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royalexaminer.com
**Health Insurance Scams Targeting Seniors**
The FBI has warned of a growing wave of health insurance fraud targeting older adults, typically initiated through unsolicited phone calls from individuals posing as representatives of major insurance companies who pressure victims to pay for full-year coverage upfront with promises of discounts and low costs. Red flags include offers that sound too good to be true, requests for immediate full-year payment, reluctance to provide written information, and aggressive pressure tactics—tactics that legitimate insurance agents do not employ. Seniors can protect themselves by verifying coverage with their healthcare providers, contacting their state insurance commissioner to verify licensing, carefully reviewing complete written policies, avoiding upfront payments, an
amac.us
Seniors are frequent targets of relay attacks and phishing scams, particularly those impersonating Google/Gmail. Scammers send sophisticated fake emails appearing to be from Google, using stolen logos and bypassing spam filters to trick users into clicking malicious links and entering login credentials, thereby gaining unauthorized access to Gmail accounts, Google Drive, and connected apps. To protect themselves, seniors should verify sender email addresses, avoid clicking unfamiliar links, watch for misspellings or unusual characters, independently authenticate requests for personal information, and remember that legitimate companies like Google never ask users to provide sensitive account details via email.
dayakdaily.com
A retired businessman in his 70s in Sibu, Sarawak lost over RM800,000 to a fake online investment scheme called "GVD Coins" after discovering it on Facebook in mid-June 2025; despite warnings from family, he made multiple transactions to the scammer's bank account and received no returns. Sarawak Police Commissioner Dato Mancha Ata warned the public to verify investment legitimacy through official sources such as Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia, and urged recent victims to contact the National Scam Response Center at 997.
pennlive.com
This is an educational/advocacy piece rather than a news report of a specific scam. The Pennsylvania Shapiro Administration highlights rising financial fraud threats including email, text, phone, and AI-generated deepfake scams targeting Pennsylvanians, and details new protections including criminal penalties for AI-generated fraud schemes and virtual currency transfer regulations. In 2024, state agencies processed 27,000 complaints and returned over $22 million to consumers, with resources available through 1-866-PACOMPLAINT or pa.gov/consumer.
fox5vegas.com
The FBI has warned of a significant spike in scams targeting elderly residents across the Las Vegas Valley, with FBI officials noting the region's large retirement community makes seniors particularly vulnerable to fraud. Special Agent in Charge Rafaik Mattar emphasized that reporting scams—even small ones—is critical for identifying patterns and investigating fraudsters, while also encouraging victims to overcome embarrassment and contact authorities. The FBI recommends elders verify email addresses, avoid clicking links from unknown senders, protect personal information, and consult trusted family members or the FBI directly when uncertain about suspicious contact.
wusf.org
In 2023, elder fraud complaints increased 14% with losses totaling $3.4 billion, prompting Sen. Rick Scott and a bipartisan group of lawmakers to urge federal agencies to coordinate efforts against international scams targeting older Americans, particularly those originating from foreign criminal networks operating "scam labor camps" in Southeast Asia. The senators called for increased interagency coordination, stronger international law enforcement partnerships, and expanded public awareness campaigns, noting that over 120,000 people have been trafficked to conduct cyber fraud operations.
wvnews.com
Seniors aged 60 and older face significant financial fraud threats, prompting the U.S. Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative to coordinate education and prevention efforts. Common scams targeting older adults include Social Security impostor scams (using caller ID spoofing to demand fund transfers to gift cards), tech support scams (requesting remote device access and fabricating charges), lottery scams (claiming foreign winnings while requesting fees), and romance scams (exploiting dating platforms to solicit money). Additional resources on these scams are available through the Justice Department's elder justice website.
aol.com
Romance scams exploit emotional vulnerability and trust, with the FTC reporting at least 70,000 cases annually resulting in approximately $1.3 billion in losses. Common tactics include catfishing (using fake profiles and personas), military impersonation scams, oil rig worker schemes, and sugar daddy/mama cons—all designed to build trust before requesting money or sensitive information from victims. The article provides educational guidance on recognizing these scam variations to help people protect themselves when online dating.
