Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
8,640 results
in Phishing
prnewswire.com
Janine Williamson, administrator of the Larry W. Cook Estate, is advocating for stronger protections against elder financial fraud following her uncle's loss of millions of dollars in a phishing scam. Williamson has met with banking industry leaders and is lobbying federal lawmakers to support legislation like Virginia's "Larry's Law," which would require financial institutions to train employees to identify and report senior exploitation, while also pursuing a $3.6 million negligence lawsuit against Wells Fargo and Navy Federal Credit Union. She is calling for a government-appointed Fraud Task Force to disrupt fraud schemes and help victims.
richlandsource.com
A 71-year-old widow named Linda Talbott was scammed out of nearly $12,000 by a man posing as "James" in an online romance scheme that lasted almost two years. The scammer manipulated Talbott into providing her Social Security number (redirecting her checks to Alabama), cashing fraudulent checks, and isolating her from support systems, ultimately leaving her homeless and living in her car in a Walmart parking lot. Between 2019 and 2023, the FTC received over 269,000 romance scam reports with total losses exceeding $4.5 billion, with scammers typically building trust through fake profiles and promises of
yahoo.com
A phishing scam is targeting New Jersey E-ZPass customers through unsolicited texts, emails, and calls impersonating the E-ZPass Service Center, claiming accounts are expired and demanding small payments ($3.95-$12.55) to avoid late fees. Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown warns that legitimate government agencies never request personal information or payment via email or phone, and advises residents to watch for red flags like generic greetings, spelling errors, and suspicious links, then report suspicious communications to authorities immediately.
aol.com
Toll road scam texts are circulating nationwide, with scammers impersonating legitimate toll services like FastTrak and EZ Pass to trick consumers into clicking malicious links or providing personal information. Red flags include texts about tolls in states you haven't visited, misspellings, and suspicious URLs; recipients should verify unpaid tolls directly through official websites or customer service rather than clicking links, and report suspicious messages to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
barchart.com
Scammers impersonate the IRS through phishing emails and smishing texts, directing victims to fake links or requesting personal information by claiming urgent account updates are needed. Tax season presents a prime opportunity for fraudsters, who exploited emotional tactics around penalties and refunds to steal $5.7 billion from U.S. taxpayers in 2022. The IRS recommends avoiding these scams by remembering that legitimate IRS contact occurs through regular mail, not email or text, unless you specifically requested a callback.
boredpanda.com
Evaldas Rimašauskas and co-conspirators defrauded Facebook and Google of over $120 million by impersonating Quanta Computer, a legitimate Taiwan-based hardware manufacturer both companies worked with, through a fake company established in Latvia with forged emails and invoices. Rimašauskas served as the formal director of the fraudulent operation while allegedly delegating actual account control to unnamed accomplices, and was extradited to the United States to face charges for the scheme.
dnronline.com
Dayton Police Chief Justin Trout presented to community members about common elder scams, noting that Americans ages 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. Trout warned against multiple scam types including government impersonation (IRS scams, arrest threats), AI-generated fake messages, cryptocurrency payment requests, overpayment schemes, and phishing emails, emphasizing that money lost to most scams cannot be recovered. Key advice includes never paying money to avoid arrest, independently verifying company contact information, avoiding cryptocurrency transactions, and deleting suspicious emails without clicking links.
aol.com
Evaldas Rimašauskas and co-conspirators impersonated Quanta Computer, a Taiwan-based hardware manufacturer trusted by Google and Facebook, by creating a fake company in Latvia and sending forged emails with fake invoices to employees at both tech companies. The scheme defrauded Google and Facebook of over $120 million in wire transfers to accounts controlled by the scammers before Rimašauskas was arrested and faced extradition to the United States.
