Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
8,014 results
in Financial Crime
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
king5.com
A Washington State House hearing examined a bill to protect vulnerable adults after an Olympia senior citizen lost $300,000 in a coercion scam where fraudsters convinced her to liquidate investments and wire funds to purchase gold coins. The proposed House Bill 1900 would require banks to flag suspected fraudulent activity on vulnerable adults' accounts and immediately notify state authorities, addressing a gap in federal law that leaves victims of coerced wire transfers without reimbursement protection. The bill's sponsor cited the victim's case as motivation to prevent others from losing their life savings to financial exploitation.
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.
therecordnorthshore.org
This police report compiled from multiple North Shore municipalities (Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northfield, and Kenilworth) documents various crimes during mid-February, including several fraud and scam incidents. Residents were victimized by phone scams impersonating fraud departments, unauthorized bank account transactions totaling at least $9,000 across multiple incidents, and a counterfeit iPhone sale for $600, with one California individual arrested for stealing over $10,000 through deception. The report also included unrelated incidents of burglary, theft, and battery arrests.
denverpost.com
A 55-year-old Colorado contractor, Lance Slayton, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding an elderly woman of over $70,000 in a home restoration project while also exposing an Arvada neighborhood to hazardous asbestos contamination. Instead of properly removing and abating asbestos from a fire-damaged property, Slayton used unlicensed workers, improperly disposed of the carcinogen, and failed to complete the work, placing residents and workers at risk. Prosecutors are seeking $85,000 in restitution, to be determined at an April hearing.
aol.com
Mortgage fraud increased over 8 percent in 2024, with one fraudulent application occurring in every 123 submitted applications. Common types include origination fraud (misrepresenting borrower qualifications, with falsified income being most frequent at 42 percent of investigated cases), occupancy fraud (claiming owner-occupancy to secure better terms while actually renting the property), identity fraud (using stolen personal information to apply for mortgages), and churning (unnecessary refinancing by loan officers). Victims of mortgage fraud—whether suspects or unknowing participants—face serious consequences including immediate loan repayment demands and potential foreclosure, while rising fraud also drives up mortgage rates for all borrowers.
myjoyonline.com
An unemployed man, Davis Nii Odai Afotey, was arraigned in an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a businessman of GH¢170,000 through a land scam in January 2023. The victim paid an initial GH¢110,000 after Afotey falsely claimed ownership of land in East Legon Hills, then paid an additional GH¢26,000 to accomplices at a different location, only to discover both properties had already been sold to others. Afotey was admitted to bail pending trial on February 25, 2025, while his two accomplices remain at large.
coppercourier.com
Online romance scams in Arizona resulted in over $47 million in losses during 2022-2023, with victims ranging from elderly individuals to people in their 30s, making the state the fifth-highest in the nation for such fraud. Key warning signs include scammers professing "instant love," quickly moving communication off dating platforms, refusing to share photos, and requesting money, sometimes stringing victims along for extended periods. Law enforcement and AARP Arizona warn that scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence and new technology to impersonate people, and encourage vigilance especially around Valentine's Day when people are most vulnerable to romance-based fraud.
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
businesstimes.com.sg
Standard Chartered Bank partnered with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to conduct monthly digital literacy workshops for seniors aged 50-90 from August 2024 to February 2025, addressing Singapore's 16.3% rise in scam cases in the first half of 2024. The workshops taught seniors how to identify and protect themselves from fake friend, investment, and phishing scams, with 120 participants and 70 bank volunteers participating in hands-on training sessions. The initiative, part of a corporate volunteering program, demonstrates how partnerships between financial institutions and government agencies can raise fraud awareness and help vulnerable populations avoid becoming victims of self-effected transfer
mirror.co.uk
Fraudsters impersonating bailiffs nearly scammed two victims out of £3,000 by falsely claiming County Court Judgements and threatening to seize their belongings. The scammers used fake court documents, accomplices to "verify" fake debts, and pressure tactics to convince victims to transfer money to personal accounts. Both victims avoided losing money by independently verifying court contact numbers and receiving alerts from their banks, highlighting the importance of confirming such claims directly with official sources rather than using provided phone numbers.
