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skynews.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, of Oklahoma was arrested and charged with laundering approximately $2.4 million obtained through online romance scams targeting elderly women ages 64-79 between September and December 2024. The victims, believing they were in relationships with men, sent money, gift cards, and checks to accounts owned by Echohawk, who converted the funds into cryptocurrency and sent them to unknown suspects; one victim sold her house to send $600,000. Echohawk faces five counts of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and computer fraud, carrying potential sentences of 24-62 years and up to $260,000 in fines.
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
Badetito O. Obafemi, a 42-year-old Georgia man, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his role in an online romance scam targeting elderly victims in Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey between 2016 and 2018. Obafemi conspired to receive fraudulent wire transfers totaling $311,520 by coordinating bank accounts and fund transfers, with one victim in Missouri alone losing $27,460 after being deceived by someone claiming to be "Kevin Condon" seeking money for overseas business and medical expenses. He was ordered to pay full restitution to his victims and serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
elderjustice.usc.edu
· 2025-12-08
This article collection presents educational resources on elder abuse prevention and protection across multiple topics: nutrition services as a preventive touchpoint for vulnerable seniors, a new Bill of Rights model for guardianship, practical scam prevention strategies, technology's role in reducing isolation (a risk factor for abuse), community-coordinated elder justice responses, faith community engagement on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and awareness about relationship investment scams using digital platforms. The materials emphasize that elder abuse prevention requires multi-sector approaches involving healthcare providers, legal advocates, community organizations, and faith leaders working together to protect older adults' rights and wellbeing.
spokanejournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams targeting companies and their employees have surged in sophistication due to AI availability, with cybercriminals posing as vendors or trusted contacts to trick employees into sending money or data. Between 2013 and 2023, BEC scams resulted in over $55 billion in losses, with a 9% increase in losses between December 2022 and December 2023, and 71% of businesses reporting BEC attempts in 2022. Financial institutions in the Inland Northwest are launching educational programs to warn businesses, particularly small business owners and accounts payable personnel who are primary targets, that verification procedures and email security awareness are critical
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee, Oklahoma, was arrested and charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million from online romance scams targeting elderly women aged 64-79 in Florida, Texas, and Utah between September and December 2023. The victims, believing they were in relationships with men, sent money through various methods including Apple gift cards, cash, and wire transfers, which Echohawk deposited into her bank accounts, converted to cryptocurrency, and transferred to an unidentified male subject. Echohawk faces five felony counts carrying potential sentences of 24 to 62 years in prison and fines up to $260,000, with notable individual
oklahoman.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee was charged with laundering approximately $1.5 million from elderly women (ages 64-79) in Oklahoma, Florida, Texas, and Utah who believed they were sending money to romantic interests between September and December. Echohawk received funds through various methods, converted most to cryptocurrency, and transferred the funds to an unidentified male subject while using some proceeds personally and lying to banks about the money's source. She faces multiple felony charges including unlawful use of criminal proceeds and violations of the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act, with charges filed by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.
