and engage with scammers. The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance recommends preventing financial exploitation through regular contact with older relatives, educating seniors about common fraud tactics, and reporting suspected fraud to authorities through their "Make Cents Make Sense" initiative.
wgel.com
· 2025-12-08
A St. Louis man, Alen Saric, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for his role in a vehicle sale scam that defrauded victims across four Illinois counties from 2018 to 2023 using fake cashier's checks to purchase vehicles on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, with the scheme totaling $1.7 million and involving the theft and resale of vehicles before victims discovered the fraud. The case highlights growing concerns about elder fraud, with financial institutions urging seniors to verify cashier's checks directly with banks, avoid acting under pressure, and consult trusted individuals before completing transactions with strangers online.
delawarebusinessnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Rakeshkumar Patel, 36, of Flushing, NY, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in an elder fraud scheme that defrauded elderly victims nationwide of at least $2.15 million between May 2023 and May 2024. Patel and co-conspirators impersonated federal agents over the phone, falsely claiming victims' identities were compromised and involved in federal investigations, then convinced them to liquidate savings and transfer cash or gold to couriers posing as agents. Patel faces more than five years in federal prison upon sentencing.
wealthmanagement.com
· 2025-12-08
Julie Anne Darrah, a former Wealth Enhancement financial advisor, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients between 2016 and 2023, including some receiving end-of-life care. Darrah gained her victims' trust by positioning herself as a caretaker "like a daughter," then obtained power of attorney and trustee access to liquidate their securities and transfer funds to accounts she controlled, spending the money on personal expenses, luxury cars, and restaurants. Some victims were left unable to afford care facility costs, and a federal judge ordered her to pay over $2.4 million in restitution plus interest.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Rakeshkumar Patel, a 36-year-old Indian national living illegally in the U.S., pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in an elder fraud scheme that defrauded elderly victims of at least $2.15 million between May 2023 and May 2024. Patel and co-conspirators posed as federal agents over the phone, convincing victims their identities were compromised and their accounts under investigation, then instructed them to withdraw life savings and convert them to cash or gold bars, which Patel and other couriers collected in person. Patel faces more than five years in federal prison at sentencing.
power987.co.za
· 2025-12-08
I cannot summarize this text as it does not contain information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse. The passage appears to be fragmented excerpts from classical literature (Shakespeare and Dostoevsky), not an article about fraud or elder exploitation. Please provide an actual article or transcript related to elder fraud or abuse for me to summarize.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
On May 12, 2025, the DOJ released its white-collar crime enforcement priorities for the current administration, identifying 10 high-impact corporate crime areas for investigation and prosecution. Elder securities fraud is explicitly highlighted as a top priority alongside healthcare fraud, trade fraud, money laundering, and crimes linked to terrorism. Companies operating in these sectors should expect increased federal oversight and compliance requirements, particularly those involved in healthcare, international trade, and financial services.
mondaq.com
· 2025-12-08
On May 12, 2025, the DOJ's Criminal Division announced a new white-collar corporate enforcement plan prioritizing ten "high-impact areas," including elder fraud schemes involving variable interest entities, investment fraud targeting individuals, and Ponzi schemes. The plan offers clearer incentives for companies to self-disclose misconduct and cooperate with investigators, with assurances that proper self-disclosures will result in criminal prosecution declinations. Elder fraud is explicitly listed as a priority area for DOJ investigation and prosecution.
brooklyneagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez hosted an Older Americans Month event in Canarsie on May 20, 2025, with over 100 seniors in attendance to raise awareness about scams, fraud, and elder abuse targeting seniors. Presenters from the DA's office discussed various scam types including phone/text scams, cryptocurrency fraud, grandson scams, gift card schemes, and deed theft, while noting that the office had taken down over 300 fraudulent websites in the previous 18 months and assisted thousands of scam victims. The event provided resources and encouraged seniors to report abuse and fraud without shame, emphasizing that scammers use increasingly sophisticated tactics and that victims should contact
mintz.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses shifts in the Trump administration's white-collar enforcement priorities as of 2025, not elder fraud or scams affecting seniors. The DOJ has deprioritized enforcement in several areas including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (paused for 180 days), environmental litigation, and certain cryptocurrency regulations, while indicating it will focus on fraud involving cartels and transnational criminal organizations. This content is outside the scope of elder fraud research and is not relevant to the Elderus database.
