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wnegradio.com
The BBB warns of an ongoing phishing scam where callers impersonate process servers, claiming victims have unpaid debts, liens on their homes, or are involved in fictitious court cases to pressure them into revealing sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Scammers use intimidation tactics, threats of arrest, and claims of imminent home visits to create urgency, sometimes also targeting family members and friends; their goal is identity theft rather than legal service. Consumers should be wary of unsolicited calls with scare tactics and verify claims independently through official channels before providing any personal information.
inquisitr.com
A widespread scam targets Social Security recipients, particularly vulnerable seniors living alone and dependent on benefits for survival. Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration officials via phone calls, texts, or emails, falsely claiming account problems or requesting verification of information to obtain personal data (Social Security numbers, bank details) or money directly through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The key warning signs include unsolicited contact, payment demands, pressure tactics, and suspicious links or misspellings; the legitimate SSA communicates only by postal mail and does not solicit sensitive information unsolicited.
zamin.uz
Cyber fraud takes multiple forms with gender-based vulnerability patterns: women are disproportionately targeted by romance scams (54.9% of victims, 75.3% of financial losses), while men over 30 are more susceptible to investment and cryptocurrency fraud schemes. Other prevalent scams include fake online stores, technical support impersonation (which particularly affects older adults), with protection requiring caution against promises of quick profits or online emotional intimacy.
aol.com
Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, of Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages mailed by elderly victims of a Jamaican lottery telemarketing scam between 2019 and 2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating senior citizen scams, used his position to intercept approximately 1,950 flagged packages, launder the proceeds through money orders and multiple bank accounts, and even framed a subordinate for a separate $7,000 evidence locker theft. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud and mail frau
tampafp.com
**Scam Type:** Mail interception fraud and money laundering related to Jamaican lottery scheme targeting elderly victims
**What Happened:** Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, was arrested and indicted on 45 counts for allegedly stealing over $330,000 in cash from approximately 1,950 packages sent by elderly victims of a Jamaican telemarketing scam between 2019-2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit tasked with investigating scams targeting seniors, allegedly used his position to intercept victim mail, launder proceeds through money orders and multiple bank deposits, steal $7,000
straitstimes.com
A Singaporean woman in her 40s named Sabrina lost $250,000 to scammers impersonating Shanghai police officers who claimed she was involved in a money laundering scheme and threatened her with arrest and deportation to China. Despite her bank accounts being frozen and Singapore police warning her of the scam, she persisted in withdrawing her life savings and handed the cash to a stranger at a park; Singapore police recovered the money two weeks later. Government official impersonation scams surged dramatically in the first half of 2025, with victims losing $126.5 million compared to $67.2 million in the same period of 2024.
globalvoices.org
In 2024, Brazilian scammers used deepfake videos impersonating well-known TV journalists and broadcasters to promote a fake government program called "Resgata Brasil," claiming victims of data breaches or people with forgotten bank funds could receive up to 7,000 reales (approximately $1,300 USD) in compensation. The phishing scheme tricked victims into clicking malicious links and surrendering personal data, with journalist Sandra Annenberg among those whose images and voices were illegitimately used in the fraudulent videos. The scam reflects a broader digital security crisis in Brazil, where nearly one-quarter of citizens over 16 fell victim to digital fraud schemes between
brobible.com
A TikTok user reported falling victim to a solar panel installation scam after a door-to-door salesman falsely claimed Virginia's government would pay for panels, with only installation costs required. The family took out a predatory loan with hidden interest charges and was forced to replace their roof, leaving them in substantial debt with a substandard system lacking battery backup. Solar scams are widespread nationwide, involving false government program claims, predatory loans with misleading terms, incomplete installations, and hidden fees; consumers should avoid door-to-door salespeople, verify companies through the BBB, and report suspected fraud to the FTC, CFPB, or state consumer protection offices.