people.com
· 2025-12-08
An Oklahoma woman, Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, was arrested in April 2025 for laundering approximately $1.5 million from four elderly victims (ages 64-79) in an online romance scam between September and December 2024. One victim sold her house to send $600,000 to the scammer, while others sent gift cards, cash, and cashier's checks; Echohawk allegedly converted the funds through cryptocurrency accounts and sent payments to an unidentified suspect. She faces charges carrying 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
nbcnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk of Oklahoma orchestrated multiple online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) from September to December, defrauding them of $1.5 million total using fake male personas like "Jason Morris," "Edward Lotts," and "Glenn Goadard" with elaborate stories requiring urgent cash payments. One victim sold her paid-off home to send over $600,000 after being promised debt relief, while another sent $250,000 for a supposed financial portfolio from Syria; Echohawk deposited all funds into a bank account under her name and converted the money into cryptocurrency for money laundering. The scam was uncovered when a
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, was arrested in Oklahoma for allegedly laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting elderly women ages 64-79 between September and December 2024. Victims believed they were sending money to male romantic interests via wire transfers, gift cards, and checks to accounts owned by Echohawk, who then converted the funds to cryptocurrency; one victim sold her house to send $600,000 to the scammer. Echohawk faces charges of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and computer crimes carrying potential sentences of 24 to 62 years in prison.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Badetito O. Obafemi, a 42-year-old Georgia man, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in romance scams that defrauded elderly victims across Missouri, New Jersey, and Minnesota between 2016 and 2018. Obafemi used social media to establish fake romantic relationships with victims, convincing them to send money for various expenses, and coordinated the receipt and transfer of stolen funds through multiple bank accounts; he was ordered to pay over $311,500 in restitution to his victims. The scheme targeted at least one victim in Missouri who lost more than $27,400 to a scammer posing as "Kevin Condon
legends1063.fm
· 2025-12-08
A Georgia man, Badetito O. Obafemi, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his role in a romance scam that defrauded elderly victims across multiple states, including a Taney County, Missouri resident who lost $27,460. Obafemi conspired with scammers who posed as romantic interests online, requesting money for various expenses, and received the stolen funds through personal and business bank accounts he controlled. He was ordered to pay $311,520 in total restitution to all victims across Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, from Oklahoma, was charged with money laundering and computer crimes after stealing approximately $1.5 million from four elderly women (ages 64-79) through romance scams that operated from April 2023 through October 2024. Echohawk used multiple fake male identities to convince victims they were in romantic relationships and needed money for various schemes, including debt payoff, business investments, and ship fuel, with one victim selling her home to send $600,000. After receiving payments via cash, gift cards, and wire transfers, Echohawk converted the funds to cryptocurrency and sent them to an unknown accomplice; she faces 24 to 62
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Medical Identity Theft occurs when fraudsters use seniors' personal health information, such as names or Medicare numbers, to bill for medical services or supplies never received, potentially affecting both finances and health through inaccurate medical records. The New York StateWide Senior Action Council identifies warning signs including unexpected medical bills, insurance coverage denials for non-existent conditions, and debt collection contacts for unrecognized expenses. Seniors should protect themselves by keeping Medicare numbers confidential, avoiding unsolicited medical offers, regularly reviewing billing statements, and reporting suspected fraud to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374.
spokanejournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington Trust Bank employees launched a Senior Fraud Awareness workshop series in April 2023 to combat rising scams targeting older adults, after branch staff witnessed seniors being pressured to withdraw cash while on phone calls with scammers. The trio of bank managers has conducted five workshops in Spokane senior living communities and plans to expand regionally, providing FTC data, practical fraud prevention tips, and resources for reporting elder fraud. According to federal data, older adults lost over $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023 alone, with estimates suggesting actual losses could reach $61.5 billion.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Medical identity theft occurs when scammers use a senior's personal health information, such as their name or Medicare number, to fraudulently bill for medical services or supplies never received, potentially affecting both their finances and health through inaccurate medical records. Warning signs include unexpected bills for services not received, insurance coverage denials due to non-existent conditions, and debt collection agency contacts about unrecognized medical expenses. Seniors can protect themselves by safeguarding their Medicare numbers, avoiding unsolicited medical offers, purchasing supplies only from verified sources, and regularly reviewing their Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits statements.