indicanews.com
· 2025-12-08
Rakeshkumar Patel, 36, from Flushing, New York, pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in a scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of over $2 million. The scam targeted senior citizens across multiple states, including Delaware, and resulted in federal charges accepted by U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews.
wgmd.com
· 2025-12-08
A 36-year-old Flushing, New York man pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy for his role in an elder fraud scam that defrauded elderly victims of at least $2.15 million between May 2023 and May 2024. The scheme involved fraudsters posing as federal agents who convinced victims their identities had been compromised, then instructed them to liquidate life savings and convert funds to cash or gold bars, which couriers like the defendant collected from victims' homes. The defendant faces more than five years in federal prison at sentencing.
mercurynews.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a complete summary as the article text appears to be incomplete or corrupted. The headline indicates that two caregivers in San Jose were charged with elder abuse and fraud for operating an unlicensed care home where residents were allegedly kept in biohazardous conditions, but the full article details—including specific victim numbers, dollar amounts, and case outcomes—are not included in the provided text.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A phishing email scam targeting Social Security recipients claims to offer new Social Security statements but actually installs remote access software (ScreenConnect) that gives cybercriminals full control of victims' computers to steal banking details, personal information, and commit identity theft or financial fraud. The emails appear legitimate by using compromised domains and embedding content as images to evade email filters, making them difficult to detect. Users are advised to verify unsolicited emails independently, avoid clicking links, and use updated antivirus software to protect themselves.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Georgia residents lost over $20,000 to phone scams in April 2024: a 50-year-old man paid $2,000 in cryptocurrency after a caller impersonating a sheriff's deputy claimed he had an arrest warrant, while a 62-year-old man lost $12,000 (later reimbursed) plus an additional $7,550 in unauthorized charges after providing debit card information to someone posing as a bank official. The Oconee County Sheriff's Office warned the public that law enforcement never demands payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfer services to avoid arrest.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
Mail fraud through the USPS takes several forms—imposter scams (posing as government agencies or banks), sweepstakes/lottery schemes (claiming unearned prizes), unsolicited offers (unusually low prices or phony inheritances), and mail theft—all using sophisticated tactics to extract money or personal information. Red flags include unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, requests for payment before receiving benefits, and offers that seem too good to be true. To protect yourself, verify communications directly with official sources, never send cash through mail, use tracking services like Informed Delivery, and report suspected mail fraud to the United States Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455.
pulse.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian socialite and musician Hajia 4Reall (Mona Faiz Montrage) was released from federal prison on May 22, 2025, after serving a one-year-one-day sentence for her role in a romance scam that defrauded U.S. victims between 2013 and 2019. She was ordered to forfeit $216,475 and pay $1,387,458 in restitution to victims, and will return to Ghana under a three-year supervised release agreement. The 32-year-old was convicted for conspiracy to receive stolen money as part of a West Africa-based criminal enterprise that used romance frau
gbcghanaonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian social media influencer Hajia4Reall (Mona Faiz Montrage) was released from a U.S. federal prison on May 22, 2025, after serving a one-year sentence for her role in a West Africa-based romance scam network that defrauded elderly Americans between 2013 and 2019. Montrage pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive stolen money and was ordered to forfeit and pay restitution of over $2.1 million; she personally controlled accounts that received more than $2 million in fraud proceeds from victims who were deceived into believing they were in romantic relationships with fictitious personas.