asiaone.com
Singapore reported a 12.6% decrease in total scam losses ($456.4 million in H1 2025 vs. $522.4 million in H1 2024) and a 26% decline in overall scam cases (19,665 vs. 26,563), marking the first decline since 2021. However, the median loss per case increased to $1,500, and elderly victims (age 65+) who comprised 15% of cases suffered the highest per-victim losses at $33,672, with government impersonation scams nearly tripling to 1,762 cases and phishing scams seeing losses jump 134% to $
channelnewsasia.com
In the first half of 2025, Singapore reported 19,665 scam cases with S$456.4 million in losses—a 26% and 12.6% decrease respectively from the same period in 2024. The top scams include phishing (up 134% in losses), government official impersonation (cases tripled), investment scams (highest losses at S$145.4 million), and a newly identified insurance services scam (791 cases, S$21.3 million lost), where fraudsters impersonate insurance employees to extract personal details and payments.
foxnews.com
Scott Kelley, a 51-year-old former U.S. Postal Inspection Service team leader who oversaw the Mail Fraud Unit, was charged with stealing over $330,000 from packages sent by elderly scam victims (averaging age 75) and laundering the money for personal use including home renovations, vacations, and escort services. Between 2019 and 2023, Kelley allegedly deceived postal employees into intercepting approximately 1,950 packages from victims of a Jamaican lottery scam, opened them without authorization, and stole the cash inside—none of which was recovered by the victims. Kelley faces up to 20 years
ktvq.com
An 85-year-old Billings woman lost $130,000 in a PayPal scam that began in April when she received a fraudulent email claiming fraudulent activity on her account; the scammer, posing as "Mark," convinced her to withdraw cash from ATMs multiple times by claiming he needed to credit back money to her account. The FBI reported that over 147,000 elderly Americans lost more than $4.8 billion in elder-abuse related scams last year, and experts note that scammers target seniors by building trust, isolating them from others, and exploiting their politeness and tendency to follow instructions. Prevention efforts are underway, including scam awareness workshops being hel
cordcuttersnews.com
The Phantom Hacker Scam, enhanced by artificial intelligence, has defrauded seniors across the United States of over $1 billion since 2024 through a three-phase scheme: scammers posing as tech support gain remote computer access, then impersonate bank representatives to convince victims to transfer funds to fake "secure" accounts, and finally pose as government officials to move money into "alias" accounts. AI enables criminals to personalize attacks using social media information, making detection difficult and often resulting in complete loss of victims' retirement savings and life savings. Experts recommend family education, verification of unsolicited contacts, and avoiding remote access software as protective measures.
shorenewsnetwork.com
**Summary:**
Scott Kelley, a 51-year-old former team leader at the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Boston, was indicted on 45 federal counts for intercepting nearly 2,000 packages containing over $330,000 in cash from elderly victims (mostly in their 70s and 80s) of Jamaican lottery scams between 2019 and August 2023. Kelley used his position to redirect flagged parcels to himself, opened them without authorization, and spent the stolen money on luxury items including home improvements, cruises, and escorts, while laundering the funds through money orders and structured bank deposits. He faces charges including mail
abc.net.au
A Western Australian resident lost nearly $250,000 in a sophisticated phone scam where someone impersonated the Australian Cyber Security Centre, convincing the victim their money was at risk and using remote access software to control their computer over several months from January to December 2024. The scammers, believed to be based overseas, used a local contact to meet the victim in person and facilitate cash transfers, ATM withdrawals, and gift card purchases, a tactic that experts note is becoming increasingly common as victims grow more aware of traditional email and phone scams. Police are investigating the case as part of a broader trend in Australia, where nearly 250,000 scams were reported in 2024
goldrushcam.com
The Amador County Sheriff's Office warned the public of an ongoing telephone scam in which callers impersonate the Sheriff and demand payment for alleged missed federal grand jury duty. The Sheriff's Office clarified that they do not request payments over the phone for jury duty or any other matter, and urged recipients of such calls to hang up and contact the Sheriff's Office at 209-223-6500 rather than providing personal information or making payments.