chestnuthilllocal.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud targeting adults 60 and older has become increasingly sophisticated in the digital age, with government impersonation scams alone costing Americans over $394 million in 2023—a 63% increase from the previous year. Common schemes include government agency impersonation (using caller ID spoofing to demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency), tech support scams (fraudsters claiming to fix nonexistent device problems to gain remote access), and foreign lottery scams (requiring victims to pay escalating fees). Protection requires understanding that legitimate government agencies typically contact via official mail, not phone calls or emails, and being aware of scammers' use of fear and urgency to bypass victim verification
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, was arrested in Oklahoma for laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting elderly women ages 64-79, who believed they were sending money to male romantic interests. Between September and December 2024, victims transferred funds, gift cards, and cashiers' checks through Echohawk's bank accounts, with one victim selling her house to send $600,000; Echohawk allegedly converted the proceeds to cryptocurrency and sent them to an unidentified suspect. She faces five felony charges carrying 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,000 in fines.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
US Postal Inspector Cory McManus led an investigation into an elaborate romance scam network operated by Wisdom Onyobeno from Atlanta, which stole millions of dollars from dozens of victims. After arresting two money mules who recruited victims and managed bank accounts ("strikers"), investigators traced the operation back to Onyobeno, who posed as a romantic interest to manipulate victims into sending money and even selling their homes. Onyobeno pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-08
In December 2024, Oklahoma officials charged Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, with operating a romance scam ring that defrauded four elderly women (ages 64-79) out of $1.5 million between September and December 2024. Echohawk used fake male identities (Jason Morris, Edward Lotts, Glenn Goadard) to convince victims she was in romantic relationships with them, then manipulated them into sending cash, checks, wire transfers, and gift cards under false pretenses (fake oil rigs, business investments, debt payoffs). The funds were deposited into accounts Echohawk controlled and converted into cryptocurrency, with one
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, of Oklahoma, was charged with scamming four elderly women (ages 64-79) out of $1.5 million between September and December through elaborate online romance scams using fake male personas (Jason Morris, Edward Lotts, and Glenn Goadard) who claimed to need money for various schemes like oil rigs and debt payoff. The victims sent cash, checks, wire transfers, and gift cards, which Echohawk deposited into her bank account and converted into cryptocurrency before sending the funds to an unidentified person; the scam was discovered when a bank flagged a $120,000 transaction from one victim.
fedweek.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The Government Accountability Office called for better federal coordination in countering scams, finding that while 13 agencies have anti-scam roles, they operate independently without a comprehensive government-wide strategy. The report noted that common scams include impersonations of federal agencies (particularly SSA, IRS, and DHS), tech support, and family members in crisis, and recommended developing unified strategies, national scam estimates, and measurement of consumer education effectiveness.
vice.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, of Oklahoma was accused of laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) during late 2024. Using aliases including Jason Morris, Edward Lotts, and Glenn Goadard, Echohawk convinced victims they were in romantic relationships and persuaded them to send funds ranging from $120,000 to $600,000, with one victim selling her house to participate; she converted the stolen money through various accounts and cryptocurrency before sending payments to an unidentified suspect. Echohawk faces four counts of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and one count of violating Oklahoma
news9.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old Oklahoma woman, was charged with money laundering after allegedly orchestrating online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) that netted approximately $1.5 million. Using fake male personas including "Edward Lotts," "Jason Morris," and "Glenn Goddard," Echohawk convinced victims they were in romantic relationships and persuaded them to send funds for various schemes (debt payoffs, oil tanker purchases, financial portfolios), which she then converted to cryptocurrency and sent to an unidentified accomplice. The scam was uncovered when MidFirst Bank flagged suspicious wire transfers in late December 2024, an
manhattantimesnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, older New Yorkers lost $203.4 million to financial scams—averaging $47,000 per victim—with the "grandparent scam" being among the most common schemes where fraudsters pose as relatives requesting emergency cash. AARP and state officials are advocating for legislation that would train bank employees to recognize and flag suspicious transactions, allowing law enforcement to intervene before funds are transferred via untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
news3lv.com
· 2025-12-08
Congresswoman Susie Lee hosted a scam prevention event at a Las Vegas senior center to address growing fraud concerns as Social Security Administration changes create vulnerability among Nevada's 480,000 Social Security-dependent seniors. Older adults lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), with Nevada leading the nation in per-capita financial fraud and scammers exploiting confusion created by SSA office closures and policy changes.
nbcphiladelphia.com
· 2025-12-08
In December 2024, Oklahoma officials charged Christine Joan Echohawk with orchestrating romance scams that defrauded four elderly women (ages 64-79) of $1.5 million between September and December 2024. Echohawk used fake male personas including "Jason Morris," "Edward Lotts," and "Glenn Goadard" to convince victims to send money under false pretenses such as paying off debts or investing in oil rigs, then laundered the funds through bank accounts and cryptocurrency. A bank's suspicious hold on a $120,000 transfer led to the investigation, and Echohawk was charged with unlawful use of criminal proceeds and computer
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in Battlefield, Missouri received threatening text messages from a scammer demanding $500 and including graphic images of dismembered bodies, prompting a 911 call to police. Police warn that scammers use emotionally manipulative messages—including threats, explicit content, and impersonations—targeting people of all ages, though seniors are particularly vulnerable. Victims should immediately call 911 and report scams to the Better Business Bureau to prevent others from being targeted.
