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Indiana seniors lost $81.5 million to elder fraud last year, with scammers increasingly targeting them through gift card and prepaid money card schemes after cryptocurrency ATM machines were shut down. Con artists use emotional stories to convince victims to purchase Green Dot money paks or gift cards, which are untraceable and typically result in losses of $20,000-$50,000 per victim over 6-12 months. The Terre Haute Police Department warns that if someone is pressuring you to buy gift cards or prepaid cards for any reason other than as an actual gift, it is a scam.

Indiana University police warned students about four recent online scams involving fraudulent job offers with fake checks and sextortion attempts. The fake job scam used a common tactic where victims were sent fraudulent checks and asked to send money back via Cash App, while the other three cases involved sextortion where scammers threatened to share intimate images unless victims paid them. Police attributed the rise in sophisticated scams to artificial intelligence platforms making it easier for scammers to create convincing fake profiles and job offers.

Four individuals from Kentucky and Indiana were indicted on August 19, 2026, for operating a deed theft scheme targeting vacant Louisville homes, particularly those of deceased owners without wills, between April 2024 and June 2026. The same defendants, along with a fifth conspirator, were also charged with vehicle title fraud involving forged Indiana documents to conceal ownership of stolen or abandoned vehicles. Defendants Donnie Russell, Lisa Cunningham, Steven Jamesray Cates, and Claude Oscar Cunningham III face charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft, with potential sentences up to 20 years per count.

Four individuals from Kentucky and Indiana were indicted in August 2026 for a deed theft conspiracy targeting vacant Louisville homes, often those of deceased owners without wills, between April 2024 and June 2026. The same defendants, plus a fifth conspirator, were also charged with mail fraud for obtaining fraudulent Indiana vehicle titles using forged documents between January 2024 and July 2025. If convicted, defendants face up to 20 years in prison per count, with one defendant, Donnie Russell, facing additional two-year sentences for aggravated identity theft.

Scammers in Newburgh, Indiana are impersonating Federal Trade Commission representatives over the phone, claiming residents are under investigation or owe money to extort personal and financial information. The Newburgh Police Department advises residents not to provide personal details, send money, purchase gift cards, or share verification codes, and recommends hanging up and independently verifying any such claims.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning residents about storm contractor scams targeting homeowners dealing with recent storm damage, as tens of thousands remain without power. Common scams include contractors demanding large down payments, using high-pressure tactics to rush signatures, falsely promising FEMA reimbursement, and claiming they'll cover insurance deductibles (which constitutes insurance fraud). Rokita recommends getting all agreements in writing, minimizing down payments, paying by credit card, verifying business licenses, and reporting suspicious door-to-door contractors to the Indiana Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-382-5516 or IndianaConsumer.com.

Following severe storms and flooding that killed 7 people across Indiana, the state's attorney general warned of door-to-door contractor scams targeting affected homeowners. Fraudsters falsely claim FEMA will pay for storm damage repairs and pressure victims to sign contracts immediately, sometimes promising to waive insurance deductibles, which is illegal under Indiana law. Residents are urged to demand written contracts with specific details, verify contractor legitimacy, and report suspected scams to the Indiana Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.

Teresa Palmer, a 55-year-old branch manager at Credit Union 1 in Columbus, Indiana, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing $381,400.05 from elderly and vulnerable customers between 2021 and 2022. Palmer exploited her access to customer accounts by forging signatures, making unauthorized withdrawals, and fraudulently issuing cashier's checks, targeting victims including one with dementia who could not monitor their finances. She was ordered to pay full restitution of $381,400.05 to her victims.

Teresa Palmer, a 55-year-old former credit union branch manager in Columbus, Indiana, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing over $381,000 from customer accounts between January 2021 and December 2022. Palmer exploited her position to forge customer signatures, issue unauthorized cashier's checks, and conduct hundreds of fraudulent transactions targeting elderly and vulnerable customers, including one with dementia, diverting the stolen funds to personal expenses including gambling. She was ordered to pay $381,400.05 in restitution and serve three years of supervised release.

Former Centra Credit Union manager Teresa Palmer was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $381,400 in restitution after pleading guilty to bank fraud for stealing from at least four elderly or financially vulnerable customers between 2021 and 2022. Palmer forged customer signatures on banking documents, made unauthorized cash withdrawals, and fraudulently issued cashier's checks, keeping the proceeds for herself. The credit union discovered the fraud during an internal investigation and terminated Palmer in December 2022.