wifr.com
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to remain vigilant against seasonal scams during the Labor Day weekend, noting that scammers exploit holiday distractions and increased spending activity. Common Labor Day scams include fake vacation rental listings, counterfeit event tickets, fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate sales, phishing emails and texts, door-to-door contractor schemes, and fake charities. The BBB recommends verifying vendors and websites, booking through trusted platforms, using official ticket vendors, researching charities before donating, and avoiding unsolicited ads and links.
silive.com
Scam text messages originating from China have reached epidemic levels worldwide, using disguises like missed package alerts and unpaid tolls to steal passwords and money through five primary schemes: package delivery fraud, fake job offers, phony fraud alerts, toll payment scams, and romance/investment scams. Apple's new iOS 26 feature addresses the problem by filtering suspected spam messages into a separate folder that blocks links and prevents replies, while the FTC advises consumers to avoid clicking links, replying to unknown texts, and to verify requests through independently confirmed contact information.
nypost.com
Scott Kelley, a 51-year-old former US Postal Inspection Service team leader who oversaw the Mail Fraud Unit from 2015-2023, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing more than $330,000 from packages sent by elderly scam victims (average age 75) and using the funds for personal expenses including home renovations, escorts, and vacations. Kelley allegedly manipulated postal workers into intercepting approximately 1,950 packages flagged as belonging to lottery scam victims, then laundered the stolen cash through money orders and multiple bank deposits while never returning any funds to the victims. He faces up to 20 years in prison on
theguardian.com
Scammers are impersonating HMRC through emails, texts, and automated calls claiming recipients have overpaid taxes and are owed refunds, or conversely owe money, with urgent deadlines to create panic. HMRC received over 170,000 scam reports in the year to July 31st, with more than 47,000 involving fake refunds, and victims are directed to click malicious links that mimic official gov.uk websites to steal personal and banking information. The agency advises never clicking links in unsolicited messages, verifying requests through your official tax account, and reporting suspected scams to HMRC directly.
techradar.com
AI impersonation scams have surged 148% in 2025, with cybercriminals using voice cloning and deepfake video technology to impersonate trusted individuals—family members, executives, and officials—through calls, video meetings, messages, and emails to solicit urgent payments or sensitive information. Notable cases include a $25 million fraud targeting UK engineering firm Arup employees who were deceived by a deepfake CEO impersonation, and scammers successfully evading detection in nearly 48% of AI-generated phishing attempts. Experts recommend independent identity verification and multi-factor authentication as key defenses against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
wvlt.tv
The Sweetwater Police Department warned of a scam involving a fake Facebook profile falsely claiming that permits had been issued for people to collect money at the intersection of Highways 68 and 11. The department clarified that no such permits exist or will be issued, and that any solicitation at that location is illegal. Police urged the public to report the fraudulent profile and posts.
disneydining.com
A devoted General Hospital fan lost her entire life savings totaling $350,000 in a romance scam involving AI-generated videos and messages impersonating actor Steve Burton. Abigail Ruvalcaba was manipulated over more than a year into an emotionally invested fake relationship, eventually selling her family home and transferring the proceeds to the scammer before the fraud was discovered by her daughter. The victim now faces eviction as the property cannot be recovered despite the family's attempts to buy it back from the new owners.