10news.com
· 2025-12-08
As the April 15 tax filing deadline approached, scammers increasingly used AI-generated phishing emails, texts, and fake IRS letters to target taxpayers, with these fraudulent communications now featuring proper grammar, real personal information, and authentic refund histories. Red flags include messages creating urgency and requests for immediate action via unsolicited phone calls or texts, while the IRS only contacts people by mail; taxpayers should verify any IRS correspondence through the official IRS website or a certified tax preparer. Security experts advise victims not to feel guilty and to take corrective action immediately if compromised.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP identifies six major scams threatening consumers in 2025, with particular risks for older adults: AI-powered scams using deepfakes and convincing phishing, imposter scams impersonating trusted figures, employment scams targeting job seekers with fake offers, tech support scams (which cost Americans 60+ over $175 million in 2023), romance scams exploiting emotional connections, and cryptocurrency scams (resulting in $1.6 billion in losses for those 60+ in 2023). The article advises vigilance against sophisticated tactics, emphasizing that legitimate companies don't request Social Security numbers during hiring, tech support representatives shouldn't demand remote access, and legitimate
benzinga.com
· 2025-12-08
Recent government reorganization under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked anxiety among seniors about the security and continuity of Social Security benefits, with some officials' comments—such as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's suggestion that missed checks might go unnoticed—fueling concerns despite no actual benefit interruptions occurring. While the Trump administration states it does not intend to reduce Social Security, advocates warn that DOGE's broad access to federal data systems raises valid privacy questions, and seniors are advised to monitor their benefit statements and use official channels to protect their accounts.
tribtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting E-ZPass users with text message phishing scams that impersonate toll authorities and threaten license suspension or vehicle seizure to trick victims into providing credit card numbers. Additionally, criminals use wireless skimmers to steal E-ZPass transponder codes from vehicles and sell cloned passes on the dark web, detectable when unauthorized toll charges appear on statements. The Ohio Turnpike never initiates contact via text or email about unpaid tolls—legitimate notices arrive by mail—and victims should delete suspicious messages, cancel compromised cards immediately, and store transponders in foil-lined bags to prevent code theft.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Older Australians are disproportionately targeted by scams, accounting for 31% of losses reported to Scamwatch despite representing only 17% of the population. CommBank's "Talk to a Loved One" campaign encourages families to have open conversations about scams to raise awareness and reduce vulnerability, though research shows only 8% of Australians feel comfortable discussing their own scam experiences with family members despite 90% believing such discussions are important. The campaign recommends using the "Stop. Check. Reject." approach and highlights that confidence in recognizing scams drops from 33% for those under 60 to just over 20% for those over 60.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial institutions face regulatory pressure to implement policies that detect and prevent elder financial exploitation while respecting senior customers' autonomy and decision-making rights. The discussion highlights the importance of combining AI-driven fraud detection systems, staff training, and targeted educational programs to effectively identify suspicious transactions and protect vulnerable clients without being overly paternalistic.
