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Scammers are impersonating real federal law enforcement agents and calling New Jersey residents, using the names of actual FBI employees and spoofed federal agency phone numbers to gain victims' trust and solicit money. The scheme is an evolved version of traditional federal impersonation fraud that makes it particularly difficult for victims and agencies to identify as fraudulent, with some scammers even creating fake virtual meetings with FBI office backdrops. The FBI Newark field office has documented multiple victims of this scam but has not disclosed specific dollar amounts stolen.

This article describes Congressman Gottheimer's attendance at Bergen County's Annual Senior Citizens Festival in New Jersey, where he spoke with seniors about his legislative efforts to protect them from scams and fraud. Rather than detailing an actual scam, the article highlights Gottheimer's work on senior protection measures, including the GUARD Act to combat fraud targeting older Americans, efforts to lower prescription drug costs, and assistance helping over 6,100 seniors access Social Security benefits. No fraud incidents or victim dollar amounts are mentioned in this piece.

An Arizona couple's belongings were held hostage for months after contracting with a moving company that demanded additional payments and failed to deliver their items, leaving them scattered across warehouses in Kansas and Missouri. The scam, known as a "hostage load," involves moving companies refusing to deliver or unload belongings unless customers pay extra money beyond their original contract, and investigators found the same operators were using multiple company names across state lines to target victims nationwide. The companies involved, including those tied to Howard's Van Lines in New Jersey with nearly 200 complaints, are under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

A New Jersey financial advisor, John Boston, stole over $300,000 from a 90-year-old client by obtaining power of attorney and making unauthorized ATM withdrawals, bank transfers, and diverting her Social Security benefits, receiving a seven-year prison sentence. Boston managed the elderly woman's inherited assets without proper registration or client approval, violating state financial advisor licensing requirements. The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly clients to financial exploitation by trusted professionals and underscores the importance of reporting suspected elder fraud.

An Arizona resident lost $48,000 in a romance scam where someone pretending to be WWE wrestler Rhea Ripley built a romantic relationship over two years, initially requesting money for a fan club and fake job opportunities, then escalating to weekly demands for gift cards and eventually payments through PayPal and Cash App. The scammer, who cybersecurity tracking linked to Nigeria and New Jersey, threatened blackmail when the victim tried to stop sending money. This case emerged following a Pennsylvania man's report of losing $42,000 in a similar Rhea Ripley impersonation scam.

A New Jersey social media influencer exposed a sophisticated arrest warrant scam in which callers impersonated Bergen County Sheriff's Office personnel and used personal information to convince victims to pay cash bail to avoid arrest. The scammers used fake arrest warrants, involved multiple callers to appear credible, and redirected victims to federal credit unions instead of the sheriff's office when suspicion arose. Law enforcement estimates the operation has stolen approximately $500,000 over four to five years and believe the scheme may be coordinated by an inmate in Georgia with outside accomplices.

Scammers posing as law enforcement, attorneys, or court personnel are targeting New Jersey families by demanding bail payments through mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Zelle, with one victim losing over $11,000. Authorities warn that legitimate bail requests are never made through digital payment platforms, and residents should report any such demands to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

Over 200 seniors were defrauded of more than $250 million in a coordinated scheme where scammers called posing as bank or federal officials, convincing victims to withdraw savings and purchase gold or cryptocurrency, which was then collected by couriers and laundered through shell companies and a Florida refinery. More than 40 people have been indicted including Muzamil Ahmed, a 35-year-old from New Jersey arrested at JFK Airport, who allegedly operated the scheme with call centers primarily based in India that targeted elderly victims across multiple states. The stolen assets were converted into cryptocurrency and smuggled overseas, with investigators seizing over $130 million and indicating additional arrests are likely.

Over 200 U.S. seniors lost more than $250 million in a coordinated fraud scheme in which scammers called posing as bank or federal officials, convincing victims to withdraw savings and buy gold, bitcoin, or cash that couriers then collected. The stolen funds were funneled through shell companies to a Florida refinery where gold was melted down and converted to cryptocurrency before being sent out of the country; Muzamil Ahmed, 35, of New Jersey was arrested as a central figure in the operation with more than 40 indictments issued by early September.

Over 200 elderly victims across Texas and the nation lost more than $250 million in a gold theft scam where perpetrators posed as bank officials and federal agents, directing seniors to withdraw savings and purchase gold bars, bitcoin, or prepare cash for pickup. The stolen assets were moved through shell companies in New Jersey to a Florida refinery, then converted to cryptocurrency and transferred overseas, with one victim alone losing over $2 million. Authorities have secured more than 40 indictments, seized over $130 million in gold, and arrested suspect Muzamil Ahmed, 35, of New Jersey on charges including organized criminal activity, elder financial abuse, and money laundering.

