Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
4,725 results
in Government Impersonation
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-07
During disasters, older adults are vulnerable to recovery scams, including government impersonators fraudulently offering assistance grants while requesting money or financial information. The article provides guidance on disaster preparedness, recommending that people use official resources like Ready.gov and DisasterAssistance.gov, avoid unsolicited government contacts asking for payment, and report suspected fraud to the FTC.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI warns of a significant surge in gold bar and bulk cash courier scams targeting older adults, where fraudsters use grandparent, government impersonation, or tech support schemes to convince victims to hand over valuables to in-person couriers. From 2023 to 2025, FBI Boston documented 103 instances resulting in over $26 million in losses (98% of victims over age 60), while nationwide figures reached 1,737 cases with approximately $186 million in losses. The FBI advises the public never to purchase precious metals at a government's request, avoid posting personal information online, and refrain from allowing unknown individuals access to computers or personal data.
bu.edu
· 2025-12-07
Boston University students lost $624,300 to scammers between January and September, with 90 percent of losses occurring in four cases involving impostors posing as Chinese police or officials. The BUPD reports 29 total larceny scams occurred through multiple channels, with job/employment scams being most common among students, while authorities also warned of nationwide fraud schemes involving fake apartment rentals, fraudulent identity theft reports, and immigration-related extortion targeting international students. Key prevention advice includes not answering calls from unknown numbers, verifying direct contact with authorities through official channels, and never providing payment or personal information before viewing rental properties in person.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
· 2025-12-07
Police arrested 25 members of a fraud ring called "Lungo Company" operating from a Thailand resort who stole approximately $15.1 million from nearly 900 Korean victims between July 2024 and July 2025. The organized group specialized in multiple scam methods including romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fake reservation schemes, and impersonation of government institutions, with members divided into specialized teams and subjected to strict control including passport confiscation and movement restrictions. The ringleader and additional members remain in Thai custody while Korea pursues extradition, with investigators examining potential connections to other fraud operations and the group's money laundering methods.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
Julio Cesar Montero Pinzon, a senior leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), and his half-sister Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzon were indicted for operating an international fraud scheme targeting American timeshare owners in Mexico for over a decade, defrauding thousands of victims. The scheme involved false promises requiring upfront payments from timeshare owners who were told they could sell or rent their properties, with the proceeds used to fund the cartel's terrorist activities and drug trafficking operations. Both defendants are Mexican nationals and remain at large; they face charges including wire fraud conspiracy, money
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A national poll found that three in four adults ages 50-80 experienced scam attempts in the last two years, with approximately 30% losing money to fraud. The article identifies the most common scams targeting Western New York seniors, including romance scams, sweepstakes scams, imposter scams (government/business officials), grandparent scams, and tech phishing scams, and advises victims to disengage from suspicious contacts, verify requests independently, and report losses to the Federal Trade Commission, state Attorney General, or New York State Office of Victim Services.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-07
The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the "Save our Seniors" initiative resulting in the arrest of eight defendants across seven criminal complaints for defrauding over 139 senior citizens of more than $11 million total. The defendants engaged in various schemes including customer support scams, romance scams, counterfeit check fraud, and identity theft, with notable cases including Dhruv Patel (accused of defrauding at least 12 victims of over $9.1 million through pickups of stolen goods), Stephen Odiboh (received $70,000 from a romance scam victim who lost $175,000), and Christopher Hernandez (stole $
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A 78-year-old Rochester-area man lost $30,000 to a Publishers Clearing House prize scam that operated over six months, during which con artists repeatedly promised a $2.5 million prize while extracting fees under various pretenses. The article highlights that this case is representative of thousands of elder fraud crimes nationally, with federal authorities recently arresting eight people for defrauding 139 Western New York seniors of over $11 million through romance scams, imposter schemes, and identity theft. Common scams targeting seniors in the region include romance fraud, imposter scams impersonating government or businesses, and tech phishing, with scammers increasingly using AI and deep
newser.com
· 2025-12-07
A Reuters investigation found that major AI chatbots (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Meta AI, and DeepSeek) can be easily manipulated into generating convincing phishing emails targeting seniors, despite their stated safety guidelines. Using simple workarounds such as claiming research purposes or instructing the bots to disable safety filters, researchers generated phishing emails that successfully deceived 11% of a test group of 100 senior volunteers into clicking malicious links. The findings highlight that AI tools are becoming increasingly valuable to scammers as elder fraud continues to rise.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-07
The District of Columbia attorney general sued Athena Bitcoin Global, a Bitcoin ATM operator that sponsored a UK political event, alleging the company knowingly profited from scams targeting elderly victims, with approximately 93% of deposits in DC being fraud proceeds. One elderly victim lost $98,000 in three days, and the average age of victims was 71; Athena allegedly collected hundreds of thousands in fees while doing little to prevent fraud or aid recovery. UK officials are pushing to ban cryptocurrency donations to political parties over concerns about foreign interference and money laundering.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-07
A 75-year-old man in Hong Kong lost HK$26.2 million (US$3.35 million) to a cryptocurrency investment scam involving a fake "National Hong Kong Coin" promoted through a fraudulent social media account impersonating the Chief Executive. The incident is part of a broader surge in crypto fraud in the region, where scammers use impersonation tactics, deepfake technology, and compromised accounts to deceive investors, with Hong Kong authorities urging residents to verify information through official government channels and warning of severe legal consequences for perpetrators.
