Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
10,158 results
in Scam Awareness
verywellmind.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide explains romance scams, a type of fraud where criminals build fake romantic relationships to extract money from victims. The article outlines common tactics (including catfishing), warning signs, and vulnerable populations targeted by scammers, while noting that the FTC reported $304 million in losses from romance scams in 2020—a 50% increase from 2019. The guide provides advice on protecting oneself and recovering from romance fraud, emphasizing that victims should not be blamed for falling for such schemes.
marketplace.org
· 2025-12-08
This podcast episode features threat researcher Selena Larson discussing common online scams targeting teenagers, including sextortion/blackmail, job and scholarship scams, malware-laden game advertisements, shopping imposter scams, phishing attacks, and payment app fraud. Larson explains that scammers use social engineering techniques to manipulate teens emotionally—posing as authority figures, attractive individuals, or legitimate businesses—to trick them into sending money, compromising photos, or sensitive information. Key red flags include unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true, requests for payment upfront, and pressure to act quickly.
news.harvard.edu
· 2025-12-08
Online scams cost American consumers $12.5 billion last year, a 22 percent increase, with cybercriminals using sophisticated psychological tactics that can affect anyone regardless of age, intelligence, or education. According to cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier, scammers' methods are fundamentally unchanged from historical cons, but technology has dramatically increased the scale and speed of attacks through fake social media ads, phishing emails, and AI-generated content. Cryptocurrency has made scams more profitable and harder to prevent because transactions cannot be reversed or monitored by traditional banking safeguards.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This article warns consumers about solar panel installation scams where salespeople falsely claim government programs will cover all costs or promise free installations with no electricity bills. The FTC advises homeowners to research reputable licensed providers, avoid advance fees and high-pressure sales tactics, and carefully review contracts before signing, as dishonest companies often disappear after collecting upfront payments without completing work.
cybersecurityconnect.com.au
· 2025-12-08
An Australian woman named Rebecca Jade Silk was identified as an alleged physical stand-in in a sophisticated romance scam operated from Ghana that defrauded a 75-year-old American radiologist of $700,000. Scam ring leader Alfred Kwame Ayivor posed online as an Australian woman named "Grace Erskine" to romance the victim, and hired Silk to impersonate Erskine during in-person meetings in the United States and Ghana, where she posed as someone offering him a stake in a gold mine. Ayivor died in custody before trial in 2019, while Silk was located in Australia in 2024 but refused to
gantnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in Henderson Township, Jefferson County, lost $5,000 in a phone scam on September 23. Pennsylvania State Police are seeking information about the incident, which occurred at a residence along Route 410 around 3:56 p.m.
sbs.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A young mother of Indian origin lost $225,000 to a work-from-home job scam after being recruited through a Facebook messenger group to review hotels online; she was instructed to book hotels with her own money using a fake platform and make cryptocurrency payments that were never reimbursed despite promises of commission. Victoria police report dozens of similar victims have lost over $1 million in 2023, with people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities accounting for 12.7 percent of targeted scam losses, and authorities warn against any online arrangement requiring upfront payments in digital currency or via bank transfer.
columbusjewishnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article does not contain information about scams, fraud, or elder abuse, so it falls outside the scope of Elderus database summaries. The content focuses on an FBI official's background in national security, community Chanukah celebrations, and an obituary notice.
thevalleyledger.com
· 2025-12-08
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie partnered with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to host a free educational seminar on identity theft targeting older residents in the 187th Legislative District. The October 10 event, led by senior protection director Dave Shallcross, covered how to recognize scams, protect personal information, and respond to identity theft.
fhtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fountain View Village Senior Living Community in Fountain Hills hosted a fraud prevention seminar on October 3 as part of National Cybersecurity Month, featuring Tiffany Lam from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The seminar educated seniors on recognizing and avoiding scams, highlighting five red flags including unexpected results, unrealistic promises, scare tactics, urgent demands, untraceable payments, and suspicious communication. Arizona ranks sixth nationally for fraud losses, with seniors losing approximately $128 million in 2023.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Rancho Cordova woman lost $9,000 to a scam after being deceived by a fake bank alert on her computer directing her to call a fraudulent number; the scammers kept her on the phone while she withdrew cash and deposited it into a Bitcoin machine. A Call Kurtis volunteer discovered the woman's bank failed to follow its own fraud-prevention protocol of questioning customers before allowing such transactions, and the bank issued a full refund after this oversight was identified.
