Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
14,184 results
in Scam Awareness
trendmicro.com
Task scams are fraudulent employment schemes advertised through social media and text messages that promise easy remote work (like liking videos or writing reviews) with attractive compensation and benefits. Scammers use social engineering and psychological manipulation—including fake professional websites and initial small payouts—to build trust before escalating financial demands, ultimately trapping victims in a cycle of deposits to access their claimed earnings. The Federal Trade Commission reported increased task and employment scam complaints in 2024, with victims targeting a range of demographics but most commonly those seeking easy online income from home.
wsls.com
This educational article advises consumers on protecting their money when using digital wallets for payments. It recommends enabling security features like biometric locks or passcodes, using remote find/erase capabilities on phones, setting up transaction alerts, and regularly monitoring bank balances to detect fraud quickly. The article notes that digital wallet scams are rising with some consumers losing thousands of dollars, making these protective measures increasingly important as digital payment adoption grows.
wtoc.com
An Effingham County resident lost over $15,000 in a jury duty scam on August 18, 2025, after receiving calls spoofed to appear from the Effingham County Sheriff's Office claiming they had a warrant for failure to appear for jury duty. The scammers coerced the victim into paying $15,800 via CashApp under threat of jail time before the fraud was discovered. The Sheriff's Office warns that law enforcement will never call to demand payment or inform citizens of warrants by phone, and urges residents to hang up and contact authorities directly if they receive similar calls.
newamerica.org
Chicago residents identified online fraud as a major concern, with 90 percent of survey respondents rating protection from it as "important" or "very important." The Federal Trade Commission received 2.6 million fraud reports in 2024 resulting in $12.5 billion in losses, with Illinois accounting for over 186,000 fraud reports, and the article provides expert guidance on identifying, avoiding, and responding to various types of fraud including account fraud, non-delivery scams, and impersonation schemes.
azag.gov
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and the Better Business Bureau issued a public awareness campaign alerting residents to cryptocurrency scams, where criminals use Bitcoin and other digital currencies to defraud victims through investment schemes, romance scams, impersonation fraud, and ransomware demands because crypto lacks protections and is difficult to trace. The campaign recommends verifying caller information independently, being skeptical of unsolicited financial requests, recognizing that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment upfront, and consulting trusted individuals before making digital currency transactions.
morningjournalnews.com
Scammers are increasingly targeting older residents across the country with sophisticated fraud schemes, including requests for payment via Bitcoin, gift cards, or other virtual currencies, often using urgent or threatening language about fines, arrests, or endangered loved ones. Ohio reported 16,741 financial exploitation referrals of older residents between July 2024 and June 2025. The key protective measures include verifying contact through official channels, researching businesses before sending money, avoiding unsolicited requests for personal information, and trusting instincts when offers seem too good to be true.
wired.com
Organized crime gangs operating scam compounds in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos) have been linked to billions of dollars in fraud over the past decade, and new research reveals these compounds are also connected to child sextortion operations. International Justice Mission researchers found that at least 493 child exploitation reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and approximately 18,000 additional reports containing IP addresses from known scam compound locations, are linked to these operations where an estimated 200,000 trafficking victims are forced to run scams 24 hours daily. The findings represent the first clear evidence connecting forced scamming operations to global child sextortion cases, which have
roughdraftatlanta.com
Fulton County Department of Senior Services launched Avoid Cyber Threats (A.C.T.), a free online training program in August targeting residents aged 55 and older to help them recognize and avoid cyber scams including phishing, voice cloning, and impersonation schemes. The initiative responds to a 60 percent rise in scams targeting seniors over five years, with Americans aged 60+ losing nearly $4.9 billion to fraud in 2024 and Georgia ranking seventh nationally for senior fraud losses; the program aims to train 2,000 seniors by December, with research showing trained seniors are 80 percent more likely to recognize and avoid scams.