astroawani.com
Deepfake technology poses a growing fraud threat in Malaysia, with cybercriminals using AI-generated voices, faces, and digital identities to conduct romance scams, investment fraud, and phishing attacks. In 2023, authorities reported 454 deepfake fraud cases resulting in RM2.272 million in losses, with criminals impersonating prominent figures and creating fake social media accounts. While Malaysia lacks specific deepfake legislation, CyberSecurity Malaysia is implementing detection technologies and awareness programs, though experts warn the public must remain vigilant as technology advances faster than regulatory and protective measures.
thetimes.com
Scams in the UK have become increasingly sophisticated and target all demographics, not just the elderly—16–34 year olds actually account for half of online fraud victims due to their frequent use of quick payment methods and distracted smartphone habits. Fraud is the UK's most common crime with an estimated nine million victims last year, yet only one in 1,000 reported cases results in conviction, with scammers employing tailored techniques ranging from AI deepfakes in video calls to romance baiting on dating apps. The article emphasizes that no online platform is safe and that even highly educated, tech-savvy individuals are vulnerable to sophisticated social engineering tactics.
the-sun.com
A 73-year-old retired couple in Mentor, Ohio lost their entire life savings of $45,000 to an elaborate online scam involving a fake pop-up alert, impersonated bank and federal officials, and instructions to withdraw cash and hand it over in a parking lot. The scammers convinced the victim his accounts were compromised and used social engineering and authority manipulation to overcome his initial skepticism. The article includes expert advice on fraud prevention, including verifying communications directly with your bank, protecting personal information, and placing credit freezes to prevent unauthorized accounts.
the420.in
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting senior citizens and pensioners through sophisticated digital scams including QR code fraud, OTP theft, fake investment schemes, malicious apps, and impersonation of bank representatives and government officials, resulting in significant losses of lifelong savings. Cybersecurity experts attribute these attacks to seniors' limited awareness of digital threats and recommend education and vigilance in identifying fraudulent tactics such as fake customer service numbers and online marketplace scams. An awareness webinar organized by FCRF and Paytm on February 24, 2025, aims to help seniors learn how to identify scams, protect their bank accounts, and report cyber fraud.
islandpacket.com
**Article:** "What can I do about all these scams? Tips and tricks to keep you and your loved ones safe"
Beaufort County, South Carolina residents—particularly older adults—face a high risk of scams, with the state ranking seventh nationally for fraud cases. Common schemes targeting seniors include cryptocurrency scams (up 900% since 2020), contractor fraud, phone solicitation, and religious impersonation scams. The FTC advises identifying scams by recognizing when scammers impersonate legitimate organizations, create false urgency or prize claims, and pressure immediate action or unusual payment methods.
newindianexpress.com
The call merging scam is a phishing method where fraudsters pose as acquaintances or professionals and trick victims into merging phone calls, then exploit the merged line to capture one-time passwords (OTPs) from banking apps and complete unauthorized transactions. The scam works by timing the call merge with a victim's bank OTP verification, causing the victim to unwittingly share sensitive authentication codes that enable account theft. The National Payments Corporation of India warns users to avoid merging calls with unknown numbers, never share OTPs over the phone, and immediately report suspicious OTP receipts to prevent financial loss.
bbc.com
Marion Tyler from County Antrim lost £2,000 after calling a scam number she found online while trying to contact loveholidays about her holiday booking; the scammers obtained her one-time passcode and gained access to her account. The family reported a potential security loophole in loveholidays' authentication system, as the daughter-in-law was able to access Marion's account even after login details were changed, suggesting scammers could repeatedly gain entry. The case has been reported to Action Fraud and the Information Commissioner's Office, with the family working to recover the funds while loveholidays maintains that its two-factor authentication process is secure.
usatoday.com
A widespread "smishing" scam is circulating across the U.S. via text messages impersonating legitimate toll road services like FastTrak and EZ Pass, with fake links directing victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information. The FBI and FTC advise recipients to avoid clicking links, verify toll balances directly through official websites or customer service, report suspicious texts, and file complaints if they have already clicked malicious links or shared information.