atlantablackstar.com
A 66-year-old "General Hospital" fan, Abigail Ruvalcaba, lost her home and life savings totaling over $81,000 after a scammer used AI-generated videos impersonating actor Steve Burton to convince her they were in a romantic relationship via Facebook and WhatsApp. Ruvalcaba was even persuaded to sell her family's $350,000 condo to send money to the scammer, though her daughter intervened before the final $70,000 transfer was completed. Actor Steve Burton confirmed that hundreds of his fans have fallen victim to similar scams and publicly urged followers to be cautious, stating he would never request money from them
foxnews.com
Phishing scams are increasingly using fake DocuSign emails impersonating major companies like Apple to trick victims into calling fraudulent support numbers. These convincing emails include fabricated receipts, order IDs, and DocuSign links with security codes, but scammers use the provided phone numbers to steal personal information, banking details, or convince victims to download remote access software. Users can protect themselves by verifying sender email addresses, knowing that legitimate companies do not send receipts through DocuSign, and avoiding clicking suspicious links or calling numbers in unsolicited emails.
wfaa.com
A Plano man fell victim to "cash trapping," a scheme where a suspect places a metal device over an ATM's cash slot, causing customers to hear money dispensing but never receive it. The suspect, Romanian national Ionut Aurel Iova, would then remove the device and steal the cash after victims left; he was arrested in Houston and faces multiple charges after at least two confirmed incidents at a Bank of America location. Police urge ATM users to report malfunctions immediately rather than leaving, as there may be additional unreported victims.
escalontimes.com
This educational article reports that online scams caused a record $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, with 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments) and describes six prevalent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that specifically target seniors. Awareness of these warning signs can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
theriverbanknews.com
This educational article reports that scams cost Americans $16.6 billion in 2024, with 73 percent of U.S. adults experiencing online scams or attacks. The piece outlines common red flags—unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments—and describes prominent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that particularly target elderly individuals.
finance.yahoo.com
A financial expert shares insights on common scams targeting individuals and businesses, with particular focus on the "emergency bank fraud" call scam where fraudsters impersonate bank employees to trick victims into moving funds to fraudulent accounts. One client lost $25,000 after receiving such a call, while another lost $50,000 due to password reuse that allowed scammers access to multiple accounts. The expert recommends protection measures including unique passwords managed through password managers, multifactor authentication on all accounts, and staying informed about current scam tactics to recognize red flags before falling victim.
wired.com
This article explains how scammers exploit Google Forms to conduct phishing attacks by creating authentic-looking forms that mimic legitimate organizations and request sensitive information like login credentials or payment details. The scam typically begins with a phishing email (sometimes from a compromised legitimate account) directing victims to a Google Forms link, which bypasses security protections because it uses Google's genuine servers and URL. Protection requires verifying unexpected requests by contacting the sender directly, avoiding entering passwords or payment information into any Google Form, and recognizing red flags like basic formatting or Google's disclaimer messages at the bottom of forms.
forbes.com
Tech support scams cost consumers $1.464 billion in 2024, with scammers impersonating major tech company representatives and tricking victims—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—into believing their computers have security problems requiring expensive paid services. Common tactics include fraudulent pop-ups with phone numbers, phony calls with spoofed caller IDs, and requests for remote computer access or cryptocurrency payments; legitimate tech companies never initiate contact about security problems, request remote access, or demand cryptocurrency payment. One Massachusetts man was nearly defrauded of $12,000 through a cryptocurrency ATM before an off-duty police officer intervened.
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
A Cape Coral resident fell victim to a text message scam impersonating the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, claiming he owed $6.69 for a toll violation and threatening license revocation. Over 12,000 similar government impersonation scams were reported in Florida this year, resulting in losses exceeding $26 million. Authorities advise verifying such messages by contacting toll agencies directly, avoiding clicking links or sharing financial information, and reporting suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission.