dakotanewsnetwork.com
North Dakota residents experienced the highest per-capita losses from romance scams and confidence fraud in the nation between 2021 and 2024, totaling over $16 million. Authorities attribute the vulnerability to limited fraud awareness, particularly among residents in isolated areas.
wrdw.com
Military families lost $584 million to scams in 2024, a $100 million increase from 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission, with scammers targeting service members and veterans for their stable pensions and financial assets. Common schemes include the "update your file" scam (requesting personal information via calls, texts, or emails), PCS rental fraud (fake military housing listings demanding upfront deposits), and predatory lending offers targeting military members with unusually favorable terms that hide high interest rates and fees. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service partnered with AARP to launch Operation Protect Veterans, a crime prevention program providing education on recognizing and avoiding these scams.
news.outsourceaccelerator.com
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration warns that Filipino workers are being targeted by fake overseas call center job scams that actually operate as human trafficking schemes, forcing victims to impersonate romantic partners on dating apps to defraud users into cryptocurrency investments. Authorities have intercepted hundreds of Filipinos at borders and rescued victims including a 24-year-old man who was forced to work as a "love scammer" in Cambodia while facing physical intimidation from Chinese employers. The government advises citizens to verify employment opportunities through trusted sources, avoid sharing personal information early, and report suspicious job offers to authorities.
wral.com
Scammers targeted a news station twice using spoofed caller IDs displaying "Verizon Agent" to impersonate legitimate company representatives and claim fraudulent iPhone charges on the victim's account. The scam was notable for explicitly stating no personal information would be requested—an unusual tactic that makes the fraud harder to identify using standard warning signs. Verizon confirmed the calls were fraudulent, originating from spoofed numbers, and advised consumers to verify legitimate calls through official numbers, check for verified checkmarks on caller IDs, and use call-blocking tools.
consumer.ftc.gov
Scammers are impersonating state DMVs via text messages, claiming recipients have overdue traffic tickets and threatening to suspend licenses, report them to violation databases, and impose additional fees unless they pay immediately. The scam aims to extract money and personal information from victims through urgent, threatening language and fraudulent links. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unexpected texts, verify claims directly with your DMV using official contact information, report suspicious messages to your carrier, and report scams to the FTC.
au.finance.yahoo.com
Westpac's analysis of customer transaction data revealed that Tuesday at 4pm is the most frequent time for scams to occur in Australia, with 80% of scams happening from lunchtime onwards during work weeks. Remote access scams are the most common type at this peak time (29%), followed by investment scams (20%) and buying/selling scams (13%), with remote access scam victims losing an average of $17,943 in early 2024. The research suggests scammers exploit late-afternoon timing when people are multitasking and less vigilant about suspicious messages and requests.
cbsnews.com
Yes, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging artificial intelligence to create convincing text messages and scam schemes that exploit financial hardship and emotional vulnerabilities. One Baltimore resident lost over $230 after being lured by a fake work-from-home opportunity that initially paid small amounts before demanding Bitcoin transfers, illustrating how modern scams use gradual trust-building tactics. In 2024, over $1 trillion was lost globally to fraud, with U.S. losses from scam texts alone jumping from $86 million in 2020 to $470 million by 2024, prompting experts to urge greater vigilance as AI technology enables scammers to eliminate traditional re
jdsupra.com
Banking phone scams are increasing in sophistication, with criminals impersonating bank representatives and even FBI agents to steal sensitive information and money from victims, resulting in millions of dollars lost in 2024 according to FBI and FTC data. The article provides protective practices including never sharing personal information or MFA codes, letting unknown calls go to voicemail, contacting your bank directly using verified numbers, and monitoring accounts for unauthorized activity. Victims should immediately contact their bank, report fraud to law enforcement and the FTC, change passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication.