regulatoryoversight.com
On June 18, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes partnered with the Better Business Bureau to launch an educational campaign featuring four PSA videos designed to help Arizona residents—particularly seniors—recognize and avoid common scams. The campaign addresses fraudulent celebrity scams using AI deepfakes, moving company hostage loads, cryptocurrency scams (which cost Scottsdale residents over $5 million recently), and AI-based scams, with Arizona residents losing approximately $392 million to consumer fraud in 2024.
cnycentral.com
A married elderly couple from Throop, New York lost nearly $25,000 in a grandparent scam where callers impersonated their grandchild in distress; three local suspects were arrested in February 2023 and all funds were recovered. The Department of Justice charged 13 people involved in a sophisticated transnational elder fraud scheme that defrauded over 400 victims nationwide of $5 million total, with operations run from Dominican Republic call centers specifically designed to target elderly Americans, particularly those over 80 years old.
southwestledger.news
Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee, pleaded guilty to five felony charges for laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) in Florida, Utah, and Texas between September and December 2024. One victim sold her house to send $600,000 to the scammer; Echohawk received the funds through various accounts, converted them to cryptocurrency, and sent payments to an unidentified accomplice using the alias "Maurice Dinero." She was sentenced to 62 years in prison (8 years to serve, 54 suspended) and ordered to pay $621,750 in
livewirecalgary.com
From January to June 2024, Alberta saw over 1,400 scam victims lose more than $36 million, with the financial losses already exceeding half of the previous year's $55 million total despite fewer reported victims. Calgary resident Sydnie Bourassa lost approximately $15,000 to a phone scam during the pandemic when scammers impersonated law enforcement, manipulated her through fear tactics, and instructed her to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin, with no recovery possible despite immediate reporting to authorities. The article highlights how scammers use emotional manipulation and isolation tactics while requesting harder-to-trace payment methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency, making fund recovery increasingly difficult.
agenciapara.com.br
The Government of Pará launched the "Protect+ the Elderly and Disabled Person in the Virtual Environment" project to educate seniors and disabled individuals about cyber scams and digital safety through discussion circles, lectures, and informational materials. The initiative addresses increasingly common scams on WhatsApp, social media, email, and phone calls—including extortion schemes and financial fraud—while providing information about reporting channels and victims' rights. Participants shared experiences including a successful scam avoidance and cases where prior education could have prevented financial losses, highlighting the project's focus on digital empowerment and harm prevention.
finance.yahoo.com
Hospice Care Medicare Fraud has been designated as the New York StateWide Senior Action Council's Medicare Fraud of the Month for August 2025. Scammers target seniors by offering free services (cooking, cleaning, in-home help) and then illegally enroll them in hospice care without their knowledge, billing Medicare for unnecessary or non-existent services. Seniors can protect themselves by remembering that only doctors can certify hospice care, reviewing their Medicare statements for unauthorized charges, and reporting suspected fraud to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374.
waff.com
TARCOG is hosting a free Fraud and Scam Summit in Athens, Alabama to educate seniors, caregivers, and professionals about recognizing and preventing scams, which cost Americans nearly $5 billion annually. The event features experts from law enforcement and the Alabama Securities Commission discussing common fraud tactics, identity theft prevention, and reporting procedures, with particular focus on romance scams as the fastest-growing threat targeting vulnerable seniors. Attendees can register on the waiting list by contacting TARCOG at 256-830-0818, and resources will be available online for those unable to attend.