Teresa Palmer, a 55-year-old former Credit Union 1 branch manager in Columbus, Indiana, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing $381,400.05 from four customer accounts over two years by forging signatures and issuing fraudulent cashier's checks. Palmer deliberately targeted elderly customers and individuals unable to monitor their finances, including one victim with dementia, using stolen funds for personal expenses and gambling. She must pay full restitution of $381,400.05 to her victims.

The Better Business Bureau warns of "brushing" scams where recipients receive unsolicited packages containing cheap items or nothing at all, addressed to them but never ordered. Scammers use these packages to create fake positive reviews and boost their online marketplace ratings by generating real tracking numbers and delivery proof. Indiana's BBB Scam Tracker recorded 67 complaints in 2024 related to brushing scams, with a variant called "quishing" now including QR codes that can steal personal information when scanned.

Scammers are targeting homeowners struggling with mortgage payments by posing as "home savers" offering loan modifications or foreclosure reversals, then stealing their equity and money through fraudulent paperwork; reported cases include an Arizona man who lost $150,000 in equity and an Indiana woman who lost $9,000. Additionally, fraudsters are using AI-generated personas on social media to solicit purchases through emotional storytelling, and sending fake postcards promising free gas and grocery cards that require upfront fees before victims face unauthorized charges.

Cryptocurrency kiosks located in convenience stores and gas stations have become the primary collection point for impersonation scams, with the FBI logging 13,460 complaints in 2025 resulting in approximately $389 million in losses, with roughly two-thirds of victims over age 60. While federal law treats kiosk operators as money services businesses subject to FinCEN registration and anti-money-laundering requirements, state regulation is highly fragmented, ranging from outright bans (Indiana, Tennessee, Minnesota) to licensing regimes with transaction caps and fraud protections to complete absence of oversight (such as in Texas, which leads the nation in reported losses). The regulatory inconsistency means operators face vastly

Minnesota banned cryptocurrency kiosks after residents lost nearly $1 million to scams between 2023 and 2025, with over 100 complaints filed and an 80-year-old victim losing $80,000 in a single incident. Governor Tim Walz signed the prohibition into law on May 5, 2026, making Minnesota the third state to fully outlaw the machines following Tennessee and Indiana. The scams typically involved fake emergency calls and impersonation schemes that pressured victims to convert cash to cryptocurrency through the kiosks, with funds then disappearing into untraceable wallets.

Texans lost approximately $57 million to cryptocurrency kiosk scams in 2025, primarily targeting elderly victims who are tricked into depositing cash into crypto ATMs to send funds to scammers' wallets. Texas lawmakers plan to ban crypto kiosks entirely, joining Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota in prohibiting the machines, as three states have already enacted or scheduled bans to take effect between March and August 2026. The scam typically involves fraudsters contacting victims with urgent stories about unpaid taxes or compromised accounts, directing them to withdraw cash and convert it to cryptocurrency that cannot be recovered once transferred.

An elderly Indiana man lost his home to title theft while hospitalized when a former caregiver fraudulently changed the property records, but local police refused to file a report, claiming it was a civil matter rather than a crime. The incident highlights a broader problem of elder fraud cases going unreported and unaddressed in Indiana, with courts and prosecutors reportedly too overwhelmed to handle these crimes effectively. Seniors should protect themselves by monitoring property records, keeping legal documents secure, carefully vetting caregivers, and contacting Adult Protective Services or state authorities if they suspect fraud rather than relying solely on local police.

Federal prosecutors in Indiana have established a new Fraud Task Force and convened 20 law enforcement agencies to crack down on fraud targeting taxpayer-funded programs, cybercrime, and predatory schemes across the state. The initiative, part of a nationwide White House effort, has already resulted in charges or prison sentences against 19 individuals in 2026, including convictions in a $1.2 million travel insurance scheme and a $500,000 elder fraud case. Citizens should be aware that fraud investigations and prosecutions are expected to increase, and they can protect themselves by reporting suspicious activity involving federal benefit programs or targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly.

Pennsylvania State Police are warning residents about a phone scam where fraudsters pose as Comcast representatives and offer bill discounts to trick people into sharing credit card information. An Indiana County man nearly became a victim when he provided his card details to a scammer, though his credit card company caught and blocked the fraudulent transaction. To protect yourself, never give personal or financial information to unsolicited callers—instead, independently verify any offers by contacting the company directly using official contact information.