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A U.S. man lost $700,000 in an elaborate romance scam orchestrated from Ghana. CBS News investigation revealed that sophisticated overseas romance scams—which have evolved from simple "Nigerian Prince" emails—are costing Americans over $10 billion annually, with scammers operating from "boiler rooms" in Ghana where young men pose as attractive women on dating apps to target lonely, older American victims, with criminal syndicates taking large cuts of the money extracted.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scammers are posting fake positions on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn that appear legitimate, offering attractive salaries and remote work to lure victims into providing personal information and money. A Green Bay man fell victim to a fake job posting impersonating Ohio nonprofit Battelle, receiving a fraudulent employment contract and a $4,500 check request before verifying the scam directly with the company. The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau reports that job scams cost consumers over $800 million in 2023, with victims primarily ages 18-44, and advises job seekers to verify postings directly on company websites, use company email addresses, and never share personal information with unknown contacts.
cbsaustin.com
· 2025-12-08
The Travis County Attorney's Office warned of a phone scam where callers impersonate office staff and claim victims have outstanding warrants or criminal charges, then request payment via QR codes or directing victims to ATM-like machines near gas stations. The Travis County Attorney's Office does not solicit payments by phone and urges residents to call (512) 854-9415 to verify any such calls before providing money.
ksfr.org
· 2025-12-08
As the 2023-24 election cycle approaches record spending of over $10 billion, scammers are exploiting the climate to defraud citizens through various election-related schemes. Common scams include fraudulent Political Action Committees posing as candidate fundraisers, illegal robocalls using AI-generated voices, impersonation calls claiming to be from county clerk offices requesting personal information, and fake pollster calls offering payment in exchange for personal data. Experts advise verifying legitimacy through proper PAC procedures, refusing unsolicited calls requesting contributions, never providing personal information to unverified callers, and reporting suspicious election-related communications to authorities.
gmtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Jackson Police Department warned of a court scam in which fraudsters use spoofed caller IDs to impersonate law enforcement and claim victims have missed court-ordered activities, threatening arrest. Scammers target individuals with public records (recent arrests, those on bond, sex offender registries) and falsely claim missed appointments such as DNA sample submissions, though no legitimate letter or appointment ever existed. To protect themselves, citizens can verify warrants through Wisconsin's online court records (wicourts.gov) and driving status through the Wisconsin DOT, and should remember that courts never accept payment via bitcoin, gift cards, or home pickup of bail money.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Broadcaster Moira Stuart nearly fell victim to an authorized push payment (APP) fraud scam when someone impersonating her bank convinced her to transfer money to a "safe" account, but bank staff intervened and stopped the transaction. APP fraud incidents exceeded 230,000 cases in the most recent year, resulting in £460 million in losses, with fraudsters increasingly using artificial intelligence and evolving tactics including purchase scams, investment schemes, romance scams, and impersonation fraud targeting energy suppliers and tax authorities. Banks are struggling to refund victims, and regulators have capped APP scam refunds at £85,000 starting October 7.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns that cryptocurrency and investment scammers are increasingly sophisticated, with recent research showing $75.3 billion moved into suspicious exchange accounts including $15.2 billion from U.S. investors. Key warning signs include unsolicited contact via phone/email/social media, promises of unrealistic returns with little risk, pressure to act quickly, and overly complicated strategies that only the scammer can explain. The article advises verifying investment professionals' credentials through FINRA BrokerCheck or SEC databases and being skeptical of any opportunity that sounds too good to be true.
cardanofeed.com
· 2025-12-08
A fraudulent wallet app impersonating WalletConnect was available on Google Play Store for four months, stealing over $70,000 in cryptocurrency through phishing scams that duped approximately 150 of its 10,000 users into approving unauthorized transactions. The scam highlights ongoing threats in the cryptocurrency space, though overall crypto fraud losses declined 40% in Q3 2024 compared to the prior year.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old woman in Petaling Jaya lost approximately RM670,994 in cash, jewelry, and gold bars after scammers convinced her that her identity was involved in cybercrime and money laundering, then visited her home posing as police to collect her valuables. The scam occurred between September 20-27, 2024, and highlights a broader trend showing that senior citizens aged 61 and older accounted for 8.9% of online scam victims from January-August 2024, but suffered 27.9% of total losses (RM255,367,680). Police urge families to warn elderly relatives to be vigilant and avoid surren
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
A West Orange, NJ resident lost nearly $400,000 to a "Norton Scam" that began with a fraudulent email claiming they owed money to Norton Antivirus. The scammers gained remote access to the victim's computer, manipulated the screen to change a $300 payment to $300,000, then directed them to call a fake bank number where additional funds were extracted through wire transfers and gold coin purchases. Detective Ryan Funk identified 33-year-old Jaynesh Patel as a suspect in the investigation.