newindianexpress.com
A 45-year-old man from Kerala lost Rs 4.05 crore to a WhatsApp-based share trading scam in late 2024, part of a broader fraud epidemic in the state where 23,753 people lost Rs 201 crore to online financial frauds in 2023 alone. Additional major scams include a Rs 4.08 crore scheme targeting a Kozhikode doctor and an estimated Rs 1,000 crore CSR-based scam promising discounted scooters and laptops. Experts attribute Kerala's vulnerability to fraud to cultural factors including competitive mentality, herd behavior in financial decisions, and susceptibility
gulfnews.com
An elderly European woman lost nearly 12 million dirhams in savings to a romantic scam in which an African-based fraudster posed as a wealthy Dubai businessman, emotionally manipulating her into selling all her assets and relocating to Dubai. Dubai Police's Cybercrime Director warned that such "romantic fraud" or emotional entrapment schemes exploit vulnerable individuals through social media, where scammers study victims' personal information to identify and exploit emotional vulnerabilities, with authorities noting that organized crime groups specialize in this method and that reporting suspicious accounts and increasing digital literacy are critical protective measures.
states.aarp.org
AARP Idaho is advocating for the passage of HB 182, "Report and Hold" legislation that would allow financial institutions to temporarily withhold suspicious transactions, a protection currently lacking in Idaho and only seven other states. In 2023, Idaho experienced 14,424 reported scam cases resulting in over $40 million in losses, and with seniors projected to comprise 20% of the state's population by 2026, the legislation aims to provide critical protections for vulnerable elderly residents' financial assets.
irishmirror.ie
Gmail users are being warned about a sophisticated AI-powered scam targeting Irish and international accounts, where scammers use convincing phone calls and fake Google emails to trick victims into revealing their Gmail recovery codes, potentially leading to account takeover, identity theft, and financial losses. The FBI first warned of these AI-driven scams in May 2024, and the problem has since escalated with attackers using increasingly realistic voice, video, and email impersonations. Security experts recommend users verify alerts directly through official Google accounts, enable multi-factor authentication, avoid clicking suspicious links, and use password managers to protect themselves from these threats.
cnet.com
In 2023, Americans lost $10 billion to fraud, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal money and personal information. The article outlines 10 common banking scams—including check fraud, phishing, fake websites, advance fee schemes, and government imposter scams—and provides protective measures such as verifying bank URLs, never clicking unsolicited links, and avoiding upfront payments for promised services.
sentinelone.com
Cybercriminals exploit Valentine's Day by launching romance baiting scams, phishing attacks, and fraudulent gift card promotions to manipulate victims through emotional appeals and false investment opportunities. Romance baiting schemes have caused significant financial damage, with investment fraud losses increasing from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, often resulting in severe psychological trauma for victims beyond monetary losses. The article advises individuals to recognize common scams such as fake dating profiles, malicious e-cards, and spoofed promotions, and emphasizes that awareness, education, and timely reporting are essential to prevent victimization and aid law enforcement.
nbcsandiego.com
Martha lost $32,000 to a romance scam after meeting a man claiming to be a San Diego architect on a dating app who gradually built an intimate relationship with her over a year before requesting money for business emergencies abroad. According to the San Diego County District Attorney, romance scams stole over $1.3 million from local victims in 2023, with scammers using methodical tactics to isolate victims and gain access to their personal data and finances. Red flags include refusal to meet in person, requests for money, and attempts to isolate victims from family and friends.