news.trendmicro.com
Toll road scams have proliferated across the US over the last 18 months, with fraudsters sending phishing emails and text messages impersonating legitimate toll agencies like E-ZPass and FasTrak to trick drivers into paying fake fees through fraudulent websites that harvest personal and financial information. These schemes exploit urgency and fear of fines to prompt immediate action, and victims' compromised data may be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web. The best defense is to avoid clicking unsolicited links, verify toll charges through official channels, and report suspicious messages to authorities.
mirror.co.uk
Presenter and actor Ore Oduba fell victim to an impersonation scam after publicly expressing admiration for life coach Mel Robbins on ITV's Loose Women. Scammers posing as Robbins' podcast team sent a convincing email inviting him onto her show, manipulating his emotional connection to her work; Oduba nearly fell for the scheme before noticing the Gmail address and misspelled name. Oduba, who previously hosted a show about scams, emphasized that the AI-assisted deception was highly convincing and stressed that anyone can be vulnerable to fraud, particularly when emotionally invested in the target.
people.com
Sharon Brightwell of Florida lost $15,000 to scammers who used AI-cloned audio of her daughter's voice in a fake emergency scheme. On July 9, Brightwell received a call mimicking her daughter's number where she heard AI-generated crying claiming a car crash occurred; a fake attorney then demanded $15,000 bail, which she paid, and scammers attempted to extort an additional $30,000 by claiming the daughter had caused a miscarriage. The daughter's son intervened and confirmed via a three-way call that she was safe at work, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.
gbnews.com
Television personality Ore Oduba, a former Strictly Come Dancing champion and host of BBC's Claimed and Shamed fraud awareness program, fell victim to an elaborate online scam in which fraudsters impersonated self-help expert Mel Robbins using AI-generated correspondence. After publicly endorsing Robbins on ITV's Loose Women, Oduba received fake emails from a Gmail account posing as Robbins' podcast team, which he initially believed before noticing red flags like misspelled email addresses and inconsistencies that he confirmed with Robbins' official PR team. Oduba publicly shared his experience in an emotional video to raise awareness about how scams can deceive
siasat.com
The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau warned of fraudulent "RTO Traffic Challan" APK files being circulated via WhatsApp that impersonate official traffic department communications and contain malware designed to steal banking and personal information from victims. Cybercriminals target random users, particularly in evenings, with convincing-looking messages containing malicious links that, when installed, enable unauthorized access to financial accounts and can result in significant financial losses. Authorities recommend downloading apps only from official sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store and advise victims to report incidents immediately to the cybercrime helpline at 1930.
panewslab.com
A cryptocurrency investment scam originating from mainland China spread to Hong Kong in 2025, affecting at least 118 victims aged 33-80 who lost approximately HK$3.2 million through a fraudulent platform called "DGCX Xinkangjia." Hong Kong police arrested four local suspects in July 2025 for organizing promotional dinners that recruited victims and collected HK$3.89 million, though most funds remain unrecovered as the fake trading platform never invested the money and used funds to maintain operations and process other victims' withdrawals. The use of USDT stablecoin for transactions has complicated investigation, fund recovery, and victim compensation efforts.
northfortynews.com
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office issued a public alert about a surge in fraud targeting Northern Colorado residents, particularly seniors and small business owners, including romance scams, bank impersonation, fake government texts (DMV, law enforcement), and business invoice schemes that pressure victims to pay via Bitcoin, gift cards, or money apps. Common red flags include unsolicited requests for personal information, urgent threats, and payment demands via untraceable methods, with victims urged to verify requests directly with official sources and report fraud to law enforcement and agencies like the FTC and IdentityTheft.gov.
gulfnews.com
Dubai Police arrested a cybercrime gang that defrauded victims through fake investment and trading schemes promoted on social media and via phone calls. The gang falsely claimed to represent legitimate investment platforms, convincing victims to transfer funds to offshore accounts with promises of high quick profits. Dubai Police warns the public to verify investment offers through authorized institutions only and report suspicious activity through official channels.