graphic.com.gh
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian socialite Hajia 4Reall (Mona Faiz Montrage) was released from federal prison in Philadelphia on May 22, 2025, after serving a one-year sentence for conspiracy to receive stolen money from romance and internet fraud scams. She was part of a West Africa-based criminal enterprise that defrauded vulnerable older Americans of over $2 million, with Montrage personally receiving funds from approximately forty victims through false pretenses involving gold transportation, fake FBI investigations, and impersonation of a U.S. Army officer. She was ordered to forfeit $216,475 and pay $1,387,458 in restitution, with
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Suffolk County police warn of a new banking fraud scheme targeting Long Island seniors using AI-generated voice calls and spoofed bank numbers to trick victims into revealing PIN numbers and allowing criminals to steal their cards and money from ATMs. Multiple banks are alerting customers about these fraudulent hotlines, with surveillance identifying alleged ringleaders in Bohemia and Garden City who specifically target elderly and vulnerable individuals. Authorities advise people to hang up when prompted for personal information and to contact their banks directly if they suspect fraud.
crowdfundinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Greenlight launched Family Shield, a subscription plan that helps caregivers protect seniors from financial fraud and physical safety risks through features including financial account monitoring, fraud/identity theft insurance (up to $100,000 for deceptive transfer fraud and $1 million for identity theft), real-time location tracking, and crash detection. The service addresses a significant problem: financial exploitation costs adults 60+ an estimated $62 billion annually, while seniors face rising digital threats including scams and money management errors. The plan includes educational resources and a monitored debit card to help caregivers oversee their senior loved ones' finances and safety comprehensively.
wealthmanagement.com
· 2025-12-08
Milendophe Duperier and Vanessa Joseph, a Massachusetts couple, agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for operating a $3.2 million Ponzi scheme from 2018 to 2022, in which Duperier falsely posed as an investment advisor to solicit money from victims, particularly members of the Haitian community. The pair used investor funds for personal purchases (luxury vehicles, mortgage and credit card payments) and to pay earlier investors, supplementing the scheme with over $1.42 million in fraudulently obtained COVID-19 Small Business Administration and Paycheck Protection Program loans. Both defendants face up to 20 years
rlsmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
James J. Mastrogiovanni, a 44-year-old Washington Township man, pleaded guilty to multiple federal fraud charges for orchestrating schemes that included submitting false tax returns claiming over $1.4 million in pandemic-related employment credits (resulting in $545,692 disbursed) and stealing more than $180,000 from an 85-year-old customer through unauthorized bank withdrawals. His accomplice, tax preparer Leon Haynes, faces separate charges for submitting over 1,600 fraudulent returns totaling $150 million. Mastrogiovanni faces sentencing on November 6, 2025, with potential sentences ranging from 5 to
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Jon Patrick Kubler, 52, of California was charged with securities fraud and money laundering for operating a $4 million investment scheme from 2017 to 2023 that defrauded approximately 30 elderly and vulnerable investors. Kubler, who lacked proper licensing, allegedly made false representations about commercial real estate investments, used Ponzi-style payments to create the illusion of profitability, and misused investor funds for personal expenses while also attempting to conceal an SEC investigation. He faces up to 20 years in prison for securities fraud and 10 years for money laundering, and the SEC has already obtained a civil judgment requiring him to disgorge funds and pay penalties
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP New York is advocating for passage of legislation (S.6379/A.7019) that would allow banks to place holds on suspicious transactions and refer cases to law enforcement to prevent elder financial fraud. According to an FBI report, scams targeting New Yorkers age 60 and older resulted in over $257 million in losses from more than 6,200 victims in 2024, an increase from $203 million stolen from 4,300 victims in 2023. The proposed measure, already adopted by 24 other states, would train financial institution employees to identify and intervene in cases of financial exploitation before transactions are completed.