civilbeat.org
· 2025-12-07
A Kailua woman received a voicemail from someone claiming to represent Hawaiian Electric Company, warning that her home utilities would be disconnected unless she called back immediately—a common scam tactic that exploited her vacation anxiety and inability to verify the claim. The article discusses how artificial intelligence and readily available personal information are making it increasingly easier for scammers to create sophisticated frauds, including voice-cloning technology that impersonates trusted contacts, with particular vulnerability among seniors and young people.
ic3.gov
· 2025-12-07
The FBI warns that threat actors are creating spoofed websites impersonating the legitimate FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting victims. The fake sites use slightly altered domain names or misspelled words to deceive users into entering sensitive data like addresses, phone numbers, and banking information. The FBI recommends typing the official URL directly into your browser, avoiding sponsored search results, verifying the .gov domain, and never sharing sensitive information with unverified websites, while reporting any suspected spoofing to the genuine IC3 website.
cowboystatedaily.com
· 2025-12-07
A 76-year-old man in Gillette, Wyoming was nearly victimized in a cryptocurrency ATM scam when he attempted to deposit $16,000 after being manipulated by a scammer who kept him on the phone; a bystander alerted police, preventing the loss. Cheyenne police have identified 50 BTM fraud cases totaling over $645,000 in unrecovered losses, part of a nationwide pattern where seniors lose retirement funds to overseas criminals who use emotional manipulation to direct victims to crypto kiosks. AARP is proposing new regulations for cryptocurrency machines as the FBI estimates $9.3 billion was stolen through various crypto frauds in
local10.com
· 2025-12-07
A 53-year-old accounting contractor for Elder Solutions, a geriatric care management company in Florida, was arrested and charged with 42 counts of fraud and exploitation involving elderly clients, including first-degree grand theft of over $100,000 and multiple counts of forgery and fraudulent use of credit cards. Ammie Padilla, who had power of attorney over at least one victim and managed funds for elderly clients, appeared in bond court where she was ordered to wear a GPS monitor, avoid contact with witnesses and the elderly, and post $210,000 bond. The investigation by the Broward County Sheriff's Office resulted in her removal from her position at the care management firm.
inkl.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
This educational article identifies nine common email scams targeting retirees, including fake account lockouts, Social Security verification requests, Medicare renewal threats, suspicious activity alerts, unpaid invoices, delivery notifications, payment updates, prize offers, and tax return warnings. The article explains that scammers use urgency, official-looking logos, and authority figures to manipulate victims into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive data. The key defense strategies are to recognize panic-inducing language, verify communications through official channels rather than email links, and remember that legitimate institutions rarely request sensitive information via unsolicited emails.