wgnsradio.com
Three Rutherford County, Tennessee residents reported scam attempts in which callers impersonated sheriff's deputies and threatened arrest via phone calls, text messages, and fake court documents to coerce victims into sending money via bitcoin or other payments. One senior victim nearly complied with a fake court document ordering bitcoin deposits after being threatened with 30-60 days jail time for missed jury duty, but stopped when she visited the Sheriff's Office in person; another senior recognized a toll road payment demand as fraudulent; and a third victim traced a caller's number to a China-linked company. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office clarified that it does not call citizens threatening arrest or demanding money, and urged residents
livemint.com
Scammers posing as State Bank of India employees targeted Indian customers with a credit card fraud scheme, offering to increase credit limits and remove annual fees while directing victims to a fake e-KYC website built on WIX. A Reddit user prevented his father from falling victim after noticing red flags including the suspicious URL, spelling errors ("Expari date," "Intar OTP"), a fake employee ID with discrepancies, and inconsistent phone numbers used by the scammer. The incident highlights how deliberate spelling mistakes in scam materials may intentionally filter for less educated victims, with the Reserve Bank of India urging customers to remain vigilant against such credit card fraud schemes.
mondaq.com
I cannot provide a summary of this article because the content is not available. The page indicates that the original article has been removed and only shows a placeholder message with navigation options for criminal law topics. To create an accurate summary for the Elderus database, please provide the actual article text or a different source material.
justice.gov
Austin Michael Taylor, founder of the cryptocurrency project CluCoin based in Miami, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud for misappropriating approximately $1.14 million in investor funds raised through an initial coin offering. Taylor used his social media following to promote the CluCoin token and its promised charitable focus, but subsequently diverted investor funds to his personal account and lost them gambling at online casinos between May and December 2022. He was ordered to pay full restitution and forfeit assets totaling $1.14 million, with three years of supervised release to follow his prison term.
shorenewsnetwork.com
Craig Callaway, a 64-year-old former Atlantic City council president, pleaded guilty to orchestrating a mail-in ballot fraud scheme during the 2022 general election in which he and associates recruited messengers to collect fraudulent ballots and cast them in voters' names without their knowledge. Callaway paid individuals $30-$50 to submit Vote-By-Mail Applications as "authorized messengers," then diverted the ballots instead of delivering them to actual voters, resulting in many fraudulent ballots being counted. The scheme deprived New Jersey residents of a fair election and violated federal law regarding electoral integrity.
nwasianweekly.com
Financial fraud aided by generative AI is rising sharply, with experts projecting losses could reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027, and deepfake incidents in the fintech sector increased 700% in 2023. Seniors, non-native English speakers, and Asian immigrants are particularly targeted by scammers who exploit loneliness and build relationships before striking. JP Morgan Chase and Seattle police shared prevention advice including verifying identities, being skeptical of sob stories and urgent payment requests, avoiding sending money to online contacts, and protecting personal information.
enews.wvu.edu
During tax season, identity theft and tax fraud increase when criminals file fraudulent returns using stolen Social Security numbers to claim refunds. To protect against these scams, individuals should file taxes early, obtain an IRS Identity Protection PIN, watch for phishing emails and calls impersonating the IRS or tax preparers, securely exchange tax documents through encrypted services, and maintain encrypted backups of tax records. The IRS never contacts taxpayers by email or phone, and scammers often use threats of arrest or penalties to pressure victims into providing personal information.
fox10tv.com
The FBI's "Operation Level Up" initiative has identified over 4,300 victims of "pig butchering" cryptocurrency investment scams across all 50 states, with the majority of victims aged 30-60 who were lured through unsolicited messages and online ads with promises of high returns. Victims are shown fake accounts displaying investment growth, but their money is lost immediately upon investment, resulting in an estimated $5 billion in losses in 2024; however, the FBI's intervention efforts have prevented approximately $285 million in additional fraud losses. The FBI advises potential victims to remain skeptical of unsolicited investment pitches, verify communications claiming to be from the FBI, and report
seattlemedium.com
Chase and the Seattle Police Department partnered with Kin On Seattle Community Center to hold a senior financial health workshop aimed at protecting seniors from online fraud and scams, with particular attention to romance scams that increase around Valentine's Day. The workshop emphasized that seniors are highly targeted due to their vulnerability and financial resources, and outlined key prevention strategies including being cautious with strangers online, verifying identities, avoiding emotional manipulation, never sending money to people met only online, protecting personal information, and trusting instincts when something feels suspicious.