Indiana's Secretary of State is warning residents about a sharp increase in financial scams targeting seniors, with reports nearly doubling from 176 in 2024 to 351 in 2025, resulting in approximately $25 million in losses. The state is encouraging Hoosiers to protect elderly family members by staying informed about common scams—including phone scams, investment fraud, and online schemes—and to report suspicious activity to authorities. Educational programs offered by the Indiana Securities Division are available to seniors, caregivers, and community groups to help identify warning signs of financial exploitation before people become victims.

Indiana's Secretary of State reported that financial scams targeting seniors have reached record levels, with the state receiving 351 senior fraud reports in 2025—nearly double the previous year—resulting in approximately $25 million in losses. The exploitation includes phone scams, investment fraud, and online schemes, with state officials emphasizing that education and awareness are crucial tools for prevention. Seniors and their families are encouraged to stay informed about warning signs of financial exploitation and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Indiana ranks 8th worst in the nation for scam calls and texts, though overall scam call volume has dropped in recent months as fraudsters shift tactics to use AI for more targeted, personalized attacks rather than mass calling campaigns. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence to research victims on social media and craft convincing scripts, while the FTC reports that social media scams—particularly fake job offers and investment schemes—caused the highest financial losses last year. To protect yourself, consider using call-blocking apps like Truecaller (free on Android, paid on iOS) or contacting your wireless carrier about available scam-blocking features.

A new report shows identity crime is becoming more costly, with 35% of victims losing over $10,000, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make fraud easier and cheaper to execute. Recent victims in Indiana have lost tens of thousands of dollars to banking and investment scams, and the report found that 68% of identity crime victims seriously considered self-harm, highlighting the psychological toll. To protect yourself, avoid relying on Google searches for help after being scammed—instead contact trusted organizations like the Identity Theft Resource Center—and be wary of any "recovery services" that guarantee they can get your money back.

Romance scams cost older adults over $367 million in 2023, with more than 6,700 people aged 60 and older falling victim, making them the second-most costly scam type after investment fraud. The Indiana County AARP chapter highlighted this widespread threat through first-hand accounts, emphasizing that while people of all ages are vulnerable, seniors are particularly at risk. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic relationships that quickly develop emotional intensity or requests for money, verify identities through video calls before meeting, and report suspicious activity to the FBI or local authorities.

Tennessee has banned Bitcoin ATMs effective July 1, 2024, becoming the second state to do so after Indiana, due to widespread fraud targeting seniors who have lost millions through scams often involving impersonators posing as law enforcement. The 651 Bitcoin ATMs currently operating in Tennessee (mostly in Nashville) are being shut down because criminals exploit these machines to quickly move stolen funds in ways that are nearly impossible to recover. Seniors and vulnerable populations should be aware of scams encouraging them to withdraw cash and deposit it into cryptocurrency ATMs, and should verify any urgent requests for money by contacting authorities directly through official phone numbers rather than those provided by callers.

AARP National Romance Scams Spokesperson Kate Kleinert shared her personal experience of losing approximately $39,000 to a romance scam at an Indiana AARP chapter event in April. Romance scams, which target people seeking romantic connections online, primarily affect older adults and vulnerable individuals who are manipulated into sending money to scammers posing as potential partners. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate emotionally, avoid sending money to people you've only met online, and verify identities through video calls before any financial transactions.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a bill banning cryptocurrency ATMs, making Tennessee the second state to do so after Indiana, due to widespread scam concerns. Scammers are using these kiosks—commonly found in gas stations and grocery stores—to defraud victims by tricking them into depositing cash that gets instantly converted to untraceable Bitcoin; the FBI reported over 13,460 crypto ATM-related complaints in 2025 involving $389 million in losses, with seniors over 60 being particularly targeted. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited contact from strangers offering financial advice, government officials, or romantic interest, and never use crypto ATMs or withdraw cash based on urgent pressure from someone you don't know.

A scam called "check washing" is hitting southern Indiana and Louisville, where thieves steal checks from the mail, chemically remove the ink to erase payment details while keeping the signature, then cash them for different amounts. Local business owner Jennifer Brummett lost nearly $30,000 when her mailed check was altered this way, forcing her to close her entire bank account. To protect yourself, law enforcement recommends using gel ink pens (harder to wash off), avoiding mailing checks when possible, and monitoring your bank statements closely—thieves can also use stolen account information to print additional fraudulent checks.

Online scammers are increasingly using sophisticated digital tactics like AI-generated voice messages and fake government text alerts to trick people, according to tips released by the Federal Trade Commission. To protect yourself, consumers should learn to recognize common warning signs of scams and follow FTC-recommended prevention strategies, though the article doesn't specify the exact tactics to watch for or steps to take beyond being aware that scams exist.