cnycentral.com
A married elderly couple in Throop, New York lost nearly $25,000 in a grandparent scam after receiving a call claiming their grandchild was in trouble; the couple's local case was part of a larger federal investigation that charged 13 people involved in a transnational elder fraud scheme operating from the Dominican Republic that defrauded over 400 victims of approximately $5 million nationwide, with at least 50 victims in Massachusetts averaging 84 years old. Local deputies arrested three suspects and recovered the couple's money, while federal authorities determined the scammers used call centers in the Dominican Republic and unsuspecting rideshare drivers as intermediaries to funnel stolen funds
ainvest.com
In 2024, seniors aged 60 and older lost $4.885 billion to scams—a 43% increase from 2023—with investment fraud, imposter scams, and tech support fraud causing the most damage, including median losses of $20,000 per victim in investment schemes. The FBI and FTC attribute this surge to older adults' significant assets, limited digital literacy, and AI-enabled fraud tactics like deepfakes, compounded by low reporting rates (only 19% of victims report incidents). While regulatory tools like FINRA's trusted contact rules and AI-driven transaction monitoring have improved, gaps remain due to widespread financial illiteracy among seniors and scammers
nucamp.co
**Summary:**
This article is an educational guide for finance professionals in Escondido on implementing AI tools in 2025, not an elder fraud case. The piece highlights that AI can automate up to 95% of routine accounting tasks and save 6+ hours monthly per client on bookkeeping, while noting that elder fraud is a local priority with seniors representing Escondido's fastest-growing population yet receiving less than 3% of philanthropic dollars. The article recommends finance teams pilot AI implementation in month-end close or accounts payable processes and offers a 15-week AI training course ($3,582) to build staff capabilities in ethical AI use.
consumer.ftc.gov
Online rental scams are prevalent during summer moving season, with scammers creating fake listings or demanding payment through untraceable methods like cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. To protect yourself, verify listings in person, research the property owner or rental company for complaints and reviews, and ensure all fees are confirmed in writing before paying. Report suspected rental scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
mlive.com
Scammers are impersonating law firms to target previous fraud victims by falsely offering to recover lost funds, when they actually seek to steal personal information or additional money. The FBI warns people to adopt a "zero trust" approach by verifying any unsolicited legal assistance through video proof, notarized identity documents, and documentation of all communications, while watching for red flags such as requests for cryptocurrency payments, references to fictitious government agencies, inability to provide credentials, and pressure to register accounts at foreign banks. Victims should report suspected scams to their local FBI field office or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
cbs6albany.com
Text message scams impersonating package delivery services and toll payment alerts are rapidly increasing, targeting consumers with urgent messages that trick them into clicking malicious links or providing credit card and personal information. Experts recommend ignoring unsolicited texts, verifying requests by contacting companies directly, and using official tracking apps from USPS, FedEx, and UPS to avoid falling victim to these schemes.
wbrc.com
Text message scams falsely claim recipients owe money for traffic violations, parking tickets, jury duty, toll bridges, or vehicle registration, using urgent language and fake government agency names to pressure quick payment. Red flags include non-existent government agencies, fake violation codes, grammar errors, and the use of text messaging itself—legitimate government agencies send official mail or paperwork, never unsolicited texts. Recipients should never click links in these messages, as they may steal personal information or install malware, and should report suspicious texts to the Federal Trade Commission.
freep.com
The FTC reports a four-fold increase in "transfer it to protect it" scams from 2020-2024, where fraudsters impersonating banks or government agencies convince victims to move money to protect it from fabricated threats. Adults aged 60 and older reported the highest losses, with combined losses exceeding $100,000 reaching $445 million in 2024 (up from $55 million in 2020), though younger consumers are also becoming victims, including an 18-year-old in Michigan who lost $4,800 after receiving a phishing email. Scammers typically initiate contact via phone calls (41% of cases), emails, or pop
pandasecurity.com
Wrong number phone scams are increasingly common frauds where scammers send seemingly accidental texts to build trust and eventually manipulate victims into sending money or sharing personal information. Scammers use social engineering tactics—starting with innocent messages, building rapport over weeks, and escalating to requests for funds or cryptocurrency investments, with some victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars. The best defense is to not respond to unknown numbers, block them immediately, and report suspicious messages to authorities, as even replying "wrong number" confirms your phone is active and marks you for future scam attempts.