express.co.uk
Advanced fee job scams in the UK surged 237% since the start of the year, with victims losing up to £5,000, according to Lloyds Bank. These increasingly sophisticated scams, predominantly targeting job seekers aged 18-34 through social media platforms, lure victims with fake remote work opportunities before demanding upfront payments for processing fees, training, or other fictitious costs; the average loss per victim is £1,420, with scammers sometimes manipulating victims into making multiple payments or unknowingly participating in money laundering schemes. Fraudsters employ tactics ranging from simple fake task postings (liking TikTok videos, writing fake reviews) to elaborate schemes
livemint.com
A Belgian man drove 472 miles to meet French model Sophie Vouzelaud after being romantically deceived online, only to be confronted by her actual husband at her door. The victim had sent approximately $35,000 to someone impersonating Vouzelaud over the course of their online "relationship," a classic romance scam that exploited his emotional vulnerability. Vouzelaud subsequently warned her followers on Instagram about fake accounts using her identity and images, highlighting the risks of online romance fraud.
koco.com
Multiple scams are currently targeting Oklahomans, including fake bank fraud calls where scammers impersonate financial institutions to obtain personal information and conduct unauthorized wire transfers, as well as grandparent scams where callers impersonate relatives claiming to be in emergencies. To protect themselves, Oklahomans are advised to hang up on unsolicited calls, avoid sharing personal information like passwords or account numbers, independently verify emergencies by directly contacting the person or institution involved, and report suspected scams to police, banks, and the state attorney general's office.
forbes.com
Michael Shannon Sims and Juan Carlos Reynoso were charged with wire fraud and money laundering for operating OmegaPro, a fraudulent forex trading platform that defrauded investors of over $650 million between 2019 and 2023. The scheme operated as a Ponzi scheme with pyramid scheme elements, using lavish promotional events and social media displays of wealth to lure victims with promises of up to 300% returns, while no actual trading occurred and the defendants used stolen funds for personal expenses. The scam eventually collapsed in 2023 when victims were told their accounts had been "hacked" and were directed to a non-existent successor platform, leaving them unable
theguardian.com
**Rental Fraud Overview**
Young people account for three-quarters of rental fraud cases, with approximately £9 million lost across 5,000 reported incidents last year. Scammers typically pose as landlords on low-cost listing sites and social media, offering cheap properties and requesting deposits before viewings, using tactics like fake videos and artificial urgency to pressure victims into payment.
**Key Prevention Advice:** Never pay deposits without viewing the property in person, verify landlord credentials and ownership proof, scrutinize profile creation dates and multiple similar listings, and trust instincts when details seem suspicious.
ttrweekly.com
Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk warn of rising fake visa websites and phishing scams targeting holidaymakers as countries digitize visa applications. Scammers create convincing copycat government portals, charge inflated fees for fake or unnecessary documents, and use phishing emails impersonating immigration authorities to steal personal information and payment details. The article provides guidance on avoiding these scams, including using only official government websites, verifying HTTPS security, avoiding pressure tactics, and paying with credit cards for fraud protection.
wboc.com
The Dorchester County Sheriff's Office warned of a spike in scam calls where impersonators claiming to be deputies use the department's official number to tell victims they have outstanding warrants or missed court dates, then demand payment via gift cards or digital payment apps like CashApp, Venmo, or Zelle. Authorities emphasized that the sheriff's office never calls to demand payment for legal matters and urged residents to hang up, avoid sharing personal information, and report suspicious calls to local law enforcement.