siliconeer.com
· 2025-12-08
Imposter scams—where criminals impersonate trusted businesses or government agencies—are the most common type of fraud reported to the FTC, with 360,000 cases in the first half of 2024 alone resulting in $1.3 billion in losses (median $800 per victim). Losses from government and business impersonation scams have surged dramatically, from $370 million combined in 2020 to over $1.3 billion by 2023, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics including fake urgency, unusual payment methods like Bitcoin ATMs, and threats of arrest or deportation. The FTC's new Impersonation Rule
wgem.com
· 2025-12-08
First Baptist Church in Quincy held an educational seminar to help senior citizens recognize and avoid phone scams, particularly impersonation scams involving fake IRS calls. Guest speaker Don O'Brien from the Better Business Bureau advised attendees to question callers about details only legitimate government employees would know and to never share payment information or money with suspicious callers. Pastor Orville Jones emphasized that technology education is essential for seniors to protect themselves while remaining connected in modern society.
kchanews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Floyd County Sheriff's Office issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent calls targeting senior citizens, where scammers claim a family member has been arrested and demand cash bail to be picked up by a courier. The Sheriff's Office clarified that legitimate bail payments are only accepted in person at their office or jail, and urged victims or those receiving such calls to report them to local law enforcement and never provide personal information or money over the phone.
decripto.org
· 2025-12-08
US authorities recovered over $6 million in stolen cryptocurrencies from Southeast Asian fraudsters who targeted multiple victims through text messages, dating apps, and investment groups, directing them to fake investment platforms that promised high returns. The FBI used blockchain technology to trace the stolen funds, and Tether assisted by blocking the scammers' wallets, enabling rapid recovery despite the international complexity of the case. This recovery highlights a larger crisis: cryptocurrency investment scams caused $3.9 billion in losses in 2023, with fraudsters often targeting vulnerable individuals desperate for investment opportunities, including some who took additional mortgages on their homes.
technologyforyou.org
· 2025-12-08
Malwarebytes research found that over 66% of survey respondents were targeted by romance scams, with 10% of victims losing more than $10,000 and 3% losing $100,000 or more, while 94% were unable to recover their losses. The scams predominantly target individuals over 55 (74%) and males (56%), though younger demographics are also affected, with 26% of victims engaging with scammers for extended periods—some relationships lasting a year or longer. Key protective measures include verifying identities, keeping personal information private, consulting trusted third parties before financial transactions, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using fake "card declined" messages on fraudulent websites and in phishing emails to trick consumers into entering payment information and personal details, then charging their accounts without authorization. The BBB and AAA have received multiple reports of consumers being charged unexpectedly despite receiving error messages suggesting their transactions failed. To protect yourself, verify website URLs and security features, research businesses before purchasing, avoid unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true, use credit cards for added fraud protection, and monitor your accounts for unauthorized charges.
newstopicnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are frequently targeted by scammers using untraceable payment methods like prepaid cards and wire transfers, with law enforcement noting these scams are largely preventable through awareness. Documented cases in Sanford included a 77-year-old man defrauded of $3,000 in iTunes cards by someone impersonating his granddaughter claiming to need bail money, and various lottery and inheritance scams sent to residents. Law enforcement agencies advise that any unsolicited request to pay money to receive money is a scam, recommend never sharing personal information over the phone, and note that legitimate government agencies would never demand payment via gift cards or money orders.
wbbjtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Sextortion scams are rapidly increasing, with the FBI reporting dramatic spikes in incidents targeting boys aged 14-17, where online criminals pose as attractive girls on social media to solicit nude photos and then blackmail victims with threats to share the images publicly. The scammers often continue demanding additional photos or money even after victims comply, and victims frequently remain silent due to fear and embarrassment, sometimes with tragic consequences. Parents are urged to educate children about the dangers of sharing intimate photos, and victims can report incidents to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
O2, the UK's largest phone network, has issued a scam alert warning customers about fraudulent activity targeting both iPhone and Android users, particularly during the busy pre-Christmas tech launch season. The scams involve criminals posing as O2 representatives to steal personal data, passwords, and bank details by offering too-good-to-be-true deals like steep discounts or free devices, then using the stolen information to fraudulently order phones in victims' names. O2 advises customers to never share sensitive information over phone or text, avoid clicking suspicious links, and report unexpected package deliveries or account changes directly to O2 rather than engaging with the scammers.