kare11.com
This article describes common scams targeting consumers—including IRS impersonation calls, toll payment texts, and lottery email schemes—and notes that fraud losses reached $12.5 billion in 2024, a 25% increase from the prior year. Scammers typically use spoofed numbers, demand urgent payment, and attempt to steal personal information or get victims to click malicious links. The article provides five resources for victims: filing complaints with state agencies (Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or Minnesota's Attorney General's Office), reporting to local police and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, contacting AARP's Fraud Watch Helpline at 877-908-
wltx.com
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers of a barcode scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or utility company employees and send barcodes to victims, demanding they load money onto gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or e-cash at retail stores like Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS under threat of arrest or service disconnection. The agency advises that legitimate law enforcement and utility personnel never request payments via barcodes sent to stores, and recommends consumers watch for red flags including impersonation of trusted entities, claims of problems or prizes, pressure to act immediately, and requests for untraceable payment methods.
gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com
Illinois Governor Pritzker signed two bills in August 2025 to protect consumers from cryptocurrency fraud: the Digital Assets and Consumer Protection Act (SB1797) and the Digital Asset Kiosk Act (SB2319). Illinois residents lost $272 million to cryptocurrency fraud in 2024, making it the most common type of financial fraud that year; the new legislation establishes state regulatory oversight of digital asset exchanges, requires kiosk operators to register and provide full refunds to scam victims, and caps transaction fees at 18% with daily limits for new customers.
fox13news.com
A 70-year-old Port Richey man lost $47,000 in a romance scam after befriending someone on Facebook who posed as an interior decorator and used AI-generated video chats to build trust before requesting money for supposed work in Australia. The victim wired funds through multiple methods including Bitcoin before reporting the scheme to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, which traced the account to Nigeria. Law enforcement warns that romance scams targeting vulnerable older adults are increasing, with money sent via wire transfer or cryptocurrency being nearly impossible to recover.
wthr.com
Romance scams caused record losses of $547 million in 2021, affecting victims across all intelligence levels. The article advises families to establish safeguards such as adding trusted contacts to accounts—which allows banks to alert designated individuals of suspicious activity—or establishing power of attorney to enable decision-making authority, though these measures cannot prevent determined victims from sending money to scammers.
manlyobserver.com.au
Northern Beaches Police reported increases in vehicle-related theft, including opportunistic break-ins of unlocked cars and number plate thefts targeting various vehicle types. A 65-year-old woman lost over $30,000 in a romance scam involving a man she met on a dating app who claimed to be in the Philippines and failed to meet her in person. Police advised the public to secure vehicles, remain cautious in online relationships, and contact authorities if targeted by scams.
money.com
This article is an educational piece about discussing finances in romantic relationships, not an elder fraud case. It provides advice on when and how to initiate money conversations with dating partners, suggesting that discussions should be qualitative rather than quantitative, timed after trust is established, and woven naturally into conversations about life goals. The article briefly mentions romance scams as a cautionary note, citing FTC data showing Americans lost $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2023, where fraudsters create fake dating profiles to build relationships before requesting money.
onemileatatime.com
A Denver-area man attempting to rebook a canceled United Airlines flight was scammed out of $17,328 after calling United's official customer service number and being transferred to a scammer posing as an agent named "David." The scammer convinced him that a credit card charge was necessary to rebook the flight and would be refunded, but the money was never returned; United's investigation revealed that the initial agent accidentally transferred the call to a fraudulent number obtained through a Google search.
cxotoday.com
Scammers are exploiting AI-powered search summaries to conduct credit card fraud by injecting fake customer service phone numbers into Google's Gemini AI overviews and other search results. A Las Vegas realtor fell victim after calling a fraudulent number appearing in an AI summary for Royal Caribbean Cruise Company and nearly lost credit card details, though he detected suspicious charges and reversed them; cybersecurity experts warn this AI-enabled scamming technique could rapidly spread beyond the United States to less internet-savvy populations in regions like India.
linkedin.com
A sophisticated Gmail phishing attack mimics Google's legitimate login page to trick users into entering their credentials, which are then captured by attackers instead of being sent to Google's servers. The scam is particularly effective because it avoids obvious red flags like suspicious links or file downloads, instead seamlessly integrating into users' daily routines with a nearly identical login flow that is difficult to distinguish from the real thing. Thousands of people have unknowingly compromised their passwords, giving hackers access to their Gmail accounts and the ability to infiltrate connected retail sites, social media, and online banking platforms.