ktvb.com
· 2025-12-07
Olamide Shanu, a 34-year-old Nigerian man, was extradited from the United Kingdom and charged in federal court in Idaho with defrauding victims of at least $2 million through sextortion and romance scams. Shanu and co-conspirators allegedly posed as women on social media to trick male victims into sending explicit images, then threatened to distribute them unless payments were made, with proceeds laundered through cryptocurrency and peer-to-peer payment apps. He faces eight federal charges carrying up to 20 years in prison and potential restitution to victims.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-07
Actor-director Upendra and his wife Priyanka fell victim to a WhatsApp account takeover scam involving a fake delivery call from Dubai; when Priyanka clicked a malicious link and shared a WhatsApp linking code with the scammers, they gained access to her account and sent fraudulent money requests to her contacts using AI-cloned voice technology. Cybersecurity experts explain these scams exploit human behavior rather than technical vulnerabilities, with fraudsters posing as delivery agents, merging calls to capture WhatsApp codes, and impersonating victims to their networks. To protect against such fraud, users should never merge calls with strangers, avoid clicking unknown links, enable
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-07
Elderly individuals are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cryptocurrency scams, with Beaufort County, South Carolina reporting $3.1 million in crypto-related losses in 2024 and Minnesota experiencing over $189 million in losses from crypto kiosk fraud in 2023, using tactics such as voice cloning, fake websites, QR codes, and emotional manipulation. A prominent councilman was released without charge during an investigation into one such scam, highlighting authorities' challenges in tracing funds through irreversible cryptocurrency transactions. Experts recommend seniors protect themselves through education, using trusted platforms with two-factor authentication, discussing large transactions with family members, and promptly reporting incidents to law enforcement and the FTC
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-07
Mary May purchased counterfeit Neuriva brain supplements from a third-party seller on Walmart.com in March, discovering misspellings and different packaging after they arrived; CNBC's investigation revealed the seller had fraudulently assumed the identity of another business. Walmart's rapid expansion of its marketplace—prioritizing growth over vetting—has resulted in at least 43 vendors using false business identities and the sale of potentially dangerous counterfeit products, with the company deliberately making seller verification less rigorous than Amazon's to attract more vendors. May was refunded by Walmart, but the incident highlights consumer safety risks as the retailer's e-commerce marketplace has grown to near $100 billion
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are increasingly targeting Social Security recipients with cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) fraud schemes, contributing to the $12.5 billion in fraud losses reported by the FTC in 2024. The Social Security Administration warns recipients to watch for four red flags: being told they must apply for COLA (which is automatic), unsolicited calls/texts/emails claiming to be from SSA, requests for Social Security numbers or banking information, and threats or pressure tactics claiming benefits will be cut off. Recipients should remember that the SSA communicates primarily through mailed letters and will never demand personal information over the phone or threaten immediate action.
wkyc.com
· 2025-12-07
Two Kent State University students, Touhedul Tuhin (24) and Iftekhar Latif Nieon (23), face federal charges for acting as "money mules" in an elder fraud operation targeting victims in New York and Ohio, collecting over $276,000 in cash directly from elderly victims who had been defrauded through tech support scams, fake government agency impersonations, and other schemes. The defendants allegedly collected money from at least five victims ranging in age from 68 to 82 years old, with individual losses between $15,000 and $40,000, using vehicles tracked by license plate readers traveling between Kent and New York on the dates of the frau
fingerlakes1.com
· 2025-12-07
Federal prosecutors charged eight individuals in the "Save Our Seniors" initiative for defrauding 139 elderly victims of over $11 million through schemes including fake government agent impersonation, romance scams, identity theft, and counterfeit checks. The charges involve defendants from multiple states accused of targeting seniors aged 60 and older, with individual losses ranging from $70,000 to $600,000. Authorities warn seniors never to send cash, gift cards, or make peer-to-peer payments to anyone claiming to be a government official, and advise reporting suspected scams to local police or the FBI.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Romance scams targeting students and recent graduates are increasing, with victims losing an average of £2,228 per scam, according to new Tinder research that found 44% of young adults share personal details with people they've never met in person. Love Island star Georgia Steel has joined a campaign with Tinder and Get Safe Online to raise awareness after she was defrauded by a man posing as a wealthy American, who was revealed to be convicted fraudster Medi Abalimba (jailed for four years in 2021 for £170,000+ in total deceptions). Experts emphasize that romance scams exploit emotional manipulation and are difficult to spot, with young
english.mathrubhumi.com
· 2025-12-07
A Kochi resident was defrauded of ₹25 crore between March 2023 and 2025 through a fake online trading platform operated by an international cyber fraud syndicate with suspected Malayali masterminds. The scammers, who posed as legitimate traders and used a call center in Cyprus to contact victims, transferred stolen funds across multiple bank accounts to obscure the money trail, with one Malayali woman already arrested for receiving a share of the proceeds. Investigators believe the fraud operation was planned in California and involved purchasing bank accounts to facilitate transfers while evading detection.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers in 2025 exploit AI, cryptocurrencies, and stolen data to target vulnerable individuals through deepfakes, emotional manipulation, and evolving traditional fraud methods. AI-generated audio and video impersonations caused over 105,000 deepfake attacks in the U.S. in 2024, costing more than $200 million in Q1 2025 alone, with elderly victims particularly vulnerable to fake emergency calls from supposed relatives. Cryptocurrency scams include pump-and-dump schemes and "pig butchering" (romance fraud leading to fake crypto investments), while phishing, tech support scams, and fake websites continue to exploit victims by impersonating legitimate
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers in 2025 exploit AI, cryptocurrencies, and stolen data to target vulnerable individuals through deepfakes, impersonation, and emotional manipulation. AI-generated audio and video impersonations cost over $200 million in losses in early 2025, while cryptocurrency scams like "pig butchering" (romance fraud hybrid) and pump-and-dump schemes manipulate victims into investing in fake platforms. Traditional fraud methods—phishing, tech support scams, and fake job listings—have evolved with AI to become more convincing, with scammers leveraging emotions like duty, fear, and hope to exploit targets across all demographics, particularly elderly victims.