romesentinel.com
The New York StateWide Senior Action Council identified new Medicare card scams as its February fraud alert, warning seniors that Medicare does not issue replacement cards and cautioning against calls requesting personal medical information or offers for upgraded card formats. Scammers use tactics like impersonating Medicare representatives and falsely claiming cards need replacement to trick beneficiaries into divulging sensitive data; seniors should verify callers independently and report suspected fraud to the NY Senior Medicare Patrol Helpline at 800-333-4374. Medicare fraud nationally costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually, making awareness and prevention critical for protecting seniors' personal information and benefits.
mynews4.com
Two suspects, Mohjid Singh and Habri Harmal, were arrested on February 12 in South Reno after defrauding victims of $49,000 through impersonation of Amazon and FTC officials, with the perpetrators continuing to pressure victims for additional payments after the initial theft. The arrests resulted from a joint operation by multiple law enforcement agencies including Washoe County Patrol, Property Detectives, and the Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations Unit, with both suspects charged with felony theft, exploiting an elderly or vulnerable person, and conspiracy. The Sheriff's Office cautions the public that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment by phone and advises residents to verify claims
justice.gov
Akiel Doman, 34, of North Miami Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $234,995 in restitution for operating a nationwide lottery fraud scheme targeting seniors between May 2020 and July 2022. Doman and associates called victims across the United States falsely claiming they had won lottery prizes, then instructed them to pay upfront fees or taxes to claim their winnings, directing the money to Doman's bank accounts. The conviction also included criminal contempt charges for violating a 2019 court order that had previously prohibited him from participating in lottery fraud schemes.
wealthmanagement.com
This educational piece identifies the ten states with the strongest elder-care protections based on metrics including elder fraud rates, prevention expenditures, and care organizations. Massachusetts ranked first in the WalletHub analysis, and the article highlights that federal protections have expanded, such as the Senior Safe Act (signed May 24, 2018) which provides liability immunity for reporting senior exploitation. The article advises financial advisors to understand their states' elder-abuse laws, fraud prevention services, and long-term care resources as their clients age.
kbtx.com
Two individuals were arrested in Texas for check fraud crimes: Stephanie Seabolt was caught attempting to cash a fraudulent $4,250 check at Prosperity Bank using someone else's identification, and Neva Cravens, a nurse's aide, was arrested for exploiting an elderly person by forging checks totaling over $900 and making unauthorized credit card purchases. Bryan Police Department reports handling 10-12 check fraud cases monthly, with criminals increasingly stealing checks from the mail system, and recommend protective measures such as using black gel ink, avoiding mailing checks, and monitoring bank statements for suspicious activity.
aba.com
I cannot provide a summary of this content. This appears to be a navigation menu or sitemap from a banking association website (likely the American Bankers Association), listing various topics, training programs, conferences, and committees. It does not contain an article about a scam, fraud incident, or elder abuse case.
To use Elderus effectively, please provide an actual news article, transcript, or case description about elder fraud or abuse.
blog.ssa.gov
The PACT Act expanded VA benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances, but scammers have exploited this by impersonating VA employees and offering to help veterans access benefits for illegal fees. The article provides seven protective strategies, including verifying company credentials, avoiding pressure tactics and unrealistic promises, being cautious of phishing attempts and unsecured websites, limiting social media sharing, and recognizing red flags in communications such as non-.gov email addresses and spelling errors.