hulldailymail.co.uk
A Coldplay fan in Hull lost £170 to a ticket scam involving a fraudster posing as a local seller on Facebook who claimed to have spare tickets for the sold-out concerts. The scammer used a hacked account with local details to appear legitimate, sent fake ticket screenshots, and then claimed the tickets were part of a larger batch that couldn't be split, requesting additional payment before deleting the profile. The victim's bank partially refunded £70 of the loss, and police confirmed they are receiving numerous similar reports involving Coldplay tickets across social media.
mangaloretoday.com
Mohammed Sabir, a resident of Bantwal taluk, lost Rs 7,09,873 in an investment scam after clicking a malicious link shared via Telegram on July 31, 2025. The scammers promised investment returns but blocked his withdrawal attempts once he transferred multiple installments to their specified accounts. A case was registered at Dakshina Kannada CEN Police Station under IT Act and BNS Act provisions.
presidentialprayerteam.org
Impersonation scams targeting people over 60 have quadrupled since 2020, with losses exceeding $445 million in 2024, according to FTC reports. Scammers pose as bank officials, technology companies, or government agencies to convince victims their accounts are compromised, then direct them to transfer funds to cryptocurrency ATMs or hand cash to couriers. The FTC recommends never transferring money based on unsolicited contact, verifying requests through trusted sources independently, and using call-blocking tools to protect against these schemes.
nysenate.gov
NYS Senator Dean Murray and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office hosted a free senior scam prevention seminar on September 16, 2025, at the Sachem Public Library in Holbrook to educate attendees on identifying and avoiding scams. The one-hour event provided guidance on protecting seniors from fraud and victimization. Interested participants could register by calling 631-853-6308.
dailydodge.com
Wisconsin's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection warns that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools—including chatbots for mass messaging, deepfake videos, and voice cloning—to deceive people and steal personal information and money. Scammers leverage AI because it allows them to contact multiple targets simultaneously and maintain convincing conversations. Consumers should watch for typical scam red flags including artificial urgency, suspicious payment requests, and requests for sensitive personal information.
analyticsinsight.net
AI voice cloning scams involve criminals using short audio clips to replicate voices and make fake emergency calls to family members, with elderly individuals frequently targeted into transferring large sums of money before discovering the deception. Warning signs include robotic-sounding voices, long pauses, avoided personal details, and pressure for quick payments; protective measures include using family code words, avoiding posting voice messages online, verifying calls through alternate contact methods, and staying calm to resist manipulation. Cybersecurity experts recommend families discuss these risks in advance, as all age groups—including students, professionals, and seniors—face targeting from scammers exploiting increasingly convincing AI technology.
tomsguide.com
The FBI warned about a new "brushing" scam variation where criminals send unsolicited packages containing QR codes that, when scanned, harvest personal and financial information while secretly installing malware on victims' phones. The scammers use this method to steal credit card numbers, banking credentials, and cryptocurrency account information. To protect themselves, smartphone users should avoid scanning QR codes from unknown sources, be suspicious of packages lacking sender information, and report any suspected fraud to the FBI's IC3 portal.