A nursing director at a New Jersey rehabilitation center pleaded guilty to assaulting a 77-year-old resident with a broom and attempting to obstruct the investigation into the incident in June 2023. Patricia Lindo-Ahono will permanently lose her nursing license and face three years of probation, anger management classes, and community service. The case highlights efforts to hold caregivers accountable for abuse of vulnerable elderly residents in care facilities.

Patricia Lindo-Ahono, 60, a nursing director at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in New Jersey, pleaded guilty to assaulting a 77-year-old resident by striking him with a broom on June 24, 2023, and attempting to conceal the assault by tampering with witnesses. She will permanently lose her nursing license and faces three years of non-custodial probation with mandatory anger management classes and 50 hours of community service.

Patricia Lindo-Ahono, a 60-year-old nursing director at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in New Jersey, pleaded guilty to assaulting a 77-year-old resident by striking him with a broom on June 24, 2023, and then attempting to cover up the incident by tampering with witnesses. She will permanently forfeit her nursing license and face three years of non-custodial probation with anger management classes and 50 hours of community service. This case highlights the abuse of vulnerable elderly residents in care facilities and efforts to conceal such misconduct.

A New Jersey resident on a student visa was arrested at Toronto's airport while attempting to flee the U.S. after serving as a money mule for overseas scammers based in India. The suspect collected approximately $90,000 in cash and gold from at least nine victims in their 70s and 80s in New York and New Jersey who were deceived by callers impersonating law enforcement officials claiming issues with drugs or identity theft. He faces charges of wire fraud and money laundering, each carrying up to 20 years in prison.

Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, 21, an Indian citizen, was arrested on charges of wire fraud and money laundering after acting as a "money mule" in an elder fraud scheme targeting elderly victims in New York and New Jersey. In at least nine instances, Goswami collected cash and gold from victims aged 59 to 87 who had been deceived into believing their bank accounts were compromised, resulting in total losses of approximately $7.56 million. He was apprehended while attempting to flee to Qatar through Canada after his initial court appearance in August 2026 and faces extradition to the United States.

A 21-year-old Indian national living in New Jersey was arrested in Canada for allegedly serving as a "money mule" in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme targeting elderly victims through internet and telephone scams. The perpetrators deceived elderly victims aged 59-87 into liquidating assets and handing over cash and gold, with Goswami collecting valuables from at least nine victims totaling approximately $7.5 million in losses. He faces charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, carrying a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, 21, an Indian national living in New Jersey, was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport after fleeing the US while on pretrial release for his alleged role in a $7.5 million elder fraud scheme. He acted as a "money mule," collecting cash and gold from elderly victims aged 59 to 87 across New York and New Jersey who were deceived into believing their bank accounts were compromised. Goswami faces charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, a 21-year-old Indian national, was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport after fleeing the United States while on pretrial release in a $7.5 million elder fraud case. Goswami allegedly acted as a "money mule" in a nationwide phone and internet scam that targeted elderly victims aged 59-87 in New York and New Jersey, frightening them into liquidating their assets and collecting approximately $7.6 million in cash and gold across at least nine instances. He faces charges including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and money laundering, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

A 21-year-old Indian national, Jay Sunilbharthi Goswami, was arrested in Canada while attempting to flee to Qatar after being charged in the US for his role as a "money mule" in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. Goswami allegedly collected cash and gold from at least nine victims aged 59 to 87 across New York and New Jersey, resulting in approximately $7.5 million in losses. He faces charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Arthur Spitzer, a 39-year-old New Jersey real estate investor, pleaded guilty to a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud scheme and fraudulently obtaining $1.8 million in COVID-19 relief loans. Working with two conspirators, Spitzer created fake documentation to facilitate a fraudulent $4.5 million mortgage transaction in Brooklyn and submitted false applications for Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses with little or no actual operations. He has agreed to pay over $3.2 million in restitution and forfeitures and faces sentencing in December 2026.

Former NFL player Tae Crowder lost his entire $500,000 life savings to an e-commerce investment scam that specifically targeted professional athletes. The alleged suspect in the fraud scheme was found dead in New Jersey last month, and no charges have been filed. Crowder has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help rebuild his life following the loss.

