Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
7,397 results
in Robocall / Phone Scam
coinbase.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency owners through social engineering scams, with scams causing $4.6 billion in losses across the crypto industry in 2023. Threat actors impersonate legitimate companies like Coinbase via unsolicited texts and phone calls, using publicly available personal information to appear credible while tricking victims into transferring funds to fraudulent self-custody wallets. The article advises users to ignore unsolicited communications, never share seed phrases or personal information with callers, and recognize that legitimate financial institutions will never request fund transfers or sensitive information via phone.
cmu.edu
· 2025-12-08
This guidance document provides travel and scam prevention advice for international students and scholars. It covers domestic and international travel documentation requirements and recommends monitoring official government websites for policy changes. A scam alert warns of IRS impersonators targeting people during tax season through unsolicited communications, along with alerts about fake delivery, SSN, and pyramid scheme scams, emphasizing that legitimate U.S. government agencies never request gift cards, checks, or wire transfers by phone.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud scammers exploit emotional connections to steal money through tactics like "love bombing" (building trust before requesting funds), "catfishing" (using fake profiles on dating sites), and inheritance schemes (claiming victims will receive money if they pay upfront expenses). The scams affect people of all genders and can cost victims tens of thousands of dollars, with emotional devastation accompanying financial losses; victims should be wary of matches who avoid video calls and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that romance scams are increasingly dangerous, with 532 reports in 2024 showing a median loss of $6,125, and seniors over 65 particularly at risk. Scammers are now using AI tools to create more realistic fake profiles and chatbots that eliminate grammatical errors, while also targeting victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes. The BBB recommends online daters watch for red flags such as excuses to avoid meeting, moving conversations to other apps, requests for money, and suspicious photos—and to verify profiles through reverse image searches and consult trusted friends and family before sending any money.
12news.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona banking customers are experiencing a surge in sophisticated tech scams, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars to fraudsters who use alarming text messages about account fraud to trick people into revealing account credentials. The Better Business Bureau also reports a spike in romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, with victims averaging $126,000 in losses per person in early 2024, typically initiated through social media or dating websites with warning signs including rapid friendships, quick money discussions, and reluctance to video chat. Banks emphasize that contacting financial institutions within 24 hours of suspected fraud is critical, as scammers typically transfer funds overseas quickly, making recovery difficult after that window closes.
wwaytv3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns taxpayers of common tax season scams, including IRS impersonation schemes where fraudsters call demanding immediate payment via prepaid cards or wire transfers, tax identity theft involving fake returns filed with stolen Social Security numbers, and phishing emails/mail directing victims to fraudulent websites. The BBB advises filing taxes early, verifying that the IRS never initiates contact by phone or email, using trusted tax professionals, and monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity.
chicoer.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text appears to be a header or metadata for an audio player and editorial information rather than an actual article about a scam, fraud, or elder abuse incident.
Please provide the full article text or transcript about a specific scam or fraud case, and I'll be happy to summarize it according to the Elderus database format.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2024 and January 2025, Coinbase users lost over $65 million to social engineering scams, with scammers impersonating Coinbase through spoofed emails and fake websites to trick victims into transferring funds to attacker-controlled wallets. The actual losses are likely higher, as this figure excludes cases reported only to Coinbase support or law enforcement, with estimated yearly losses from these scams exceeding $300 million. Investigators criticized Coinbase for inadequate security measures and called for urgent improvements including stronger protections against social engineering attacks and restricted account types for new users.
jcpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security imposter scams remain widespread in the United States, with scammers using deceptive tactics to obtain sensitive information or money through suspicious letters, texts, emails, or calls. The Social Security Administration clarifies that it will never text/email ID images, suspend Social Security Numbers, threaten arrest, demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers, or promise benefit increases for payment. Victims should report suspected scams to the OIG's website at oig.ssa.gov/report and remember that legitimate SSA contact typically occurs via mail or calls only to those who recently applied for benefits or requested agency contact.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
O2 created "Daisy," an AI chatbot designed to impersonate an elderly grandmother who wastes scammers' time through confusion, tangential conversations about knitting and scones, and technical incompetence. Over several weeks, the bot successfully detained individual fraudsters for up to 40 minutes each—time they could not spend targeting real victims—by feigning difficulty with computer instructions and repeatedly changing the subject. The project, developed in collaboration with scam baiter Jim Browning, was primarily designed as an awareness campaign rather than a full-scale rollout, demonstrating how AI could be used defensively against fraud.