wmar2news.com
Annapolis residents received fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid parking fines and requesting payment through suspicious links, with many messages originating from overseas numbers in Taiwan or the Philippines. Annapolis Police warn residents not to click links in unsolicited messages, as the city collects fines only through physical tickets or mail to registered owners. Residents who believe they have been scammed should contact Annapolis Police.
americanbar.org
This article describes a romance scam targeting Casey, a lonely widower who met "Aubrey" in an online gardening chatroom and was gradually manipulated into depositing money into a joint account for cruise tickets, clothing, and a property down payment that never materialized. Research shows that older adults are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, with seniors losing approximately $139 million to this scam category in 2020, and that loneliness can impair cognitive performance and increase susceptibility. The FBI recommends protective measures against romance scams, and the publication is launching a "Scam of the Month" feature to educate readers about fraud tactics.
championnewspapers.com
Identity theft and consumer fraud are growing significantly in the digital age, with the FTC receiving over 5.7 million fraud reports in 2021 and the ITRC documenting a 68 percent increase in data compromises compared to 2020. Common scams targeting North Americans include phone scams impersonating government agencies, phishing emails with malware, text message links requesting personal information, Medicare card verification schemes targeting seniors, and large-scale data breaches at major companies. Consumers should never share personal information over the phone unless they've verified legitimacy, avoid clicking suspicious links, be cautious of emails from apparent legitimate sources, and monitor credit regularly for unauthorized activity.
moneywise.com
Americans receive an average of two scam calls and three scam texts weekly, with reports showing $12.5 billion lost to cybercrime in 2023 alone. AI-powered scams are increasingly sophisticated, including AI-generated fake voice recordings and photos (particularly grandparent scams with fake mugshots), enhanced phishing emails with professional formatting, and counterfeit e-commerce websites using pressure tactics and chatbots to extract personal information. Protection strategies include verifying unexpected requests through independent contact, being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and using security software that can detect suspicious websites and content.
huffpost.com
A thriller writer whose husband ran a fitness company fell victim to an investment scam despite her extensive study of con artist psychology. The con artist, using a generic name and fake LinkedIn credentials, exploited the couple during a vulnerable period—the husband was financially stressed from a struggling post-pandemic business while the wife was severely ill during pregnancy. The fraudster used emotional manipulation, fabricating stories about fatherhood and sharing fake family photos, to build trust and eventually defraud them of funds for promised business expansion.
chicagotribune.com
Naperville residents reported losing nearly $5.5 million to scams in 2024, representing a dramatic increase from previous years, according to police authorities. The most common fraud schemes included arrest warrant extortion, "pig butchering" (romance/investment scams), phishing, and online marketplace fraud, with victims ranging from age 15 to 91. Police note that actual losses likely exceed reported figures, as many victims don't report due to shame, and funds paid via gift cards or cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable.
firstalert7.com
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages claiming recipients owe toll road fees, with malicious links designed to steal personal and financial information, targeting travelers in areas with toll roads like Dallas. The FBI warns recipients never to click these links and instead verify toll charges directly through official toll road websites, as clicking exposes victims to identity theft and additional scams. Anyone receiving such messages should take a screenshot and report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and those who have already provided information should contact their bank immediately.
rbcwealthmanagement.com
Cryptocurrency investments carry substantial risk and have become a prime target for scammers, with crypto-related fraud losses reaching $5.6 billion in 2023, a 45 percent increase from the previous year according to the FBI. Common crypto scams include fake investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns, phishing schemes using counterfeit websites, celebrity endorsement fraud, and Ponzi schemes that recruit investors but misuse funds. Individuals considering cryptocurrency investment should familiarize themselves with these scam tactics and verify the legitimacy of any platform before providing personal information or money.
aarp.org
Alfred's family discovered unusual bank transactions and learned that their father had fallen victim to multiple scams over several years, including romance fraud involving an impostor posing as WWE wrestler Alexa Bliss, as well as advance-fee schemes. Despite his sons' efforts to protect him, Alfred believed he was helping friends in need and paying legitimate bills, leading to family conflict and legal action between father and son over the attempts to stop the fraudulent transactions.