thebaynet.com
Government impersonation scams targeting older adults in Maryland have surged, with fraudsters posing as federal agents and law enforcement to pressure victims into transferring funds via untraceable methods like gold bars, gift cards, and cryptocurrency. Montgomery County alone reported over $5 million in gold-related scam losses in the past year, including a Bethesda woman who lost $1.1 million and a man sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for collecting nearly $800,000 in gold bars. The FTC warns that legitimate government agencies never demand immediate payment or ask people to buy gold, and urges victims to hang up, report incidents at ReportFraud.ftc
tribuneindia.com
The Second Innings Association, in collaboration with Chandigarh Police and the Reserve Bank of India, organized a cyber fraud awareness program for over 150 senior citizens to educate them on rising digital threats. Experts presented information on phishing, UPI frauds, OTP misuse, and other cybercrime tactics, using real-life case studies and live demonstrations to teach attendees how to identify red flags and secure their online transactions. Participants learned to report cybercrime through helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
newsmeter.in
Digital arrest scams in Hyderabad decreased by over 75% in the first half of 2025 (34 cases) compared to the same period in 2024 (140 cases), attributed to increased public awareness efforts. Senior citizens aged 60-80, particularly retired professionals with children abroad, remain primary targets of these scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers and coerce victims to liquidate assets through psychological manipulation and threats of arrest. Recent cases included an 84-year-old man defrauded of Rs 44 lakh and a 69-year-old woman defrauded of Rs 38.7 lakh, with police adv
kelly.senate.gov
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly led a bipartisan Senate effort urging federal agencies to coordinate against transnational criminal networks operating "scam labor camps" in Southeast Asia and elsewhere that traffic or coerce individuals into defrauding older Americans. According to the FBI, Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to online scams in 2023—an 80% increase in two years—through tactics including tech support scams, cryptocurrency fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation. The lawmakers requested that the Secret Service, State Department, and Treasury Department enhance international law enforcement partnerships, dismantle trafficking operations, strengthen public awareness campaigns, and improve interagency coordination while reporting back by July
nypost.com
A Belgian man named Michel lost $35,000 in a romance scam after being catfished by someone impersonating French model Sophie Vouzelaud online; he drove 472 miles to meet his "future wife" only to be confronted by her actual husband, Fabien Boutamine, at her home. The scammer had posed as Vouzelaud on fake social media accounts and fabricated stories including a false pregnancy to manipulate Michel emotionally. Vouzelaud advised Michel to report the fraud to police and preserve all evidence, though it is unclear if a report was filed.
newsbreak.com
An Eastern Oregon woman lost $600,000 (nearly her entire life savings) to scammers impersonating federal agents who convinced her that her financial accounts were at risk and instructed her to purchase gold bars for "safekeeping." Her sister's call to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Hotline enabled law enforcement to intervene and prevent an additional $300,000 from being transferred before the final transaction could occur.
kjct8.com
The Grand Junction Police Department warned residents of a text scam impersonating UPS that requests payment of delivery fees or confirmation of delivery details through suspicious links. Red flags include unknown sender numbers, urgent language, unexpected payment requests, mismatched tracking numbers, and poor spelling/grammar. According to the Federal Trade Commission, similar scams caused losses of nearly $470 million in 2024.
wlos.com
North Carolina officials including Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall launched a statewide initiative with AARP and local partners to prevent cryptocurrency ATM scams, after reports of victims losing their life savings. The scams typically target older adults by establishing emotional connections and directing victims to transfer money from their bank accounts to cryptocurrency ATMs, which scammers then convert to cash and steal. The campaign aims to educate the public on warning signs, such as pressure to withdraw cash immediately or claims that government officials require crypto payments, and provides resources through 211 for residents to report suspicious activity and connect with law enforcement.
inquisitr.com
A 52-year-old Texas man, Paul Schendel, lost over $6,000 to a sophisticated bank impersonation scam involving call spoofing and an in-person card collection scheme, and died of a heart attack the following day after learning of the fraud. The scam began with a caller impersonating his bank, followed by a woman posing as Wells Fargo security who collected his debit card at his home; the bank confirmed they do not initiate contact via phone and could not reimburse him. Similar scams targeting victims through fraudulent bank employee impersonation have increased dramatically, with other victims like Scott Merovitch losing $20,000
97x.com
Scammers are exploiting JOANN Fabric's legitimate store closures by creating fake websites advertising bankruptcy sales with discounts up to 90% off, targeting North Carolina shoppers through Facebook, Pinterest, and Nextdoor ads. Victims who purchase from these fraudulent sites receive confirmation emails from unrelated businesses and never receive their items, with unauthorized charges appearing on their bank statements. The article advises consumers to verify sales directly through JOANN's official website, be wary of unrealistic discounts, use credit cards for better fraud protection, and report scams to the FTC, noting that legitimate JOANN clearance sales only occur in physical stores.