stocktitan.net
· 2025-12-08
A Norton study reveals that while 60% of online daters encounter AI-generated responses and many welcome AI tools for dating profiles, AI also enables increasingly sophisticated scams. Dating app users face significant threats: 40% have been targeted by scams with 41% of those becoming victims, including catfishing (55%), romance scams (34%), and sextortion (31%), while only 46% of users can identify fake AI-generated images and 27% have had their photos stolen without permission. Norton launched Genie, a free AI-powered scam detection app, to help users identify fraudulent profiles and protect themselves against these evolving threats.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams involve fraudsters creating fake online dating profiles to build romantic relationships and eventually request money from victims. Red flags include requests for urgent payments, use of untraceable payment methods, claims of living abroad or military service, reluctance to meet in person, and rapid relationship escalation. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, romance scam victims lost over $600 million in 2020 alone, and victims should immediately cease contact, document evidence, report to law enforcement and the FTC, and alert the dating platform.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired government employee in Andhra Pradesh, Moole Brahma Reddy, was defrauded of Rs 36 lakh (approximately $43,000 USD) after receiving a call from unknown fraudsters who falsely accused him of receiving money from a criminal and threatened him with arrest. The scammers sent fake WhatsApp screenshots and blackmailed Reddy into transferring funds in multiple installments; the fraud was discovered only when his son grew suspicious after being asked for an additional Rs 90,000. Police have seized the scam-linked bank accounts and advised the public not to panic when receiving similar threatening calls, urging immediate reporting to authorities.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents about a government imposter scam involving fraudulent letters claiming recipients owe overdue taxes and threatening property seizure if they call a specified number to pay. The fake letters use personal information from public records and official-looking forms to appear credible, but the actual Michigan Department of Treasury sends official correspondence through the U.S. Postal Service with governor and treasurer names on letterhead. Residents are advised to contact the Treasury Department directly to verify suspicious letters and report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission or Attorney General's office.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A federal jury convicted two Indian nationals, Pranay Kumar Mamidi (27) and Kishan Vinayak Patel (26), of money laundering conspiracy tied to a "phantom hacker scam" that defrauded victims across four states of their life savings between May and November 2023. In this scam, perpetrators impersonated bank employees, FTC agents, and DEA special agents to trick victims—particularly elderly—into withdrawing savings and surrendering cash or gold bars at drop-off locations, with investigators estimating tens of millions of dollars laundered through the U.S.-based operation directed by co-conspirators in India. Six additional co-conspi
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old Bengaluru resident lost Rs 70,000 after falling victim to a fake traffic challan scam that began with a WhatsApp message claiming his SUV had violated traffic rules. When he clicked a malicious link to download the fraudulent "Vahan Parivahan" app, malware compromised his phone, allowing scammers to access his credit card and make unauthorized transactions to an e-commerce platform. The article advises users to verify traffic fines on official government websites, avoid clicking unknown links, refrain from downloading APK files from unverified sources, and enable two-factor authentication on banking apps.
kymkemp.com
· 2025-12-08
A Humboldt County family narrowly avoided losing money to an AI voice-cloning scam in which fraudsters used artificial intelligence to impersonate their son Izaak and demand $15,000 in bail for a fabricated car accident and DWI charge. The family verified the scam by contacting an attorney, bail bondsman, and ultimately reaching their son at home; however, a similar scam in Harris County, Texas resulted in a $5,000 loss when a couple believed the AI-cloned voice of their son requesting emergency bail money. The FTC advises using personal security questions or code words known only to family members to verify callers' identities, an
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
P.E.I. RCMP is warning islanders about a rising "spoofing" scam in which fraudsters use technology to fake caller IDs to appear as police, courts, or government agencies and pressure victims to move money or provide personal information by falsely claiming their social insurance number has been compromised. Some residents have already fallen victim and sent money to scammers. Police advise residents to hang up on suspicious calls, avoid providing personal or financial information, and verify callers by contacting trusted numbers directly.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Walton County, Florida woman lost $129,500 in a Bitcoin scam after receiving unsolicited calls from someone claiming to represent her bank, who instructed her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. Once the transaction was completed, the funds were irreversible and unrecoverable, making this the largest fraud case the Walton County Sheriff's Office has encountered. Investigators believe the suspect is likely overseas, making the case difficult to pursue at the local level.