wbay.com
During back-to-school shopping season, scammers are targeting online shoppers through fake websites and social media ads offering counterfeit or non-existent items at appealing prices. The Better Business Bureau reports numerous complaints including cases where consumers lost money purchasing counterfeit Labubbi dolls ($88) and fake brand-name shoes, with some websites disappearing after the transaction. Consumers are advised to verify website legitimacy, use credit cards for protection, research sellers and reviews, examine URLs carefully, and report suspicious activity to the BBB Scam Tracker or FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
tnonline.com
The Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania warns of sophisticated "phantom hacker" scams targeting seniors, which involve multiple phases of social engineering where criminals impersonate tech support, bank representatives, and government officials to manipulate victims into transferring funds or granting computer access. Nearly half of victims nationwide are over 60, with seniors representing two-thirds of losses totaling over $1 billion, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make attacks more convincing. Experts advise families to educate seniors on red flags—such as requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards—and to report suspicious contacts to local FBI offices or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
azfreenews.com
A 2024 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona residents will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with reported losses alone estimated at $558 million plus $3.4 billion in unreported incidents—representing a 384 percent increase in reported fraud losses since 2020. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, while the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) is 30 percent higher than the national average. The report warns that fraud creates broader economic damage costing the state approximately 45,000 jobs and reducing GDP by $5.2
azfreenews.com
A 2025 analysis by the Common Sense Institute projects that Arizona will lose over $4 billion to financial fraud, with only about 14 percent of cases being reported; in 2024 alone, Arizonans reported nearly 55,000 fraud cases resulting in $521 million in losses. Adults 60 and older are disproportionately affected, accounting for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with the average loss per incident in Arizona ($6,270) nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. The report estimates that fraud-related losses shrink Arizona's GDP by $5.2 billion annually and cost the state over 45,000
azfreenews.com
Arizona residents are projected to lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2025, with the average loss per incident at $6,270—nearly 30 percent higher than the national average. Adults 60 and older account for two-thirds of internet-based fraud losses, with those 70 and older suffering the highest average dollar losses, according to a Common Sense Institute analysis. Fraud schemes include identity theft, phishing, romance scams, wire transfer fraud, and elder financial abuse, with experts warning that risks will grow as more commerce moves online.
niagarafallsreview.ca
Sandy Simoncic of Grimsby, Ontario, was placed on probation for her role in an elaborate online romance scam that defrauded a Georgetown woman of $312,000 in early 2023. Simoncic herself was a victim of the same scam ring, losing $50,000 of her own money while transferring over $350,000 in fraudulent funds at the request of a man posing as "Dave Brunner"; she became "wilfully blind" to the suspicious nature of transactions despite bank warnings, eventually losing her home and vehicle. The actual perpetrator who profited from the scheme remains at large and was not charged.
saharareporters.com
Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian citizen, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2025, to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering for operating a romance scam that defrauded American women of over $405,000 between July 2017 and December 2018. Using the fake persona "Larry Pham," Inweregbu and his co-conspirators targeted middle-aged female victims on dating sites and social media, cultivating fake romantic relationships to extract money through various pretexts before laundering the proceeds through intermediaries. He faces up to twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $
pahouse.com
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a newsletter from a Pennsylvania state representative discussing budget negotiations, school year wishes, labor unions, and community events. While it mentions an "Elder Fraud Prevention Seminar" scheduled for 9/23, this is merely a calendar listing, not substantive content about fraud or elder abuse.
This does not meet the content criteria for the Elderus research database.
states.aarp.org
This AARP educational piece emphasizes three key protective measures against fraud: recognizing that most scams are run by organized international criminal networks (not individuals), taking proactive financial safeguards like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and credit freezes, and reporting fraud to local police and the FBI's IC3.gov to help expose the true scale of the problem. The article also highlights emerging threats including AI-powered deepfake scams in banking, peer-to-peer payment app fraud (where scammers impersonate loved ones or create fake transactions), and identity theft, while advocating for federal legislation to combat AI-enabled financial crimes.
wowt.com
Text message scams are rapidly increasing, costing Americans $470 million last year, with common schemes involving fake package deliveries, job offers, bank alerts, toll notices, and DMV impersonations designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or divulging personal information. The BBB advises consumers to be suspicious of unsolicited texts—especially those demanding immediate action—to never share personal information with unknown senders, and to report suspicious messages to the BBB Scam Tracker or Internet Crime Complaint Center.