ktar.com
· 2025-12-08
A Komando staff member describes four active email scams currently circulating: a $40,000 fake invoice scheme that impersonates business contacts and uses social engineering to trick finance staff into payment; fake subscription receipt emails designed to extract credit card information or phone calls; sextortion scams threatening to share fabricated embarrassing footage unless victims pay Bitcoin; and direct deposit phishing emails attempting to steal banking information and business data. The article advises recipients to verify requests through established channels, be suspicious when normal approval procedures are bypassed, and recognize that scammers often lack the information they claim to possess.
fallriverreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
Two individuals were arrested and ordered detained for their roles in online scams targeting Rhode Island seniors. Jirui Liu, 22, of Canada, was charged in a scheme that defrauded a 79-year-old Narragansett man of approximately $165,000 (cash and gold bars) after a pop-up falsely claimed he was under investigation for child pornography and money laundering; Kush J. Patel, 22, of Connecticut, was charged in a separate scheme where a 72-year-old Tiverton man was defrauded of nearly $200,000 through similar tactics involving a fake FTC agent. Both perpetrators
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Senate's Special Committee On Aging held a hearing on elder financial fraud, featuring testimony from AARP's Kathy Stokes revealing that organized transnational crime rings operate like corporations, using emotional manipulation to bypass victims' logical thinking, and that identity fraud alone cost Americans $43 billion in 2023. Scammers are increasingly using AI to create convincing fake communications, emails, and deepfakes, making tech support scams and bank impostor scams harder to detect, though awareness of common tactics and red flags can help protect vulnerable adults.
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams are rising and have surpassed online shopping scams in complaints, according to a Better Business Bureau study. Scammers target victims' desire for easy money through complex cons involving false business opportunities or portfolio schemes, often convincing victims that bank employees are complicit in fraud to prevent them from seeking help from financial institutions. Experts recommend verifying investment opportunities through research, consulting trusted professionals at financial institutions, and avoiding pressure tactics or demands for immediate payment.
khqa.com
· 2025-12-08
First Baptist Church in Quincy, Illinois hosted a senior awareness seminar featuring a presentation by the Better Business Bureau on common phone and mail scams targeting older adults. Key advice emphasized thinking before acting, avoiding sharing personal information, and maintaining vigilance about suspicious communications—described as maintaining "eagle eyes" when answering calls and protecting sensitive data.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two individuals were charged in federal court for operating online scams targeting Rhode Island seniors. Jirui Liu, 22, of Canada, defrauded a 79-year-old man of $35,000 in cash and $130,000 in gold bars through a scheme involving fake pop-up warnings and impersonation of federal authorities; Kush J. Patel, 22, of Connecticut, defrauded a 72-year-old victim of approximately $363,000 in gold bullion using similar tactics. Both perpetrators were ordered detained and face charges including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering
newshub.medianet.com.au
· 2025-12-08
International Justice Mission (IJM) Australia presented evidence to a parliamentary committee highlighting social media companies' inadequate responses to crimes facilitated on their platforms, including livestreamed child sexual abuse and fraudulent job advertisements that lead to worker trafficking. The organization noted that while AI tools exist to detect and block such content, platforms like Facebook and Skype are not implementing them, and called for stronger action given that Australians lost over $210 million to romance scams in 2022-23 and online child abuse reports increased 45% year-over-year.
parisstaronline.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Sarnia seniors lost over $1 million in separate online scams, including a 67-year-old woman defrauded of $350,000 by a man posing as a physician who claimed to need money to evacuate a war zone, a 63-year-old man scammed of $52,500 through a romance and extortion scheme involving fake intimate photos, and a 70-year-old man who lost $710,000 to both a lottery prize scam and a romance fraud by the same perpetrator. Police emphasized that such large losses are common among vulnerable seniors and warned residents to avoid risky online behavior and educate elderly relatives about these schemes.