northfortynews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office warns Northern Colorado residents about 13 emerging scams in 2025, including cryptocurrency investment fraud, fake security warnings, rental and car buying scams on online marketplaces, romance schemes, and impersonation of law enforcement or government agencies. Common tactics involve pressure, secrecy, and requests for untraceable payments via Bitcoin, wire transfers, or gift cards. The advisory recommends verifying all financial transactions with official sources, never sending money to unknown parties, and treating urgent demands with skepticism.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Qantas frequent flyer members received phishing emails claiming unauthorized access to their accounts and directing recipients to click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation," though the Qantas database was not hacked. A small number of members fell for the scam and are working with Qantas to secure their accounts; the airline confirmed the scam and reported it to authorities. Authorities advise Australians to avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, report scams to Scamwatch, and notify their bank if personal information has been compromised.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Shrewsbury police issued a fraud alert warning seniors of phone scams in which callers falsely claimed to be from a nonexistent "Shrewsbury Consumer Science Department" and demanded payment for back taxes, directing victims to call (833) 750-2345. The scammers spoofed official caller ID information to appear legitimate, and residents were advised to report such calls to the Shrewsbury Police Department.
hometownsource.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior LinkAge Line is offering a free virtual presentation on March 12 to educate older adults about health care fraud, waste, and abuse prevention, recognizing that scams targeting seniors are on the rise. The 90-minute session, in partnership with the Senior Medicare Patrol federal program, will cover fraud detection, reporting mechanisms, and personal information protection strategies. The Minnesota Board on Aging's Senior LinkAge Line provides free statewide support to help older Minnesotans and caregivers access services and resources.
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) launched the Scam Awareness for Elders (S.A.F.E.) initiative with a kickoff event on January 29, 2025, attended by 85 people, featuring a screening of the film "Thelma" and a scam prevention presentation by FBI Special Agent Ryan Davis. The spring 2025 program includes workshops on romance scams, AI literacy, and a book club focused on scam prevention, all offered free to the community through funding from the Non-Metro New Mexico Area Agency on Aging.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common fraud tactics and prevention strategies, emphasizing that scammers use urgency and panic to manipulate victims into sharing financial or personal information quickly. Key advice includes: taking time to verify requests before acting, being cautious of online shopping deals and "Hi Mum" impersonation scams on social media, scrutinizing emails for subtle fraudulent indicators, and hanging up on unexpected calls to verify identities independently.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
With Valentine's Day spending projected to reach nearly $26 billion, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers about four common scams: impostor websites offering counterfeit jewelry and fake dating platforms, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals who can lose thousands of dollars, wrong number text scams designed to harvest personal information, and fake florist schemes that deliver nothing or substandard arrangements. Consumers should watch for red flags such as extreme discounts, requests for cash transfers or cryptocurrency, fast-moving relationships, and unverifiable business credentials, and should report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
wsmv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of romance scams targeting people around Valentine's Day, in which scammers create fake dating profiles (often posing as military members or overseas workers) to build emotional connections with victims before requesting money for fabricated financial crises. Red flags include profiles that seem perfect, requests to move communication off dating platforms quickly, early declarations of love, avoidance of in-person meetings, and requests for money. The BBB recommends verifying information through reverse-image searches, discussing potential matches with trusted friends and family, and reporting suspicious profiles to BBB.org/Scamtracker.
hometownstations.com
· 2025-12-08
A federal jury in Ohio convicted two Indian nationals, Pranay Kumar Mamidi (27) and Kishan Vinayak Patel (26), of money laundering conspiracy for their role in distributing proceeds from phantom hacker scams that defrauded victims across four states of their life savings from May to November 2023. In these scams, victims are contacted by fraudsters posing as customer service representatives, FTC agents, and DEA officials who trick them into withdrawing cash or gold bars under false pretenses of account fraud investigations, with the laundered funds estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. Both defendants face up to 20 years in prison per count, an
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
The Maharashtra Cyber Police issued a public alert warning senior citizens about four prevalent scam types targeting them: digital arrest scams (where fraudsters impersonate police demanding online payment), investment frauds (promising unrealistic returns), sextortion (extorting money after obtaining private photos), and phishing scams (using suspicious links and OTP theft). The alert emphasizes that legitimate authorities never demand online payments or threaten arrest via phone, and advises seniors to verify investments with trusted advisors, avoid sharing personal information online, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline.
wfla.com
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old woman in Walton County, Florida lost $129,500 in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme after scammers impersonating a bank representative instructed her to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM machine. The Walton County Sheriff's Office deemed this the largest fraud case in their county, with investigators believing the suspect is likely operating from overseas and noting that Bitcoin transactions are irreversible, making recovery unlikely. The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that seniors are frequently targeted by these scams and recommends education and awareness programs as the best defense.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Kolkata are disproportionately vulnerable to digital arrest scams due to a combination of factors including low digital literacy, emotional vulnerability from isolation, generational trust in authority figures, and reduced confidence with age. Mental health professionals and law enforcement attribute the scams' success to elderly victims' concerns about reputation and security, their smaller social networks that prevent them from seeking advice, and the post-COVID shift to digital transactions without adequate support or updated knowledge of cyber threats. Police recommend awareness campaigns and encouraging victims to discuss suspicious requests with others before complying with threats, particularly those involving money.