uk.news.yahoo.com
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is a cookie consent notice from Yahoo describing how the company uses cookies and personal data for website functionality, security, analytics, and advertising purposes. No summarization related to Elderus database content is applicable.
wpdh.com
A 77-year-old Town of Wallkill woman was defrauded of $30,000 after receiving a fraudulent email impersonating PayPal that directed her to a scammer posing as an FTC agent who convinced her to empty her bank account for "safe keeping." Working with Town of Wallkill Police, the victim agreed to a follow-up transaction of $20,000, during which an undercover officer posed as the elderly woman and arrested the suspected scammer, identified as Caiduan Li from Brooklyn, who was charged with Grand Larceny in the third degree and taken into custody by Homeland Security.
nbcdfw.com
Immigrants in the United States have been targeted by impostors posing as ICE agents who use phone calls, texts, emails, and in-person visits to threaten victims with arrest and deportation unless they pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in fake fees. According to the Federal Trade Commission, impostor scams resulted in $2.7 billion in losses in 2023. Legitimate ICE agents do not call to warn of imminent arrest, request financial information, or demand money to dismiss investigations.
vox.com
Text message scams have become a sophisticated and growing threat, with complaints increasing 500 percent from 2015 to 2022 as scammers use AI and personal data to craft convincing, targeted messages about unpaid fines, packages, and other common scenarios. In 2024 alone, phone scammers stole over $25 billion, averaging $450 per victim, with risks increasing when messages include personal details like names or addresses. The article advises consumers to verify suspicious texts independently, avoid clicking links from unknown senders, and recognize red flags like unusual domain extensions, as human vigilance remains the most effective defense against increasingly sophisticated text fraud.
whio.com
Phone scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with scammers using text messages and calls to target financial institutions and individuals directly by exploiting data breaches and personal information available online. Members of Wright-Patt Credit Union received fraudulent texts appearing to be from the credit union, prompting them to click malicious links; experts warn the problem will worsen as artificial intelligence enables more convincing, personalized attacks including deepfakes and QR code scams. Financial institutions and cybersecurity experts recommend remaining vigilant by verifying messages through official channels, enabling multi-factor authentication, changing passwords regularly, and educating vulnerable family members about these threats.
6abc.com
Cybersecurity experts report a 77% increase in tax-related phishing attempts during the 2023-2024 filing season, with scammers impersonating IRS officials and tax preparers to steal personal information and commit identity theft or fraudulent tax filings. Americans lost $5.5 billion to tax scams in 2023, and current schemes specifically target the recovery rebate credit by claiming victims must provide personal information to receive automatic payments. Experts recommend filing taxes early, ignoring unsolicited communications, verifying preparers' credentials through IRS.gov, and reporting suspicious messages rather than engaging with them.
usatoday.com
A 30-year-old Florida man was ordered to pay over $1.1 million for operating EmpiresX, a $100 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors across 50+ countries from 2020-2021. The article explains common crypto scams including Ponzi schemes, pig-butchering scams (which combine romance fraud with fake investment schemes), and advises protection strategies such as verifying investment legitimacy, being cautious of unsolicited financial offers, and understanding that cryptocurrency transactions are difficult to reverse or recover.
kgun9.com
Green Valley, Arizona authorities warn residents about multiple evolving scams targeting seniors, including voice cloning fraud, impersonation schemes (costing victims $1.1 billion nationally in 2023), romance scams (which cost Arizona residents $47 million over two years), and pornography-related blackmail scams. Experts recommend residents verify suspicious communications through trusted third parties and never share personal information without confirming legitimacy, noting that scammers use urgency tactics and exploit loneliness to manipulate their targets.
securityinfowatch.com
A 2025 Tech.co survey of 1,036 US business leaders found that 98% cannot identify all signs of phishing emails, with 47% failing to recognize urgency or threatening tone and 33% unable to spot unknown senders as red flags. Phishing attacks accounted for 40% of business data breaches in 2024 (up 23% from 2023), with the average data breach costing $4.88 million, highlighting a critical need for cybersecurity education across all organizational levels.