news.illinoisstate.edu
Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence to launch sophisticated phishing and romance scams targeting university students, faculty, and staff, particularly around Valentine's Day. AI-generated deepfake videos, voice cloning, and realistic fake profiles make these scams harder to detect than traditional fraud, as attackers can now personalize messages by mimicking authentic university communications and creating convincing long-term online relationships. Universities face significant challenges in defending against these evolving threats, with particular vulnerability among international students, new students, and those with access to financial systems or sensitive data.
aol.com
In November, a 66-year-old retired health care worker in Hilton Head, South Carolina, lost $7,500 in a crypto scam after someone impersonating a sheriff's deputy claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened jail time, directing her to deposit cash into a Coinstar ATM that converted it to cryptocurrency. The scam represents a growing trend targeting seniors through crypto kiosks, with Beaufort County reporting $3.1 million in crypto scam losses to law enforcement in the past year alone, prompting calls for stronger fraud prevention measures by cryptocurrency ATM operators and legislators.
thecipherbrief.com
Cyber-enabled scams originating primarily from criminal gangs in Southeast Asia, India, and Nigeria have become a global security emergency, with over 57,000 Americans scammed daily, resulting in $158 billion in annual losses and an average victim loss of $14,197 ($33,915 for seniors). These transnational fraud operations, often run by Chinese crime bosses using forced labor, fund additional criminal activities including human trafficking, drug manufacturing, and hostile nation weapons programs, while U.S. law enforcement capacity is severely overwhelmed and can only address a fraction of cases.
cronkitenews.azpbs.org
Arizona experienced over $47 million in losses from online romance scams during 2022-2023, ranking fifth nationally, with elderly residents particularly targeted by scammers who build false relationships to extract money. Common tactics include professing instant love, moving conversations off dating platforms to private channels, refusing to share photos, and requesting money—sometimes stringing victims along for extended periods. Authorities warn that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to create convincing false identities, and many victims remain unreported due to embarrassment.
wilmingtonbiz.com
This educational article outlines common financial scams targeting seniors and the general public, including phishing, investment fraud, imposter scams (grandparent and IRS varieties), computer scams, romance scams, lottery schemes, charity fraud, and fake debt relief services. The article provides red flags and warning signs for each scam type, such as urgent requests, unsolicited offers, promises of guaranteed returns, and requests for upfront payments. Key protective measures include awareness of common scam tactics, verification of organizations before sharing information, and skepticism toward unsolicited offers or high-pressure requests.
digit.in
A family in Noida fell victim to a "digital arrest" scam in February when scammers posing as telecom regulators and police officers threatened them with fake arrest warrants and money laundering charges. Over five days, the family transferred Rs 1.10 crore (approximately $132,000 USD) to the fraudsters after receiving intimidating calls and video messages targeting multiple family members. The scam exemplifies the growing sophistication of cyber fraud and highlights the importance of remaining cautious about unsolicited calls claiming to be from government or law enforcement agencies.
advisorhub.com
Marjorie Kessler, a senior investor in Tampa, Florida, lost nearly $1.75 million to scammers impersonating government officials who convinced her to withdraw funds for safekeeping in a U.S. Treasury account. Morgan Stanley was ordered to pay $843,000 in compensatory damages for failing to investigate her unusual withdrawal requests and neglecting to establish a trusted contact on her account as required by regulations, though the arbitration panel deducted the first transfer amount due to insufficient evidence of negligence.
businesswire.com
**Summary:**
Merck Employees Federal Credit Union has partnered with Carefull, a financial safety service, to provide members with proactive account monitoring, identity protection, and fraud resolution tools to combat rising elder fraud and scams. The partnership offers all MEFCU members, their parents, and caregivers 24/7 account monitoring and real-time alerts for unusual transactions, addressing the gap in protection for older adults who may not regularly check their accounts.