philarchive.org
· 2025-12-08
This academic paper analyzes how vague definitions of artificial superintelligence (ASI) and inflated claims create opportunities for "epistemic perpetuum mobile" scams that exploit confusion about AI capabilities. The authors examine three competing perspectives in ASI discourse and propose cybersecurity defenses against these scams, warning that such deception increases existential risks through epistemic self-sabotage and could enable authoritarian control.
wccbcharlotte.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau in North Carolina identified the top five scams of 2024, with online purchase fraud, phishing/imposter schemes, employment scams, debt collection fraud, and sweepstakes/lottery scams ranking as the most prevalent threats in the region. These scams increasingly employ sophisticated technology and social engineering tactics, with fraudsters either delivering no products after payment, impersonating trusted entities to steal personal information, or collecting upfront fees for non-existent prizes or jobs. The BBB emphasizes consumer education and vigilance as critical tools to combat these schemes and maintain marketplace trust.
25newsnow.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warned the public about a rising phone and voicemail scam in which fraudsters impersonated loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," to trick consumers into sharing personal information by claiming they needed final details on loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and recommends consumers verify company legitimacy, avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers, refrain from calling back unfamiliar numbers, and report suspicious activity.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of a rising scam in which fraudsters pose as loan-processing company representatives, often using the name "Jessica," and contact consumers via unsolicited phone calls and voicemails claiming to discuss loan applications the victims never submitted. The BBB received over 500 reports of this scam between November 2024 and January 2025, and advises consumers to verify company legitimacy, never share personal information with unknown callers, and avoid calling back unfamiliar numbers.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Justice filed civil actions against five telecom companies and three individuals for facilitating hundreds of millions of fraudulent robocalls originating primarily from India, targeting elderly and vulnerable Americans with government and business imposter scams. Despite repeated warnings, the defendants continued operating VoIP carrier services that enabled foreign-based fraud schemes involving fake Social Security, IRS, and tech-support calls designed to extort large sums of money from victims. A temporary restraining order was granted against Global Voicecom defendants, with the DOJ pledging to pursue both criminal and civil remedies against those knowingly facilitating these predatory calls.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three U.S. citizens were sentenced to prison for operating sweepstakes fraud schemes from Costa Rica that targeted hundreds of victims, many elderly, between 2007 and 2015. The defendants falsely claimed victims had won cash prizes and repeatedly demanded "refundable insurance fees" and other charges, with Bonner's scheme alone causing approximately $10 million in losses; Bonner received 180 months in prison and was ordered to pay $9.7 million in restitution, while Schiavone and Ricker received 48 and 42 months respectively and were ordered to pay $399,852 each in restitution.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Qantas frequent flyer members were targeted by a phishing email scam falsely claiming unauthorized account access and requesting recipients click a suspicious link to "cancel the operation." An unknown number of emails were sent, and a small number of Qantas members fell victim and are now working with the airline to secure their accounts. The National Anti-Scam Centre confirmed this is a common tactic using well-known brands to steal personal information and commit fraud, and advised Australians to report scams to Scamwatch and notify their banks if compromised.
futurescot.com
· 2025-12-08
Jordan Reid co-founded SENGUARD, a cybersecurity service designed to protect people over 50 from online fraud, after his grandfather Ian Gardner fell victim to a ransomware attack that wiped his files and left him isolated and anxious in his final years. The Glasgow-based start-up offers scam surveillance, account security, and privacy protection with accessible features like voice-guided navigation, and has secured £75,000 in funding to expand pilot programs across UK cities. According to cited research, scams cost older UK adults an average of nearly £4,000 each, with 1.2 million older adults reporting anxiety about online fraud.
coasttv.com
· 2025-12-08
A Millsboro nurse with 20 years of experience was targeted by employment fraud scammers posing as recruiters from IBSA Pharma on LinkedIn in November 2024; the scammers used nearly identical email addresses and the real names of actual company employees to convince her to deposit a check and purchase a MacBook Pro. After contacting the real company's HR department, Katrina discovered the deception and did not lose any money, though she was left without employment and emotionally distressed about her family's financial security. The scammers attempted to target her again two weeks later with a Walmart secret shopper scheme, which she recognized and avoided.