mirror.co.uk
The DVLA warned drivers not to share photos of their V5C vehicle logbooks on social media or selling sites, as scammers can use the personal information contained in these documents (such as registered keeper addresses and reference numbers) for identity theft. The alert emphasized that drivers should avoid sharing private information online and report suspicious communications to Action Fraud or Police Scotland, with additional guidance provided for those who have already compromised their details, including notifying their banks and changing passwords. The warning was part of a broader government effort to alert the public about various online scams, including a separate bogus "Energy Support Scheme" text message scam from the Department for Work and Pensions.
bbc.com
A 76-year-old Belgian widower traveled 760km to France after falling victim to a romance scam, believing he was in a relationship with French beauty queen Sophie Vouzelaud and having paid €30,000 to scammers over several weeks of WhatsApp communication. He arrived at Vouzelaud's home only to be met by her actual husband, who explained the deception and encouraged him to report the fraud to police. The article also outlines common warning signs of romance fraud and provides advice for avoiding and supporting victims of such scams.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
An Asda security guard in Northern Ireland identified 10-15 potential romance scam victims over six months, where fraudsters impersonate celebrities or romantic interests on social media to manipulate victims into purchasing gift cards and sharing the barcodes. The guard intervened in cases involving hundreds of pounds in losses, successfully helping one customer recover £1,000 through police involvement and preventing another from losing £750, highlighting how this scam has become increasingly common in retail settings.
intelligentcio.com
Tucoemas Federal Credit Union partnered with Carefull, an AI-powered financial safety platform, to provide real-time fraud detection and elder exploitation prevention for its older members and their families. The partnership enhances Tucoemas' existing PrimeTimers program by offering suspicious transaction monitoring, credit activity alerts, a secure document vault, scam analysis tools, and $1 million in identity theft insurance to help protect against the growing threat of elder financial abuse. This initiative reflects Tucoemas' commitment to serving California's rapidly growing population of adults over 65 with proactive financial security and family involvement in fraud prevention.
the-independent.com
In early 2025, Chinese actor Wang Xing was abducted after being lured to Thailand under false pretenses and taken to a scam operation in Myanmar, sparking widespread panic about fraud on Chinese social media; Thai police rescued him within three days after he reported being forced into training for "pig butchering" scams. Pig butchering scams, operated by organized crime groups primarily since 2019, involve criminals building trust with victims online before manipulating them into making large fraudulent investments, with victims losing billions globally—including a U.S. banker who embezzled $47 million to cover losses from such a scam, and a Connecticut woman who lost nearly $1
wwnytv.com
Senator Gillibrand raised concerns about proposed budget cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and other federal agencies responsible for protecting seniors from fraud, noting that older adults lost nearly $5 billion to scams in the previous year. She argued that reducing funding to these agencies is counterproductive at a time when artificial intelligence has made financial fraud schemes more sophisticated, and called for an examination of how such cuts would impact senior protection efforts.
yahoo.com
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for federal action to protect seniors from fraud, citing concerns that staffing cuts at agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are hampering scam prevention efforts at a time when seniors lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024. She has requested the Government Accountability Office examine how these cuts affect federal fraud-fighting capabilities and is working on legislation to implement GAO recommendations, including directing the FBI to develop a national strategy against scams targeting older adults.
oswegocountytoday.com
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference to protest proposed federal budget cuts to agencies protecting seniors from fraud, noting that seniors lost nearly $5 billion to scams in the previous year. Gillibrand called on the Trump administration to maintain funding for agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that investigate fraud complaints and requested the Government Accountability Office examine how staffing cuts would impact senior fraud protection efforts.
mycomoxvalleynow.com
A woman in her 70s lost $1,300 to an identity theft scam after receiving a call from someone posing as her bank, who instructed her from depositing cash into a Bitcoin ATM to "protect" her funds; an alert store employee intervened and prevented the victim from depositing an additional $3,700. The Comox Valley RCMP warns that cryptocurrency machines are never used by legitimate financial institutions, and that scammers create urgency by falsely claiming identity theft or account compromise to manipulate victims into irreversible transactions.