Rental scams are costing renters millions of dollars annually, with nearly 65,000 reported cases since 2020 and losses exceeding $65 million, particularly affecting people ages 18-29 who are three times more likely to fall victim. Scammers are stealing real property listings from websites and social media, reposting them with fake contact information and stolen photos to trick renters into sending money and personal information before discovering the rental doesn't exist. To protect yourself, verify rental listings by searching the address online for inconsistencies, avoid sharing sensitive information like your Social Security number until you've agreed to rent, be suspicious of unusually low prices with pressure to decide quickly, and always pay with secure methods like certified checks rather than cash.

A woman in Sullivan, Indiana discovered that multiple men she matched with on Facebook Dating had hidden violent criminal histories, including charges for domestic battery, strangulation, and failure to register as sex offenders—a pattern that repeated across dozens of matches in the Sullivan and Terre Haute area. The men either lied about their backgrounds or minimized their past arrests when questioned. Experts recommend that anyone using dating apps should conduct background checks on matches and contact local domestic violence organizations like the Council on Domestic Abuse Inc. (CODA) for guidance if they have safety concerns or are considering a protective order.

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A Caring.com report found that Indiana has the second-highest rate of senior fraud in the nation, with 76.9 complaints per 100,000 residents among people over 60, who collectively lost $4.8 billion to fraud nationally. Indiana experienced a 240% increase in fraud cases against older adults over three years, attributed partly to the state's growing elderly population projected to reach 20.1% by 2030. The report recommends seniors and families guard against pressure tactics, tech support scams (the most common type with over 17,000 cases in 2023), and cryptocurrency fraud schemes.

Regene Newman, 59, of Evansville, Indiana, was sentenced to 1.5 years in federal prison for wire fraud after stealing over $125,000 from public institutions and nonprofits over seven years while serving in positions of trust as Director of Finance for the Prosecutor's Office and later as Business Director for Community Corrections. She made unauthorized purchases totaling approximately $121,063 across multiple accounts (including at retailers like Sephora, Target, and Macy's) and concealed the theft through fraudulent donation vouchers; she has already paid $101,133.55 in restitution to victims. The funds were intended to support at-risk youth programs an

Three men were sentenced to federal prison for stealing $520,910 in pandemic unemployment benefits between August and October 2020 through a scheme involving stolen debit cards and fraudulent unemployment claims. Kamaldeen Karaole, Stephen Olamigoke, and Johnson Omodusonu obtained 168 UI debit cards issued by California, Arizona, and Nevada using stolen personally identifiable information, then made 529 ATM withdrawals in Indianapolis to steal funds intended for workers unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each defendant received sentences ranging from 2 to 4.25 years in prison and was ordered to pay full restitution of $520,910.

Romance scams caused record losses of $547 million in 2021, affecting victims across all intelligence levels. The article advises families to establish safeguards such as adding trusted contacts to accounts—which allows banks to alert designated individuals of suspicious activity—or establishing power of attorney to enable decision-making authority, though these measures cannot prevent determined victims from sending money to scammers.

Impersonation scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with the FTC reporting a four-fold increase in reports of losses exceeding $10,000 and an eight-fold increase in losses over $100,000 (from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024), totaling nearly $5 billion in fraud losses in 2024. Common scam tactics include fake security alerts impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech companies like Microsoft and Apple, as well as fraudsters posing as FTC officials directing victims to Bitcoin ATMs or cash couriers. Arizona, Indiana, and Nevada reported the highest fraud complaint rates among

Phishing scams work by impersonating trusted brands (most commonly Microsoft, Google, Apple, Spotify, and Adobe) through fake websites and mass emails designed to trick users into clicking malicious links and revealing personal information. To protect yourself, hover over links to verify the actual URL before clicking, contact companies directly using verified contact information if suspicious, and use unique passwords for each account so compromised credentials cannot be used across multiple sites.