carolinanewsandreporter.cic.sc.edu
· 2025-12-08
Final Victory Animal Rescue fell victim to a fake Venmo account impersonating the charity in December 2024, resulting in lost donations and adoption fees that were redirected to scammers. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online scams, with scammers creating legitimate-looking websites and payment accounts; the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs reports that 33% of 2024 scam reports involved online contact, with purchase scams being the most common type. The charity emphasized the importance of verifying official charity accounts and recommended donating only to well-known registered organizations.
nj1015.com
· 2025-12-08
A jury duty scam is resurfacing in New Jersey, where con artists contact people via phone, text, or email claiming they failed to appear for jury duty and threatening arrest unless they pay a fine immediately. The actual judiciary never requests payment, personal financial information, or identification numbers to resolve jury duty issues; legitimate communications may only request date of birth and residential address. Residents should hang up, avoid clicking links, and report suspected scam communications to their county jury management office and local law enforcement.
wfiwradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel is warning patients of scam calls using spoofed hospital phone numbers to fraudulently obtain personal information such as Medicare and Social Security numbers. The alert identifies nine types of circulating scams targeting patients, including fake card replacements, vaccine offers, and refund claims, and advises recipients to hang up on suspicious calls and report them to authorities.
nbcchicago.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about an advanced fee loan scam in which callers, often posing as "Jessica" from fake loan processing companies, contact consumers to verify personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account details. Between November and January, the BBB received over 500 reports of this scam operating nationwide, with victims reporting multiple daily calls from different numbers using nearly identical scripts. The BBB advises consumers to verify company legitimacy through their free online portal, never disclose personal information to unknown callers, watch for red flags like vague details and urgent demands, and report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
kstp.com
· 2025-12-08
During tax season, scammers pose as tax preparers and IRS agents to steal personal information, refunds, and identities, with some fraudsters filing returns to collect refunds of thousands of dollars in victims' names. To protect yourself, hire accredited local tax preparers with verifiable credentials and Preparer Tax Identification Numbers, be aware that the IRS initiates contact by mail (never by phone or email), and file your return early using trusted software or free IRS resources to prevent identity theft. Red flags include unsolicited IRS contact, pressure to pay immediately, or offers of instant refunds with high fees.
mynews4.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service issued a Valentine's Day alert about romance scams, which involve fraudsters creating fake identities online to build trust with victims before requesting money through mail, wire transfers, or gift cards for fabricated emergencies. The agencies recommend victims avoid relationships that escalate quickly or involve avoidance of video calls, never send money to online contacts, and report suspected scams to USPIS, local law enforcement, or the FTC.
wandtv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The FBI Springfield office warned the public about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day, noting that criminals use fake identities on dating websites and social media to establish trust with victims before exploiting them financially. Illinois residents lost nearly $19 million to romance scams in 2023, with nationwide losses totaling $652.5 million that year. The FBI provided warning signs including requests to move off dating platforms, quick professions of love, claims of overseas locations, and requests for money, urging people to take their time vetting potential online partners and report suspected scams immediately.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
A Connecticut woman lost nearly $1 million in a romance scam after meeting someone on the dating app BLK who posed as a widower and eventually convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency. The scammer used a stolen photo, love-bombed the victim over months of phone calls (never video chatting), and showed fake screenshots of profitable crypto investments to encourage larger deposits, ultimately draining her 401K. Experts warn that staying on dating platform messaging systems, never sending money to unmet contacts, and requesting video verification are key ways to avoid such scams.
medicinehatnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicine Hat is experiencing rising reports of scams targeting seniors, including the Grandparent Scam, romance scams, and phishing schemes, with 78% of adults aged 65 and older having encountered at least one fraud attempt. The Veiner Centre partnered with Reality Bytes Inc. to offer a February 13 presentation on identifying and preventing fraud, and highlighted its Elder Abuse Outreach team that provides assessment, support, and case management to seniors experiencing financial abuse, some of whom have lost their life savings.
talkoftitusville.com
· 2025-12-08
Crystal Ann Hackney, a 38-year-old Mims woman, faces felony charges for exploiting a vulnerable 70-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury by draining over $34,000 from his bank accounts via unauthorized Zelle transfers, fraudulently acquiring his home (valued at $100,000+) for $1,000, and maxing out his credit card on luxury purchases totaling $6,215. The exploitation was discovered in April 2024 when Taschner was hospitalized after a suicide attempt, at which point Hackney had left him destitute with access to nothing; Taschner is now in a behavioral