people.com
Journalist Alex Sammon investigated a job offer scam by deliberately responding to a text message recruiting for fake remote work, which led him to uncover a Philippines-based "click farm" operation that required users to perform repetitive clicks on music streaming platforms while pressuring victims to make Bitcoin purchases to access earnings they could never withdraw. According to the FTC, Americans reported $470 million in losses to text scams in 2024, more than five times the amount reported in 2020, with tens of thousands of people reporting similar fraudulent job offer texts. Sammon lost less than $100 during his investigation but documented how scammers use fake recruiters and fake earnings to manipulate victims into
williamsonsource.com
Task scams (or gamified job scams) lure victims with unsolicited messages promising quick money for completing simple online tasks through apps or platforms. Scammers build false trust by paying small amounts ($5-$20) initially, then demand deposits in cryptocurrency to "unlock earnings" or withdraw fake profits that never materialize, resulting in real financial loss for victims. The FTC advises ignoring unexpected job offers via messaging apps, never paying to receive payment or employment, and reporting suspicious activity to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
cantonrep.com
Sheriff Eric Weisburn outlines four key warning signs of scams—impersonation of trusted organizations, creation of false problems or prizes, pressure to act immediately, and demands for untraceable payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency—to help Stark County residents protect themselves. The article emphasizes that legitimate organizations never demand money or personal information unsolicited via phone, text, or email, and advises people to pause, verify through trusted contacts, and report suspected scams to local authorities or the FTC. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences to help prevent others from becoming victims.
journalaz.com
The Better Business Bureau and Arizona Attorney General are warning residents about moving scams in Arizona, where movers quote low initial estimates then dramatically increase prices, fail to show up, or steal belongings entirely. Common tactics include bait-and-switch pricing, no-shows after payment, and holding belongings hostage for additional fees, with scammers often demanding untraceable payment methods like cash, wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Residents are advised to obtain at least three written estimates, check mover reviews on bbb.org, verify registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and pay only by credit card to protect themselves.
today.rtl.lu
Luxembourg's Bee Secure initiative provides awareness and support for online security threats, particularly targeting vulnerable populations including older adults. The organization educates the public on three main online exploitation categories—grooming, non-consensual sharing of intimate images (NCSII), and sextortion—while noting that older people are especially susceptible to "romance scams" that can persist for months or years before victims realize they've been defrauded of significant sums of money. Bee Secure emphasizes that while perpetrators are often difficult to identify and prosecute, victims require strong emotional and social support networks to recover from these crimes.
ppc.land
Match Group paid $14 million to settle FTC charges that its Match.com platform engaged in deceptive advertising and billing practices between 2013 and 2019. The company sent misleading messages from fraud-flagged users to non-subscribers to encourage paid subscriptions, with approximately 250,000 consumers subscribing within 24 hours of receiving such emails, while also failing to disclose full requirements for its "match GUARANTEE" program. Additionally, Match Group made cancellation difficult and confusing, resulting in unauthorized billing of consumers who believed they had canceled their subscriptions.
thecable.ng
The Nigeria Immigration Service has begun deporting 192 foreign nationals convicted of internet fraud, with the first batch of 42 deported in early 2025. The deportations follow a major December 2024 EFCC operation that arrested 792 members of an international fraud syndicate (primarily Chinese, Filipino, and other nationals) operating from Lagos, where they trained others in romance and cryptocurrency scams. The court-ordered repatriations come after convictions were secured in June, and the EFCC had previously seized digital assets worth $222,729 from the convicted fraudsters.
the-sun.com
Cyber criminals are increasingly using malicious links hidden in emails, PDFs, and other documents rather than attachments to steal passwords and install malware, with over 3 billion such attacks reported. Emerging threats include "ClickFix" scams (fake error messages), QR code phishing (4.2 million attempts in early 2025), and "pig butchering" romance scams where criminals build trust with victims before pressuring them into fraudulent investments—including a 2023 case where a Kansas banker lost £34.6 million and received a 24-year sentence. Security experts warn these attacks exploit human psychology by using trusted brands and familiar technology rather
techradar.com
Law enforcement agencies and cryptocurrency industry leaders froze over $300 million in stolen digital assets through coordinated efforts, including the T3 FCU initiative (led by TRON, Tether, and TRM Labs) which froze $250 million globally in its first year, and Canadian operations Project Atlas and Operation Avalanche which identified $74 million in losses and froze tens of millions more from romance and "pig butchering" scams affecting victims across 14 countries. However, freezing assets prevents scammers from accessing funds but does not return money to victims, who must still navigate lengthy legal processes and cross-jurisdictional coordination to recover their losses.