ft.com
In 2023, a UK sustainability consultancy lost £324,634 to an authorized push payment (APP) fraud scam where criminals impersonated a client's email to trick an employee into transferring funds; the victim spent 11 months and £100,000 in legal fees attempting recovery and ultimately declared the company insolvent. While new UK regulations implemented in October 2024 now mandate reimbursement up to £85,000 for APP fraud victims, fraud experts and affected individuals report the system remains broken due to police inaction, regulatory gaps, and inconsistent bank treatment of claims. APP fraud accounted for 40 percent of all fraud losses in the UK in 2
cnbc.com
During the 2024 tax season, scammers increased identity theft and refund fraud attempts, with the IRS receiving nearly 300,000 identity theft reports resulting in an estimated $5.5 billion in losses. Common scams include fraudulent IRS communications via phone/text/email, AI-powered voice cloning, fake account setup offers, phishing emails promising unclaimed refunds, and fraudulent tax preparers who steal personal information and refunds. Taxpayers can protect themselves by remembering the IRS only contacts via mail, verifying caller information, researching tax preparers using the IRS directory, and avoiding unsolicited IRS-related communications or links.
miamioh.edu
This educational resource outlines three prevalent scam types in 2025: SMS scams impersonating the IRS, toll agencies, and shipping companies to solicit urgent payments; AI-powered scams using sophisticated phishing emails, fake images, and deepfake videos to enhance convincingness; and fraudulent scholarship offers that request upfront fees with little return. Key prevention strategies include avoiding suspicious links, ignoring requests for personal information, recognizing urgency tactics and grammatical errors, never responding to suspicious messages, and reporting suspected phishing attempts to security authorities.
cbsnews.com
Scammers are sending mass extortion emails threatening to expose alleged compromising material unless recipients pay money (often in Bitcoin), using publicly available personal information like names and addresses to create a false sense of familiarity and urgency. One Pennsylvania resident received such an email demanding $2,000 after the sender claimed to have malware and webcam access, though experts note that scammers rarely possess actual evidence and send these threats indiscriminately to thousands of people obtained from data breaches. The FBI advises recipients not to respond, not to pay, and to report such emails as spam or phishing.
alliancetimes.com
Financial Advisor Dalsey Lambley presented a scam awareness workshop at the Alliance Public Library, highlighting common fraud types including internet scams, romance scams, collection fraud, and computer intrusion schemes that typically begin with unsolicited contact. Lambley advised attendees to recognize red flags, avoid sharing personal information with unverified online contacts, verify contact numbers independently, and consult trusted friends before responding to urgent requests. The presentation emphasized that scammers exploit emotions like loneliness and fear to pressure victims into quick decisions without careful consideration.
e.vnexpress.net
Between 2023 and 2024, Kaspersky researchers identified over 5,260 email scams originating from Nigerian groups targeting victims in Vietnam, using increasingly sophisticated tactics that impersonate wealthy individuals, entrepreneurs, and lottery directors to extract money through romance scams, fake investment opportunities, and requests for travel or shipping costs. In a related case, Vietnamese police arrested 50 conspirators operating romance scams through fake Facebook accounts posing as successful entrepreneurs, targeting middle-aged single women and convincing them to invest in Bitcoin under the guise of romantic relationships. Experts warn these scams employ social engineering and emotional manipulation to build trust, and recommend victims verify information carefully, avoid sharing personal an
mad-daily.com
ANZ Bank and TBWA\New Zealand launched an awareness campaign called "Scammers Bloom" on Valentine's Day, featuring deliberately foul-smelling roses at an Auckland pop-up to highlight the growing problem of online romance scams. The campaign used clever messaging and Valentine's cards to educate the public about romance scam tactics and warning signs, generating significant social media buzz and directing visitors to ANZ's scam prevention resources. The initiative aimed to raise awareness that romance scams often involve deceptive online relationships that appear genuine but are fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable people.