wired.com
· 2025-12-07
Cybercriminals are increasingly using portable "SMS blaster" devices—fake cell phone towers that can be transported in vehicles—to send millions of scam text messages while evading carrier security measures. These devices force nearby phones to connect to insecure 2G networks and can send up to 100,000 messages per hour across a 1,000-meter radius; the technology originated in Southeast Asia and has recently spread to Europe and South America, prompting warnings from cybersecurity agencies. SMS blasters operate outside traditional mobile networks, making the fraudulent messages immune to the filtering and detection systems that telecom providers have deployed to block scams.
startribune.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers posing as the Minnesota Department of Revenue sent fraudulent text messages to residents claiming tax refunds were approved and requesting bank information by September 17, 2025, with threats of permanent forfeiture. The Department of Revenue received approximately 500 calls about the scam starting September 15, though the total amount lost remains unknown, and officials confirmed taxpayer data was not compromised. The agency advised residents to verify official websites before sharing personal information and to report suspicious messages to their banks if any information was disclosed.
greenwichsentinel.com
· 2025-12-07
In August, the author and her community experienced a surge of email scams, including a fake Microsoft security alert, a spoofed "friend in crisis" requesting money, and church phishing using the pastor's name to solicit gift cards and cash from congregation members. Experts warn that scammers operating from Eastern Europe, Russia, and China are increasingly difficult to stop, and that AI-generated emails are making scams harder to detect, with elderly individuals who lack computer experience being particularly vulnerable to these schemes.
financialservices.house.gov
· 2025-12-07
A congressional Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing examined the escalating threat of financial fraud to American consumers, with particular concern for seniors and vulnerable populations. In 2024, there were 2.6 million reported fraud cases resulting in $12.5 billion in losses, involving schemes such as check fraud, romance scams, voice cloning, and AI-driven impersonation targeting grandparents. Federal lawmakers and banking industry representatives discussed the sophistication of criminal operations, many operating overseas, and called for improved federal agency coordination and consumer outreach to combat these growing threats.
dailyfly.com
· 2025-12-07
A 34-year-old Nigerian man was extradited to the United States to face federal charges for operating cyber-enabled sextortion and romance scams that targeted victims across the country, including an Idaho college student. Shanu and his co-conspirators impersonated women on social media to coerce victims into sharing sexual images, then extorted money by threatening to distribute the images to family and friends, while also conducting romance scams and laundering at least $2 million in proceeds through payment platforms and cryptocurrency. If convicted on eight counts including wire fraud, identity theft, extortion, and money laundering, Shanu faces up to 20 years in federal prison and restitution to victims.
liherald.com
· 2025-12-07
Sakira Mangru, a 48-year-old home care aide in Queens, was arrested for stealing approximately $30,000 from her 90-year-old elderly client by making unauthorized credit card purchases between June 2024 and January 2025. Mangru was charged with grand larceny in the third and fourth degrees, identity theft, and unlawful possession of a personal ID following her arrest in September 2024.