A Southold woman lost nearly $7,000 in a grandson scam where callers falsely claimed her grandson needed bail money for a DWI arrest, with a courier collecting the cash from her home. Jonathan Manuel, 37, of Paterson, New Jersey, was arrested and charged with third-degree grand larceny after police recovered the $6,720 from his vehicle. The same day, town officials also warned residents about fraudulent emails impersonating the Zoning Board of Appeals and requesting payment through suspicious links.

New Jersey's Stay NJ program will begin paying eligible homeowners age 65 and older up to $6,500 annually in property-tax relief starting in 2026, designed to cover up to half of a qualifying property-tax bill and stack on top of two existing senior relief programs (ANCHOR and Senior Freeze). The program has an income ceiling of $200,000 and requires applicants to own and live in their New Jersey home as a principal residence, with a critical application deadline of November 2, 2026, after which eligible residents forfeit a full year of relief. This consolidated benefit addresses New Jersey's highest-in-the-nation property-tax burden by coordinating three relief programs into

Mohamed Coulibaly, 24, the alleged mastermind of a million-dollar investment scam targeting NFL players and other athletes, was found dead in a swimming pool in Harrison Township, New Jersey. The scam involved luring ex-NFL players into purchasing stakes in bogus websites disguised as legitimate business investments, with at least three former players losing over $1 million combined, including ex-New York Giants linebacker Tae Crowder who invested $500,000 of his life savings. No criminal charges had been filed at the time of Coulibaly's death.

A 76-year-old New Jersey retiree, Jeffrey Maas, lost nearly $400,000 to scammers who impersonated PNC Bank employees and convinced him to wire money for gold purchases; he is suing PNC for negligence, claiming two bank employees failed to question suspicious large withdrawals despite red flags. The case highlights the legal gap in the U.S. where federal law does not require banks to reimburse customers who voluntarily transfer funds to fraudsters, though Maas is pursuing the lawsuit under state law. Elder fraud is a growing crisis, with Americans over 60 losing $4.9 billion in 2024 alone, prompting calls for banks to

Precious metals company Monetary Gold is partnering with law enforcement in New Jersey to warn seniors and vulnerable Americans about courier scams, where criminals impersonate government agencies or banks to pressure victims into purchasing gold and silver or handing over cash and valuables to couriers at their homes. These sophisticated scams use fear and urgency tactics, often falsely claiming bank account compromise or identity theft to convince victims to act quickly and avoid contacting family or authorities. The key warning: legitimate government agencies, law enforcement, banks, or precious metals companies will never instruct you to buy gold, withdraw retirement funds, or give valuables to a courier—if they do, it's a scam.

Bergen County, New Jersey residents are being targeted by "pig butchering" scams, in which fraudsters build trust with victims through online conversations before convincing them to invest money in cryptocurrency, only to disappear with their funds. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office warns that these scams exploit emotions and gradually pressure victims into making larger investments. Residents should be skeptical of unsolicited online strangers promoting cryptocurrency or investment opportunities that seem too good to be true, and anyone who falls victim should report it to local police.

An Ohio man lost over $416,000 in a romance scam after meeting a woman named "Aggie Gonzales" online who asked him to help pay for medical equipment and hospital bills; the scammers used fake documents, emotional messages from supposed doctors, and a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platform to keep him sending money. Kenny Osas Okuonghae, 38, from New Jersey, was sentenced to 51 months in prison for his role in laundering the stolen money from this and other internet scams. To protect yourself: be extremely skeptical of online relationships asking for financial help, verify medical claims independently, never invest through unsolicited platforms promising unusually high returns (like 10% monthly), and avoid sending money through cryptocurrency or wire transfers to unknown people.

New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would increase criminal penalties for identity theft and fraud targeting seniors and military veterans, with some offenses potentially upgraded to first-degree crimes carrying up to 20 years in prison. The bill was prompted by a case where a man fraudulently used a combat veteran's military discharge documents for personal gain, highlighting gaps in current protections. If you're a senior or veteran, protect yourself by monitoring your credit reports regularly, safeguarding your personal documents (especially military discharge papers), and reporting suspicious activity to authorities immediately.

A New Jersey man was sentenced to 51 months in prison for laundering over $1.2 million obtained from various internet scams between 2019 and 2023, including "pig butchering" schemes where scammers build fake romantic relationships to manipulate victims into fraudulent investments. Okuonghae used multiple bank accounts across seven different banks to move the stolen money, and victims of romance scams, rental fraud, and investment schemes were affected. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to investment opportunities, verify rental listings independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.