premier.sa.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
South Australia reported 13,183 scams totaling over $15 million in 2023, with romance, investment, classified, and selling scams being most prevalent. A fraudulent Seniors Card website (www.seniorscardportal.au) was also identified, charging $29 for a service that should be free. Authorities urged residents to watch for red flags including pressure to act quickly, requests for unusual payment methods, and suspicious links or attachments.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
Long Leaf Trading Group, a Chicago-based boiler-room operation, cold-called victims to pitch a fraudulent commodity-trading scheme between 2020 and its prosecution, resulting in customer losses while company traders collected $1.2 million in commissions. The article uses this case to illustrate how consumer fraud has evolved dramatically, with modern scammers now employing AI voice cloning, personal data harvesting, and impersonation tactics that make scams increasingly difficult to detect, contributing to record losses of $10 billion in U.S. consumer fraud in the previous year.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This editorial contrasts traditional scams like Long Leaf Trading Group's $1.2 million commodity fraud scheme with modern consumer fraud that leverages artificial intelligence, voice cloning, and personal data harvesting to create highly convincing imposter scams. Consumer fraud reached a record $10 billion in losses last year according to the FTC, with imposter scams representing the fastest-growing category as criminals exploit social isolation, political divisiveness, and technological sophistication to target vulnerable Americans. Law enforcement efforts have increased but remain outpaced by evolving fraud tactics, though a new generation of tech-savvy anti-scammers on platforms like YouTube are gaining traction in exposing these criminals.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 200,000 people in Southeast Asia have been forced into operating online "pig butchering" scams by Chinese organized crime groups, generating billions in stolen funds through a scheme that builds false relationships with victims before directing them to fraudulent investment platforms. The FBI reported nearly $4 billion in losses from these scams in 2023 alone, with total global losses estimated at $75 billion or more, and similar operations have now expanded to the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and West Africa. Despite crackdowns by Beijing and international law enforcement efforts, experts warn that the scam continues to proliferate globally as criminal groups replicate the model in regions with weak governance and enforcement.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
A global survey by Chubb found that 61% of respondents have reduced their use of digital payment platforms due to cyber scam concerns, despite 46% mistakenly believing their payments are already protected. The study across eight countries revealed that 63% have been cyber scam victims or know someone who has, with phishing, impersonation, and fake purchase scams being the most common threats. Results show that 75% of respondents would increase their trust and adoption of digital payments if transaction insurance were available.
news.chubb.com
· 2025-12-08
A global survey of 2,600 respondents across eight countries found that 61% have reduced their use of digital payment platforms due to cyber scam fears, while 46% mistakenly believe their payments are already protected. The survey revealed that 63% have experienced or know victims of cyber scams, with phishing, impersonation, and fake purchase scams being the most common concerns; 75% of respondents indicated that transaction insurance would increase their trust and adoption of digital payments.
newpittsburghcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides guidance on protecting oneself from common scams and fraud. Key advice includes recognizing red flags (urgency, unrealistic offers, suspicious communications), safeguarding personal and account information, and taking preventive steps such as ignoring unrecognized contacts, calling banks directly using verified numbers, avoiding suspicious links, and verifying legitimacy before financial transactions. The article covers major scam types including impersonation of financial institutions, fake retailer accounts, rental fraud, fraudulent tech support, malvertising, and AI-generated "deepfake" impersonations.
we-ha.com
· 2025-12-08
The article highlights two major scams: (1) "Card declined" fraud, where fake websites capture credit card information after displaying declined messages, causing victims to lose money and have personal data exposed; and (2) Bitcoin ATM scams, which have resulted in over $65 million in losses in the first half of 2024, with seniors over 60 losing a median of $10,000 each after scammers convince them to deposit cash into machines. The FTC and BBB advise consumers to verify website legitimacy before entering financial information and never withdraw cash or use Bitcoin ATMs in response to unsolicited calls or messages.
icrt.com.tw
· 2025-12-08
A survey of nearly 25,000 Asian respondents found that approximately 30% of Taiwanese scam victims fell for scams within one hour of encountering them, with over 50% reporting weekly scam encounters. Identity theft was the most prevalent scam type in Taiwan at 24%, followed by shopping, investment, and business impersonation schemes, with Facebook (63% of users) and LINE (47% of users) being the primary platforms for fake investment ads and phishing links. Nearly 40% of Taiwanese respondents reported receiving AI-generated scam messages, reflecting a regional trend across Asia.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Bengaluru resident narrowly avoided an iPhone 15 scam when a fraudster posing as a delivery agent attempted to hand over a counterfeit package while refusing to allow the promised "open box" inspection. The resident became suspicious of this policy violation, began recording the interaction, which caused the scammer to flee, and minutes later received the legitimate iPhone from the actual Flipkart delivery agent. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance during high-value online purchases and verifying delivery agent identity and enforcing agreed-upon inspection policies.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Connecticut offers a free bimonthly webinar series called "Fighting Fraud with AARP Connecticut" that educates participants on current fraud schemes including artificial intelligence scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and romance scams through expert speakers and safety tips. The next session is scheduled for Friday, October 25 at noon and can be accessed via Zoom by registering at events.aarp.org/FightFraudOct.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Kate Kleinert, a widow, lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam when a fake doctor contacted her on Facebook during the pandemic, posing as a romantic interest. The financial devastation prevented her from repairing her air conditioning, and a resulting house fire destroyed her home and killed her six hospice dogs. Her story was featured on AARP Connected, a new Tennessee television program that addresses fraud prevention and other issues affecting older adults.