kfvs12.com
· 2025-12-07
A 31-year-old Missouri man and 12 others were charged for operating a grandparent scam that defrauded over 300 elderly victims across five states of more than $5 million, with victims averaging 84 years old. The scheme involved callers posing as grandchildren or their lawyers claiming emergency situations, using rideshare drivers to collect cash from victims' homes or accompany them to banks. Law enforcement warns that scammers increasingly use AI voice-cloning technology to impersonate family members convincingly, making victims more likely to act urgently without verifying the caller's identity.
auroranewsregister.com
· 2025-12-07
Bank fraud prevention experts presented findings at a senior center on common scams targeting older adults, including tech support, phishing, vishing, and grandparent scams that use fear and emotional appeals to steal money. According to Federal Trade Commission statistics cited, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023—a 14% increase from 2022—with tech support fraud being the leading crime type for those over 60, resulting in nearly $600 million in reported losses. The presentation advised seniors to recognize red flags in phishing emails, be skeptical of unsolicited tech support offers, and trust their instincts to avoid becoming victims.
thebeacon.net
· 2025-12-07
The Ottawa County Task Force on Aging held a 2025 summit to educate seniors about common scams including grandkid scams, tech support fraud, IRS impersonation, lottery/sweepstakes schemes, and identity theft. Financial experts from local credit unions and banks emphasized that victims should verify suspicious calls by hanging up and calling back on known numbers, never pay upfront fees for winnings, and report suspected fraud to their banks and local law enforcement without shame. The presentation highlighted that while scammers are persistent, seniors have access to community resources and protection through banks, nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies.
rollingout.com
· 2025-12-07
Americans lose billions annually to sophisticated investment fraud schemes that have evolved to exploit digital platforms and psychological manipulation, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting substantial increases in complaints related to romance scams and fake investment opportunities. Common fraud tactics include romance-based investment schemes, Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency fraud exploiting digital confusion, and fake financial advisor services targeting seniors, all of which use advanced technology, fake websites, testimonials, and social pressure to build false credibility. Recognizing warning signs—such as guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, difficulty withdrawing funds, and reluctance to provide detailed information—is essential for protecting against these increasingly sophisticated threats across all demographics.
firstcoastnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Scams are increasing in frequency and complexity, with consumers losing over $12.5 billion to fraud last year—a 25% increase from the previous year. Common scams include fake investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns, government impersonation schemes (particularly jury duty scams), and toll violation text messages; victims should watch for red flags like requests for secrecy, pressure to act quickly, and payment through peer-to-peer apps. The Better Business Bureau recommends reporting suspected scams to BBB.org and law enforcement, researching businesses before hiring them, and verifying legitimacy through official channels rather than unsolicited contact.
wellsvillesun.com
· 2025-12-07
Eight defendants were arrested in "Operation Save our Seniors," a federal enforcement effort targeting fraud schemes against senior citizens, resulting in over $11 million in actual and attempted losses across 139 victims primarily in Western New York. The defendants engaged in various scams including customer support fraud, romance scams, check fraud, and identity theft, with ringleader Dhruv Patel alone accused of defrauding at least 12 elderly victims out of more than $9.1 million. Charges carry penalties ranging up to 30 years in prison, and several defendants had prior fraud-related convictions.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Bengaluru-based Sandalwood actors Upendra Rao and Priyanka Upendra fell victim to a phone hacking scam after Priyanka dialed a fraudulent code provided by someone impersonating a courier delivery executive, which gave hackers access to their phones. The fraudsters then impersonated the couple via WhatsApp, sending messages to their contacts requesting Rs 55,000 each, resulting in at least four people (including their son) transferring money through UPI before the couple alerted authorities. The couple reported the incident to the cyber helpline and filed a police complaint under the Information Technology Act, with authorities freezing the fraudster's account
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
An operation called "Save our Seniors" resulted in the arrest of eight defendants across seven criminal complaints for defrauding over 139 senior citizens out of more than $11 million through various schemes including customer support scams, romance fraud, check fraud, and account hacking. Key defendants include Dhruv Patel, accused of orchestrating customer support scams that defrauded at least 12 victims of over $9.1 million; Stephen Odiboh, who received $70,000 from a romance scam victim who lost $175,000; and Renee Thompson, charged with creating counterfeit checks totaling over $193,000. The defendants
hastingstribune.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece describes four common scams targeting seniors age 60 and older: Social Security impostor scams (where criminals falsely claim account suspension and request gift card transfers), tech support scams (fraudsters pose as company representatives to gain remote device access and charge bogus fees), lottery scams (perpetrators claim victims won foreign lotteries and demand fees until funds are depleted), and romance scams (scammers use dating sites to build relationships and solicit money). The Elder Justice Initiative provides information on these fraud schemes to help older adults recognize and avoid becoming victims of financial exploitation.