tech.co
A Tech.co study of 1,036 senior executives found that 98% of US business leaders cannot correctly identify all indicators of phishing emails, with only 1.6% able to spot clear warning signs—a critical gap given that phishing attacks account for 40% of data breaches surveyed. The research also revealed significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including 19% of senior leaders unable to define multi-factor authentication and 35% of businesses lacking any security policy for AI chatbot use, leaving organizations increasingly exposed to evolving threats powered by new technology.
business-standard.com
A senior citizen in Karnataka lost Rs 3 lakh after searching for his bank manager's phone number on Google and calling a fraudster who had planted fake contact details online; the scammer posed as the bank manager, built trust through video and voice calls, and tricked the victim into clicking a malicious link that enabled unauthorized withdrawal. The article also reports a separate "digital arrest" scam in Agra where two suspects extorted money by impersonating police officers and threatening legal consequences. Protection requires verifying contact details through official websites or bank helplines rather than search results, and avoiding clicks on suspicious message links.
welivesecurity.com
Employment termination scams are phishing attacks that exploit workers' fear of job loss by impersonating HR departments or other authorities, attempting to trick victims into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments. These scams can lead to malware installation, credential theft, corporate data breaches, or account hijacking, with attackers leveraging stolen work logins for extortion or further fraudulent activity. The scams are effective because they create urgent psychological pressure, and victims can protect themselves by verifying sender addresses, checking for generic greetings, and being cautious about unexpected termination notifications.
paymentsdive.com
JPMorgan Chase identified social media platforms as the origin point for approximately half of push payment scams reported to the bank, where fraudsters contact victims and persuade them to send money through peer-to-peer networks like Zelle. Starting March 23, Chase will block Zelle payments originating from social media transactions, as the service is intended only for known recipients; the bank noted that once money is sent through these instant payment channels, recovery is extremely difficult. This action follows criticism from lawmakers and consumer advocates, with a 2024 Senate report showing that customers disputed $206.7 million in Zelle transactions for fraud in 2023, yet only about 19% were reimbursed.
finance.yahoo.com
JPMorgan Chase reports that approximately half of scams it handles originate on social media platforms, where fraudsters contact consumers and persuade them to send money through peer-to-peer payment networks like Zelle. Beginning March 23, Chase will block Zelle transactions initiated from social media platforms, as the service is intended only for payments to known contacts. The broader issue remains significant: customers of major banks disputed over $206 million in Zelle transactions in 2023 claiming fraud, with only 19% reimbursed, and the CFPB has sued Zelle alleging $870 million in losses over seven years.
patch.com
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services offers a free educational workshop on recognizing and avoiding scams, covering phone, text, email, and online fraud prevention. The workshop teaches participants how to protect themselves online and provides guidance on what to do if they become scam victims.
regtechtimes.com
Romance scams, where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to manipulate victims emotionally and extract money, have increased 14% globally in 2024 with over 1,193 new scam profiles detected. The United States (38%), Nigeria (14%), and India (12%) are the most affected countries, with scammers employing tactics like "love bombing," fake personas, and blackmail to exploit victims over weeks or months. Tech companies including Meta, Tinder, Bumble, and Google are implementing AI-powered detection systems, safety notices, and content filters to identify and remove fraudulent accounts and warn users of suspicious activity.
express.co.uk
Romance scams using AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating celebrities became the most reported scams in 2024, with criminals creating hyper-realistic videos and audio to trick victims into fraudulent relationships or investment schemes. A recent investigation by London's Proactive Economic Crime Team led to two arrests after victims handed over approximately £200,000, including one individual who lost £60,000, while a similar case involving a deepfake of Martin Lewis and Elon Musk defrauded a tradesman of £76,000. The technology has evolved faster than regulatory measures, making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish real from fabricated content, with deepfake attempts occurring every five