selectcommitteeontheccp.house.gov
· 2025-12-08
A joint congressional hearing in April addressed how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) threatens Americans' retirement savings and financial stability through market manipulation, investment fraud, and targeted scams against seniors. Expert witnesses testified that the CCP infiltrates U.S. capital markets, uses American investor money to fund military and surveillance infrastructure, and operates global scam networks, with elder fraud complaints overwhelming law enforcement resources. The hearing emphasized the need for stronger protections to prevent hostile foreign actors from exploiting U.S. capital and vulnerable populations.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Badetito O. Obafemi, 42, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded elderly victims in Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey of approximately $311,520 between 2016 and 2018. Obafemi and co-conspirators posed as individuals like "Kevin Condon" online to build relationships with victims and convince them to send money for various expenses, with Obafemi receiving the fraudulent wire transfers through personal and business bank accounts he controlled. The court ordered Obafemi to pay full restitution to victims and serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Medical Identity Theft occurs when fraudsters use seniors' personal health information, such as their name or Medicare number, to bill for medical services or supplies never received, potentially affecting both their finances and health through inaccurate medical records. Warning signs include unexpected bills for services never performed, insurance denials due to non-existing conditions, and debt collection contacts for unrecognized expenses. The New York StateWide Senior Action Council advises seniors to protect themselves by safeguarding Medicare cards, avoiding "free" offers from unknown sources, monitoring Medicare statements regularly, and reporting suspected fraud to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol helpline at 800-333-4374.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP offers Dr. Virginia Vincenti, a University of Wyoming professor with over a decade of research experience in elder abuse and financial exploitation, as a speaker for community events. Dr. Vincenti delivers presentations on recognizing abuse warning signs, understanding vulnerability factors, and implementing protective legal measures through power-of-attorney documents and wills. Her research-based, compassionate approach is designed to help seniors, caregivers, and professionals prevent financial exploitation and elder abuse.
manhattantimesnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, over 4,300 older New Yorkers lost $203.4 million to financial scams, averaging $47,000 per victim—equating to $23,200 per hour lost to fraud. The "grandparent scam," where fraudsters pose as relatives requesting emergency funds via untraceable payment methods like cash or gift cards, is among the most common schemes targeting seniors. AARP and state officials are advocating for Governor Hochul's proposed legislation to require bank employees to identify and halt suspicious transactions, giving law enforcement time to investigate before stolen funds disappear.
perezhilton.com
· 2025-12-08
A 53-year-old Oklahoma woman, Christine Joan Echohawk, was arrested for defrauding four elderly women (ages 64-79) of approximately $1.5 million in an online romance scam conducted over three months in late 2024. One victim sold her house to send $600,000 to Echohawk, who posed as a man online and convinced the women to send money via wire transfers, gift cards, checks, and cash. Echohawk laundered the proceeds through multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency before a $120,000 wire transfer was intercepted by a bank in January 2025, triggering the investigation; she now faces
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old Oklahoma woman, scammed four elderly women (ages 64-79) out of $1.5 million between September and December 2024 through romance scams using fake male personas such as "Jason Morris," "Edward Lotts," and "Glenn Goadard," with elaborate schemes involving fake oil rigs, debt payoffs, and financial portfolios. Echohawk received the funds via cash, checks, wire transfers, and gift cards, then laundered the money through bank accounts and cryptocurrency. She was charged with unlawful use of criminal proceeds and computer fraud after a bank flagged suspicious activity and an investigation by the
gistmania.com
· 2025-12-08
Badetito O. Obafemi, a 42-year-old Nigerian national, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for his role in a transnational romance scam that defrauded elderly victims across Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey between 2016 and 2018. Obafemi pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and was ordered to pay $311,520 in restitution; one victim alone lost $27,460 after being lured through a fake Facebook identity. The scam involved establishing fake online relationships and soliciting funds under false pretenses such as business investments and medical emergencies, with Obafemi laundering proceeds through two Georgia
tori.ng
· 2025-12-08
Badetito O. Obafemi, a 42-year-old Nigerian national, was convicted and sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in an online romance scam that defrauded elderly victims in Missouri, Minnesota, and New Jersey between 2016 and 2018. Obafemi pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and was ordered to pay $311,520 in restitution; he received funds from victims through personal and business accounts while scammers posed as romantic interests requesting money for business, medical, travel, and other expenses. The Taney County victim alone lost $27,460, with scammers attempting to solicit an additional
thenerdstash.com
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk was charged with money laundering after operating a romance scam targeting four elderly women across multiple states, fraudulently obtaining over $1.5 million by posing as a man named "Edward Lotts" and convincing victims to send money under false pretenses. Operating from April 2023 through October 2024, Echohawk convinced her first victim to sell her home and send $600,000, and continued targeting additional victims despite a police confrontation in January 2024; she was arrested in April and now faces 24 to 62 years in prison plus up to $260,000 in fines.