wxxinews.org
· 2025-12-07
Eight individuals across the United States were arrested on federal charges for defrauding senior citizens in the Rochester region of more than $11 million through various schemes including romance scams, fake customer support, and government agency impersonation targeting 139 elderly victims. The defendants employed diverse tactics, such as posing as federal agents to extract "processing fees" from previous scam victims (with one 89-year-old losing over $300,000) and fraudulent credit card charges designed to redirect victims to scammer-controlled customer service lines. Charges include wire fraud, money laundering, mail fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud, carrying maximum penalties of 15 to 30
wesh.com
· 2025-12-07
From 2023 to 2024, Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida experienced a 14% increase in scams targeting seniors, prompting State Attorney Monique Worrell to issue a public warning. The two primary scam types are romance scams—where perpetrators build online relationships and request money for emergencies or travel—and law enforcement impersonation scams claiming outstanding warrants or bail requirements. Worrell emphasized that prevention is critical since many scammers operate overseas and are difficult to prosecute, advising seniors to avoid sending cash or gift cards to unknown individuals, verify suspicious emails through search engines, and pause when confronted with urgent requests.
wesh.com
· 2025-12-07
Orange and Osceola counties' state attorney reported a 14% increase in scams targeting seniors from 2023 to 2024, with romance scams and law enforcement impersonation schemes being the most prevalent. Scammers build fake online relationships with older adults, then create urgency to extract money via wire transfers or gift cards, while others impersonate law enforcement claiming outstanding warrants or bail needs. Prevention is critical since perpetrators are often overseas and difficult to prosecute; residents are advised to hang up on unsolicited calls, avoid clicking links, never send cash or gift cards to strangers, and verify suspicious emails through search engines.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails to seniors claiming their Social Security numbers are involved in criminal activities and threatening to suspend benefits unless they act immediately. The Social Security Administration never sends emails (only letters from .gov addresses), and Social Security numbers cannot be suspended; victims who engage with scammers risk losing money and having their identities stolen. Seniors should ignore these emails, never click links or call numbers in suspicious messages, and contact official Social Security field offices directly or consult trusted family members or financial professionals with questions about their benefits.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
AARP has supported passage of gift card fraud laws in 11 states during 2025, addressing two main types of fraud: scammers impersonating government agents or IT specialists who trick victims into purchasing gift cards, and criminals who drain gift card values from store shelves before purchase. A 2022 AARP survey found that 34 percent of U.S. adults reported being targeted by gift card scams, while legislation creating legal frameworks to prosecute these crimes helps deter criminals and protects consumers from financial harm.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A phishing scam impersonates Evite event invitations with emotionally charged subjects like "Special Celebration of Life" to trick recipients into clicking malicious links that can steal personal information, capture login credentials, or install malware. The scam uses realistic Evite branding and design to appear legitimate, but can be detected by verifying sender email addresses, hovering over links to check URLs, and using antivirus software with phishing detection.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
An 89-year-old woman from Vaudreuil, Quebec, lost over $50,000 in February 2024 when a scammer posing as an anti-fraud squad member convinced her to provide bank information, resulting in bounced rent cheques and the threat of losing her home. The incident exemplifies a broader problem in Canada, where seniors are the most targeted demographic for fraud; the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported $638 million in fraud losses in 2024, with impersonation scams being among the fastest-growing types. To protect themselves, seniors should verify caller identity before sharing personal information, confirm relatives' whereabouts when contacted about emergencies, an
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
A Nigerian national, Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded over $6 million from more than 400 elderly and vulnerable victims. The scheme involved sending personalized letters falsely claiming victims had unclaimed inheritances from overseas relatives, then requesting upfront fees for delivery, taxes, and other costs; the perpetrators collected money through a network of U.S.-based money mules, and victims never received any inheritance. Akhimie is the eighth defendant sentenced in connection with the scheme, which was investigated by U.S. law enforcement and international authorities from