ice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Eight individuals with ties to China were indicted for orchestrating a transnational elder fraud scheme that defrauded approximately 300 victims across at least 37 states and Canada, with confirmed losses exceeding $5 million and an additional $16 million in suspected laundered funds. The scheme involved sending fake pop-up messages to seniors' computers impersonating technology companies and government agencies, then convincing victims to transfer funds via wire, cryptocurrency, or cash to protect their assets from alleged fraud or criminal investigations. Victims were also deceived into purchasing gold bars and handing them over to purported government couriers.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using AI voice-cloning software to impersonate grandchildren in phone calls to elderly victims on Long Island, claiming emergencies that require immediate money transfers or bail payments. Suffolk County Police report a growing number of cases where victims have lost thousands of dollars, with over 3,000 scams reported in 2023 resulting in $126 million stolen from seniors across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Police recommend establishing family "safe words," verifying caller identity through direct contact, and remaining cautious about emotional money requests involving secrecy.
asaaseradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Ghanaian socialite Hajia4Reall (Mona Faiz Montrage) was released from federal detention in Philadelphia in May 2025 after serving a one-year sentence for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded approximately 40 victims of over $1.3 million between 2013 and 2019. The scheme involved elaborate false narratives about gold shipments, fake FBI investigations, and fabricated military recovery stories, and she was ordered to pay $1,387,458 in restitution plus $216,475 in forfeiture while serving three years of supervised release.
asaaseradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams and sexual extortion cases in Ghana have increased by over 300% in the past year, according to the Cyber Security Experts Association of Ghana, with scammers using emotional manipulation and fabricated identities to defraud victims of large sums of money, often by faking medical emergencies. The actual number of victims is likely far higher due to underreporting driven by shame, and cases result in devastating consequences including financial ruin and long-term psychological trauma. Ghana's Cybersecurity Act 2020 criminalizes such activities with penalties up to 25 years, but experts emphasize the need for expanded public education, victim support services, and more trained cybersecurity
gript.ie
· 2025-12-08
Irish police (An Garda Síochána) warn the public about romance scams, in which fraudsters build fake online relationships to extract money from victims over extended periods. Reported cases include a Dutch woman whose account was used to launder stolen money after a three-year fake relationship, and an Irish woman who lost €48,000 to a romance scammer over 13 months; scammers typically request money for travel costs, medical emergencies, or business investments, with amounts escalating as trust builds. Gardaí emphasize that many victims delay reporting due to embarrassment and are working with Europol to disrupt organized romance scam operations.
cascadiadaily.com
· 2025-12-08
A Whatcom County resident lost more than $100,000 to a California man who impersonated federal agents (claiming to be from the Federal Office of the Inspector General) between April and May, convincing the victim that money needed to be transferred to a federal reserve for safekeeping due to alleged money laundering and drug trafficking concerns. The suspect was arrested on May 20 and charged with first-degree theft; he is believed to be part of a larger criminal organization perpetrating multi-million dollar fraud schemes nationwide. Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate agencies never request money or valuables over the phone and urged people to verify any official claims directly with the agency.
lamilano.it
· 2025-12-08
An 85-year-old man in Messina, Italy was defrauded of €10,000 by a 20-year-old scammer and accomplice who impersonated a Carabiniere and lawyer, claiming the victim's son was involved in a traffic accident requiring bail. The suspect was arrested with the full amount in cash, and his accomplice was identified with approximately €1,000 in proceeds and valuables. This case is part of an ongoing crackdown by Messina's Carabinieri, who have arrested 17 people for elder fraud since 2024 and emphasize that citizens should immediately call 112 if contacted by anyone claiming
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Julie Anne Darrah, a 52-year-old California investment adviser, stole over $2.2 million from elderly clients between November 2016 and July 2023 by gaining control of their accounts through power of attorney and trustee documents, then liquidating their assets without authorization. She spent the stolen funds on luxury vehicles and properties, leaving some victims without resources for end-of-life care, and also defrauded a Minnesota investment firm of approximately $5.4 million through false statements. Darrah pleaded guilty to wire fraud in March 2025 and was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, with a civil judgment requiring her to pay $2,416,