finance.yahoo.com
Merck Employees Federal Credit Union partnered with Carefull, a financial safety service, to provide members with fraud protection tools including real-time account monitoring, identity protection, and issue resolution services. The partnership addresses rising elder fraud and sophisticated scams by offering 24/7 alerts and expert support to help members detect unauthorized transactions quickly and recover funds, with education components to help members learn fraud prevention strategies.
edhat.com
A Santa Barbara County fraud case involved Craig Case, a former private investigator and TV host, and Nancy Coglizer, who held power of attorney for elderly Montecito resident Constance McCormick Fearing, systematically embezzling over $600,000 from the deceased woman's funds through repeated "short-term" loans disguised as small withdrawals to avoid detection. Coglizer pleaded guilty to mismanaging Fearing's finances, claiming manipulation by Case and personal struggles with alcoholism influenced her actions, while Case faces conspiracy and financial elder abuse charges; Coglizer awaits sentencing in a case highlighting vulnerabilities of elderly individuals in financial matters.
ice.gov
In February 2024, an elderly woman lost approximately $550,000 to a computer support scam impersonating Microsoft customer support through two wire transfers. Following a quick report to local police, ICE Homeland Security Investigations traced and recovered $328,573 in seized funds, while the bank reversed an additional $221,000, ultimately returning nearly all the victim's money by February 2025. This case demonstrates the importance of reporting cyber scams immediately to law enforcement, as quick action enabled recovery of most of the stolen funds through coordinated federal and banking efforts.
ice.gov
In February 2024, an elderly woman lost approximately $550,000 in a computer support scam where criminals impersonated Microsoft customer support; she promptly reported the crime to police, enabling ICE Homeland Security Investigations to trace and seize the remaining funds after one wire transfer was reversed by the bank. Through a civil asset forfeiture action coordinated with the U.S. Attorney's Office, $328,573 was recovered and returned to the victim in February 2025, representing a rare successful recovery of nearly all stolen funds.
usatoday.com
Skimming scams, which involve criminals stealing credit card data through devices placed on ATMs, fuel pumps, and point-of-sale terminals, increased 96% in 2023 and cost U.S. consumers over $1 billion annually. Major enforcement actions include a three-year FBI investigation targeting Romanian organized crime that resulted in 48 arrests and recovery of 8,000 stolen card numbers and approximately $1 million in seized currency. Consumers can protect themselves by inspecting card readers for tampering, using chip or tap-to-pay technology, monitoring accounts for unauthorized transactions, and choosing well-lit fuel pumps near store attendants.
kingstonpolice.ca
Kingston Police reported a significant increase in "grandparent" or "emergency" scams, with 15 reports received on February 11, 2025 alone. These scams target seniors by impersonating a grandchild in legal trouble and requesting $8,000-$9,000 in bail money via courier pickup, with scammers sometimes hiring legitimate courier companies unknowingly to transport the cash. Police emphasize that bail is never requested in cash and advise victims to verify caller identity through security questions, call back family members directly, and never send money to unknown persons.
wrdw.com
Cody Lee Anderson, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in manipulating an 88-year-old Aiken woman into signing a will during the pandemic that left her approximately $20 million estate to co-conspirator Thomas Allen Bateman Jr., despite evidence she lacked mental capacity to make informed decisions. Anderson, who was designated as personal representative and stood to receive a 5% fee, faces up to 30 years in federal prison, a $1 million fine, and five years of supervision; his co-conspirator Bateman also pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing in March 2025.
fox61.com
Shadia Melissa Aguilar Sarmiento, a 30-year-old Mexican woman, was sentenced to approximately 13 months in prison (time served) for conspiracy to commit wire fraud targeting timeshare owners in the U.S. and Canada. From December 2018 through January 2021, Aguilar Sarmiento and co-conspirators operated an advance fee scheme using fake company names and impersonated licensed attorneys to convince over 50 timeshare owners they could sell their properties, then requested escalating fees through wire transfers to Mexican accounts, ultimately defrauding victims of approximately $2 million. Aguilar Sarmiento