Joe Schulz, a New Jersey-based custom clothing manufacturer, received a suspicious order from a Dubai company for 200 coats and was targeted by an overpayment scam when they deposited a fraudulent check for $93,000 instead of the $14,000 owed, then requested he wire back the $79,000 difference. Schulz avoided the scam by investigating the check's origin, discovering it was fraudulently drawn on a legitimate Indiana construction company's account, and immediately contacting his bank to freeze his account. The incident illustrates how fake checks can appear legitimate and clear quickly, but may take weeks for banks to detect as fraudulent.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested in July after conducting a multi-state door-to-door scam targeting seniors across Ohio, Indiana, New Mexico, and Tennessee, defrauding victims of an estimated $309,000 total. One Charlestown, Indiana resident was tricked into withdrawing $27,000 from his retirement accounts and handing it over in cash; three additional attempted scams in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were prevented by family members, potentially saving another $70,000 in losses. Liu was apprehended at Louisville airport while attempting to flee the country and faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, an

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport after police connected him to impersonation scams targeting seniors across multiple states including Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Liu allegedly defrauded victims of approximately $400,000 by posing as a Department of Treasury employee and convincing them to withdraw money from retirement accounts, with one documented victim losing $27,000. Police are continuing to identify additional victims and investigate co-conspirators believed to be in other countries.

A 36-year-old Canadian man, Jia Liu, was arrested on July 2 at Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport for defrauding elderly people across multiple states. Liu targeted an elderly man in Charlestown who withdrew $27,000 from his retirement account in May, and investigators linked him to at least five additional victims in Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee, with total losses exceeding $309,000. Liu faces charges including theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and authorities are seeking additional victims who may be in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee.

A 36-year-old Canadian citizen, Jia Hua Liu, was arrested at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in July after a multi-state scam targeting elderly victims, with confirmed losses exceeding $309,000 across Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee. In the initial Charlestown, Kentucky case, an elderly resident was defrauded of $27,000 after being tricked into withdrawing funds from his retirement account; three additional elderly victims in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan were nearly victimized for an additional $70,000 before family members intervened. Liu was charged with theft, fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and police believe there are

Michael Jerome Wright and Cortney Lashea Young of Princeton, Indiana, were sentenced to 12 and 2 years in federal prison, respectively, for operating a mail theft and identity fraud scheme in 2023-2024. The pair stole hundreds of checks totaling $1,857,460.91 in face value by illegally using arrow keys to open USPS collection boxes, and investigators also discovered dozens of stolen credit and debit cards, personal identifying information, and illegal firearms including a "ghost gun" with automatic capabilities in their apartment.

A nationwide DMV scam involves cybercriminals texting people claiming they owe fines for traffic violations or unpaid tolls, threatening license revocation or vehicle registration suspension to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or paying money. These phishing scams, reported in Indiana, Ohio, Maine, Texas, and other states, use official-sounding language, fake ordinance codes, and threats of jail time or credit score damage to create urgency, but legitimate DMVs typically only send texts that users have opted into and never request payment or personal information via text.

**Summary:** Medicare fraud costs U.S. taxpayers an estimated $60 billion annually, with recent investigations uncovering widespread schemes including unordered genetic testing kits, phantom billing for medical equipment, and catheter scams affecting individuals across Indiana and beyond. Notable prosecutions include a North Carolina man laundering $3 million in a $100 million DME scam and two Texas residents charged with $359 million in fraudulent genetic testing claims. Seniors should protect themselves by never sharing Medicare numbers with unverified callers, monitoring billing statements for unauthorized charges, and reporting suspicious activity to Medicare, the Senior Medicare Patrol, or the HHS Fraud Hotline.

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 to encourage vigilance against elder financial abuse, exploitation, and scams targeting vulnerable seniors. The Indiana Securities Division provides ongoing education through events at churches, retirement homes, and civic organizations, offering prevention strategies such as naming trusted contacts on accounts, shredding personal documents, and recognizing common scam tactics like threats of arrest or demands for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency ATMs, or gift cards. The state partners with IN-CASE (Indiana Council Against Senior Exploitation) and encourages organizations to request fraud prevention presentations by calling 317-232-6681.

Senator Tina Smith is urging the Trump Administration to address a widespread text message scam targeting Minnesotans, in which fake DMV messages claim recipients have unpaid traffic tickets and threaten arrest to coerce online payments. The scam has been reported across multiple states including Georgia, New York, Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, and Colorado, and Smith has requested intervention from the Department of Justice to combat the scheme's scale and sophistication.

Thousands of Minnesotans received fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles, threatening legal consequences and demanding payment for fictitious traffic violations. This scam, which has also affected residents in Georgia, New York, Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, and Colorado, puts victims at financial risk and creates anxiety about message authenticity. Senator Tina Smith is urging the Trump Administration to take action against the widespread scheme.

Indiana's Secretary of State Diego Morales is warning elderly residents about financial scams and exploitation, particularly around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. The Indiana Securities Division recommends protective measures including naming trusted contacts on accounts, shredding personal documents, and recognizing red flags like threats of arrest or demands for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Residents seeking fraud prevention education can contact the Secretary of State's Office at 317-232-6681.