virginmedia.com
This article outlines common social media scams including fake friend requests and impersonation accounts, malicious app downloads, data-harvesting quizzes, romance fraud, and investment/crypto schemes. Key warning signs include unrealistic offers, pressure to act quickly, suspicious requests for money or personal information, suspicious links, poor grammar, and low-quality profile photos. Users are advised to verify unfamiliar accounts, download apps only from official sources, avoid sharing financial information with online-only contacts, and be skeptical of guaranteed investment returns.
krebsonsecurity.com
Hundreds of fraudulent online gambling websites have proliferated through a Russian affiliate program called "Gambler Panel" that lures victims with fake $2,500 credits advertised via social media with celebrity endorsements. The scam traps users into depositing cryptocurrency (typically $100) for "verification" before cashing out winnings, then pressures them into additional losing bets until their funds are depleted. Gambler Panel operates an organized operation with over 20,000 affiliates earning commissions per victim deposit, providing detailed instructions and marketing templates specifically designed to exploit players across social media platforms.
doj.state.or.us
The Oregon Department of Justice warned of scammers impersonating lawyers to defraud victims, with two reported cases resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. In one case, a victim met someone on the dating app Hinge who posed as an attorney offering investment services and transferred funds; in another, scammers gained unauthorized access to attorney and client email accounts to intercept a $700,000+ settlement payment using false wiring instructions. The advisory recommends verifying legal and financial communications through direct phone contact with known numbers and advises victims to report incidents to the FBI, local police, and financial regulatory agencies.
ctnewsjunkie.com
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued a warning to students about job recruitment scams involving fake emails and texts impersonating companies like Tesla and Indeed.com, promising unrealistic pay for minimal work. Scammers attempt to obtain personal information like Social Security numbers, application fees, or trick victims into depositing fake checks and transferring funds. The advisory provides red flags including suspicious sender addresses, foreign country codes, requests for payment, and urgency tactics, along with steps to verify legitimate opportunities through official company contacts and career services offices.
linkedin.com
In 2024, older Americans reported losses totaling approximately $700 million across fraud schemes of varying sizes, with the largest losses occurring in scams exceeding $100,000 ($445 million), followed by scams between $10,000-$100,000 ($214 million), and smaller scams under $10,000 ($41 million). These figures highlight the significant financial impact of fraud targeting seniors across all scam price points.
masslive.com
Ralph Damico and 14 other seniors attended a Comcast "Cyber Savvy" educational session in Longmeadow where they learned to avoid online scams through strategies like not clicking unknown links, avoiding unrecognized phone calls, and using strong passwords. The event highlighted that elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023, with seniors aged 60+ losing over $3.4 billion that year—an average of $33,915 per victim—and being scammed 500% more frequently than people under 20.
goldrushcam.com
The Placer County Sheriff's Office warns of increasing fake tech support scams targeting seniors, where scammers impersonate Microsoft, Apple, and other legitimate companies by calling with claims of computer problems and requesting remote access to demand payment for unnecessary repairs. The advisory emphasizes that legitimate companies never initiate unsolicited calls about viruses and advises residents to hang up on unexpected tech support calls, avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups, never grant remote access to unknown parties, and consult trusted family members or local police when uncertain.
mercurynews.com
YouTubers conducting "scambait" sting operations in 2020-2021 provided crucial evidence that helped federal prosecutors dismantle a Chinese organized crime group that defrauded more than 2,000 elderly victims of approximately $65 million across the United States. The scheme, operated primarily by Chinese nationals working with Indian call centers, targeted seniors (average age 70+) through phone calls, emails, and pop-up ads, using social engineering tactics to trick victims into wire transfers, cash shipments, and gift card payments by impersonating bank employees or government officials. Twenty-five of 28 indicted defendants were arrested and face federal charges including mail fraud, wire fraud,