Elder financial fraud is rapidly increasing, with criminals specifically targeting people over 65 who have money, according to an FBI presentation in New Jersey. Common scams exploit this vulnerable population, but authorities stress that victims should report suspicious activity to police without shame, as community awareness and vigilance are key to prevention. If something feels amiss—unusual calls, requests for money, or suspicious transactions—residents should contact their local police department immediately rather than keeping it private.

Democratic state attorneys general declined to attend a White House roundtable discussion on welfare fraud, citing that they received the invitation only late Friday for a Tuesday event—what California's Attorney General Rob Bonta called a "disingenuous last-minute invitation" that signaled they were either an afterthought or unwelcome. The Democratic AGs, representing states like California, New York, and New Jersey, argued that fraud is a bipartisan issue affecting all states, and they emphasized their own track record of recovering billions in taxpayer dollars rather than participating in what they characterized as politically motivated "staged stunts." The disagreement reflects broader partisan tensions over how to address fraud, with Democrats calling for genuine collaboration while questioning the administration's focus on blue states specifically.

A Kentucky woman lost tens of thousands of dollars to a Nigerian romance scam where she believed she was dating a wealthy man named "Michael Oliver," who was actually a scammer operating from New Jersey. Federal investigators discovered the operation had defrauded at least 23 victims across the U.S. of over $700,000 through multiple schemes including romance scams, lottery fraud, and inheritance fraud, with money laundered through numerous bank accounts. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly involve requests for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send cash or valuables to people you've only met online.

Members of the New Jersey Auto Owners Association have staged sustained protests since April against Samuel Polyak and David Gutwill, accusing them of scamming 90-year-old stroke survivor Robert Kerekes by initially refusing to return his classic car and then allegedly returning it stripped of valuable original parts after an EV conversion project. The case involves claims of fraud, missing auto parts valued at significant amounts, and the installation of unsafe batteries, with protesters demanding accountability and return of the stolen components. Consumers should be cautious when leaving valuable vehicles with repair shops, ensure all work is documented in writing with detailed parts lists, and consider having an independent inspector verify completed work before taking possession.

A judge denied bond reduction for Ephariam Udouso, a New Jersey man accused of operating a romance scam, because prosecutors argued he poses a flight risk and may be using multiple fake identities. Romance scams typically target lonely individuals online by building emotional relationships before asking for money, often resulting in significant financial losses for victims. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating connections that quickly escalate emotionally or ask for money, verify identities through video calls, and never send funds to someone you haven't met in person.

This article discusses retirement destination safety for the millions of Americans retiring in 2025, identifying New Jersey as the top choice based on FBI crime data, citing its low violent and property crime rates, strong police presence, and quality healthcare access. The article recommends that retirees prioritize factors like low crime rates, good medical services, and secure environments when choosing where to settle, and warns that some states have higher rates of elder fraud and property crimes that could negatively impact retirees' quality of life.

South Jersey drivers are being targeted by a fake text message scam that impersonates the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, claiming they have an unpaid toll and pressuring them to act quickly by clicking a link and entering their banking or credit card information. The scam uses official-looking logos and website design to appear legitimate, but once victims provide their personal and financial details, scammers can steal their money and use the information for identity theft or other fraud. To protect yourself, do not click links in unsolicited toll-related texts, and verify any toll notices by contacting the NJMVC directly through official channels rather than information provided in the message.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is launching a pilot program to send text messages to drivers about unpaid tolls, which officials say could speed up collections, but the move comes amid growing concerns about toll-related text scams that have been targeting drivers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Toll-by-plate customers who haven't paid their first invoice will be the initial focus of the program, and the turnpike has clarified that legitimate messages won't request direct payment. Drivers should verify unpaid tolls directly through the E-ZPass website rather than responding to unsolicited text messages, and be cautious of any texts demanding immediate payment for tolls.

A 43-year-old New Jersey deacon has been arrested in Kentucky for operating a romance scam that defrauded an elderly New York woman of over $500,000 across three years, and then threatening to have her son killed when she tried to stop paying him. Police discovered the scheme when her son reported it and seized evidence including cell phones, computers, and Western Union receipts from the suspect's home. Law enforcement advises people to be suspicious of requests for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal information from strangers, and to report anything suspicious to authorities rather than risk losing their savings.

A 43-year-old New Jersey man was arrested in Mt. Sterling after an elderly New York woman lost over $500,000 in a romance scam that turned into extortion when the perpetrator demanded money to prevent alleged harm to her son. The suspect was caught after investigators traced the scam to an address in Kentucky, where authorities seized phones, computers, and evidence of multiple money transfers. Police warn the public to never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal information to unknown individuals, and to report anything suspicious immediately.