nasdaq.com
· 2025-12-08
While Apple devices offer stronger security than many competitors, Apple users remain vulnerable to social engineering scams targeting their money. Common scams include E-ZPass text message phishing (fake toll warnings linking to malware), Apple gift card fraud (scammers posing as creditors requesting payment via gift cards), and Apple Cash scams (fraudsters requesting peer-to-peer payments via social media or marketplace platforms). Users can protect themselves by verifying account information directly through official websites, remembering that Apple gift cards only purchase Apple products, and avoiding money transfers to unknown parties through Apple Cash.
wfaa.com
· 2025-12-08
An 87-year-old Richardson, Texas woman lost $17,600 in a sophisticated tech support scam that began with a phishing email spoofing her son. Scammers impersonating Apple and bank representatives used fear tactics—falsely claiming unauthorized charges for ammunition and child pornography—to isolate her from legitimate help and manipulate her into withdrawing cash and depositing it into a Bitcoin ATM. Her son is sharing the story to raise awareness about increasingly complex elder fraud schemes that exploit emotional manipulation and urgency.
newslj.com
· 2025-12-08
This article compiles multiple fraud and cybersecurity alerts: a Wyoming resident received a fake PayPal email demanding $379.99 in Bitcoin with artificial urgency, and another resident fell for a suspicious University of Wyoming impersonation email containing a QR code. The piece also highlights that 40 million Americans lost $47 billion to identity fraud in 2024, recommends protective measures like automatic updates and document shredding, and reports on a ChatGPT security vulnerability (CVE-2024-27564) that enabled over 10,000 attack attempts in one week targeting financial institutions, plus a separate Oracle data breach exposing 6 million records including usernames, emails,
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity researcher David Maimon discovered scammers selling access to Social Security accounts online, with the goal of taking over victims' benefit payments by changing account details and redirecting funds to fraudulent accounts. Scammers gain access through stolen login credentials and phishing attempts, and the Social Security Administration is implementing new in-person identity verification requirements (as of April 14) to combat the fraud. To protect accounts, beneficiaries should regularly monitor their "my Social Security" accounts, avoid clicking suspicious links, enable two-factor authentication, and never provide cash or personal information to unsolicited callers claiming to be law enforcement.
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are using phishing schemes to deceive people with fake messages claiming they owe tariff fees to the government, complete with urgent payment demands and fraudulent links. Cybersecurity experts warn that individual Americans do not pay tariffs directly—only importing companies do—and advise recipients never to click unfamiliar links or provide payment, even if messages appear to come from official government sources. The article also alerts seniors to related scams involving false jury duty payment demands.
pulsetasmania.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Sharon Maree Bailey, a Tasmanian support worker, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to 86 fraud-related charges, including stealing approximately $10,753.85 from a wheelchair-bound elderly client's credit card to fund a Gold Coast holiday, concert tickets, and other purchases. Bailey had concealed her extensive criminal history of prior fraud and theft convictions when obtaining the job at Community Based Support, and made 76 fraudulent transactions before the scheme was discovered when the victim's card was declined. She was ordered to pay $10,753.85 in compensation to the bank, with the court noting her lack of remorse and pattern of similar offences dating back to
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "As cybercriminals develop increasingly sophisticated techniques, elderly individuals have become prime targets for fraud"
Cybercriminals increasingly target elderly individuals with sophisticated fraud schemes, prompting development of AI and network security innovations designed specifically to protect seniors. Key prevention technologies include real-time threat detection using machine learning to identify anomalous transaction patterns, personalized behavioral analysis that adapts to individual user habits, enhanced authentication methods like voice biometrics and fingerprint recognition, AI-driven call and message filtering to block scams before reaching victims, and predictive fraud prevention systems. These interconnected security measures aim to create robust digital defenses that balance strong protection with user-friendly interfaces accessible to less