Senior citizens are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated scams, including the "phantom hacker/courier scheme" that costs Americans over $500 million annually, exemplified by a 76-year-old New Jersey man who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars after calling a number in a fake Norton antivirus email. These scams take various forms—from Medicare fraud and "grandparent" schemes to romance and IRS impersonation scams—and often go unreported because victims are embarrassed, making the true financial impact likely far greater than estimated. Banks and businesses need to take responsibility for enabling these schemes, and seniors should be cautious about unsolicited emails and calls requesting personal information or urgent wire transfers.

NEW BRUNSWICK — Several individuals connected with Rutgers University were victims of a scam involving fake checks. Rutgers police say the victims received an email in their Rutgers email account fro...

New Jersey drivers are being targeted by a sophisticated "smishing" scam where fraudulent text messages impersonating the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission claim they have an unpaid toll and demand payment within 12 hours, directing them to a fake website designed to steal personal and banking information. The scam is particularly effective because it looks official, uses legitimate agency branding, and exploits people's desire to quickly resolve what appears to be a minor debt. To protect yourself, remember that the NJMVC does not collect toll payments via text message, so delete any such messages and never click links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited texts claiming you owe money.

New Jersey drivers are being targeted by a text message scam that impersonates the state Motor Vehicle Commission, claiming they have an unpaid toll and must pay within 12 hours through a fake website. If victims enter their banking or credit card information on the fraudulent site, scammers can steal their money and personal data for identity theft. To stay safe, drivers should know that the NJMVC does not collect toll payments via text message, and they should verify any toll payment requests directly through official channels before clicking links or providing financial information.

Two women—a health center owner and her employee—have been charged with health care fraud for allegedly performing medical procedures without proper licenses at a women's health center in New Jersey. Medicaid patients were affected, as the defendants allegedly billed the program for services provided by unlicensed individuals, diverting resources meant for legitimate medical care. To protect yourself, verify that any healthcare provider treating you is properly licensed, ask about credentials before receiving care, and report suspected unlicensed medical practitioners to your state's health department or attorney general's office.

# Fraud Summary A 25-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old victim of over $590,000 in gold and cash through a scam that started with a fake PayPal fraud alert email. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to such schemes because they typically have more savings and may be less familiar with digital payment methods like cryptocurrency and electronic transfers. Authorities urge residents to be suspicious of unsolicited requests for money, especially those demanding untraceable payments via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or precious metals, and to report suspected scams to the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700.

A 52-year-old IT specialist from New Jersey lost his entire $280,000 life savings to a "pig-butchering" scam after being contacted by a fake woman on Facebook who built a romantic relationship with him over months. The scammer, posing as "Ailis Danner," gained his trust through daily conversations before manipulating him into making fraudulent investments or transfers. The key takeaway for others is to be extremely cautious about unsolicited romantic contact online, verify the identities of people requesting money, and remember that scammers often target vulnerable individuals during difficult life periods.

A 25-year-old New Jersey man was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old victim out of over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash through an elaborate scam that began with a fake PayPal fraud alert email. The Lehigh County Elder Abuse Task Force warns that seniors are increasingly targeted for scams because they have more savings and are often unfamiliar with digital payment methods like Bitcoin and electronic transfers. Residents should be extremely suspicious of anyone requesting large sums of money via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency, precious metals, gift cards, or cash, and can report suspected scams to the Elder Abuse Task Force at 610-782-3700.

A 25-year-old man from New Jersey was sentenced to up to 3 years in prison for defrauding a 74-year-old Whitehall resident out of over $500,000 in gold and $91,000 in cash through an elaborate scam involving fake PayPal alerts and threats of arrest. The perpetrator used various pretexts—claiming payment errors and demanding cryptocurrency, gold, or cash—to manipulate the elderly victim into withdrawing retirement funds and purchasing gold bars, which he then collected in person. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected payment alerts via email, never send money via cryptocurrency or gift cards based on unsolicited calls, and verify suspicious claims by directly contacting your bank or PayPal using official phone numbers rather than numbers provided by the caller.

A Texas couple has been sentenced to prison for operating a romance scam that targeted elderly people, including at least one victim from New Jersey, by creating fake dating profiles and convincing victims to send money under false pretenses (such as claiming they needed to pay taxes on gold in Ghana). Felix Clark received five years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy, having admitted to losses totaling over $501,000, while his girlfriend Esther Amppiaw received 18 months for operating an unlicensed money transmitter business. Elderly people should be cautious of online dating profiles from strangers who quickly profess romantic interest or ask for money, especially those claiming to need funds for international transactions or emergencies.