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New Yorkers lost about $6.5 billion to fraud schemes in 2025, according to a new report from the Consumer Federation of America. The report, titled "The Scam Economy: The True Cost of Online Scams an...

By the People, for the People News FBI and NYC officials warn of growing threat targeting older Americans Mar. 2, 2026 at 6:31pm Got story updates? Submit your updates here. › The FBI reports tha...

A search for love shouldn’t cost you your life savings — but for a growing number of Americans, it does. That’s what happened to Jackie Crenshaw, from Connecticut. She told ABC 7 News that while she ...

The New York Times reports on how banks and investment firms are emerging as the first line of defense against elder fraud. The article profiles cases where bank employees trained through AARP's BankSafe program intervened to stop seniors from withdrawing life savings under scammer instruction. With Americans 60 and older losing more than $28 billion annually to financial exploitation, financial institutions are implementing new protocols to detect and prevent fraud targeting older customers.

On February 17, New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert and digital guide warning residents about “pig butchering” scams targeting individuals through social media, datin...

Scammers are impersonating Spectrum customer service representatives and calling, texting, or emailing customers with offers of 50% bill discounts, then directing them to call back on spoofed numbers to steal their personal information or money. The scam has affected Rochester, New York residents, though one alert customer recognized the red flags and avoided falling victim. To protect yourself, hang up on unsolicited calls promising discounts, verify any offers directly by calling Spectrum's official number, register with the Do Not Call Registry, and report suspicious contacts to the FTC or Better Business Bureau.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned of "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims on social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes like cryptocurrency, sometimes resulting in losses exceeding $1 million. These sophisticated scams typically begin with friendly contact, move to encrypted chat platforms to hide the scammer's identity, and end with the perpetrator disappearing with the victim's savings. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited messages from strangers urging investments, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office.

AI-powered romance scams are affecting an estimated 1.4 million New Yorkers, with scammers using sophisticated tools like fake photos and AI-generated messages to deceive victims. The financial impact is substantial—romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023 and over $672 million in 2024 alone—and the widespread fraud is eroding online trust, making people hesitant to engage in digital transactions and interactions beyond dating. To protect yourself, be cautious of urgent pressure tactics, verify identities carefully before sharing personal information or money, and look for transparent, credible signals when interacting with brands and individuals online.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or currency trading schemes. The scammers use encrypted messaging apps to hide their identities and create elaborate personas—such as romantic partners or financial advisors—to gain trust before stealing victims' savings. New Yorkers should remain vigilant about unsolicited contact, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office or the platforms where they occur.

"Pig butchering" scams are sophisticated fraud schemes where criminals build trust with victims through fake personal or romantic relationships before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, often resulting in devastating financial losses. New York's Attorney General is warning residents about these scams, which have caused nearly $75 billion in global losses between 2020 and 2024 and can target anyone, not just seniors. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact from strangers on social media or dating apps, especially those who quickly suggest financial opportunities, and contact authorities if you suspect you've been targeted.

New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media and dating apps before pressuring them to invest money in fraudulent cryptocurrency or currency schemes. The scammers use fake screenshots and fake wealth displays to gain trust, then transition conversations to encrypted messaging apps to hide their identities before stealing victims' savings. New Yorkers are urged to remain vigilant, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office or the platforms where they occur.

New York's Attorney General is warning residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims over weeks or months on social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency or currency trading schemes. The scammers use fake screenshots, fraudulent websites, and fabricated account statements showing profits to gain trust, then disappear with victims' money when they try to withdraw funds. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities from new online contacts, verify investment opportunities through official channels, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office immediately.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters pose as friends online to gain trust before tricking victims into making fake investments. These scams have affected New Yorkers who lost money after being manipulated by scammers posing as romantic interests or friends. To protect yourself, avoid making investments based on unsolicited online relationships, verify investment opportunities independently, and report suspicious activity to the Attorney General's office and the platform where contact occurred.

# Pig Butchering Scam Alert New York's Attorney General is warning residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media and dating apps before convincing them to invest money in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrency. The scammers gain trust over time by posing as romantic partners or financial advisors, use encrypted messaging to hide their identity, and show fake screenshots of profits to seem legitimate. To protect yourself, remain cautious of unsolicited contacts offering investment opportunities, verify relationships before sharing financial information, and report any suspected scams to the Attorney General's office or the relevant platform.

New York's Attorney General has warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through social media, dating apps, and text messages before convincing them to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or forex trading schemes. The scammers use fake screenshots, fabricated success stories, and counterfeit investment websites to trick victims into depositing their savings, sometimes causing severe financial damage. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering investment opportunities, verify any investment advisor's credentials through official channels, and never send money to people you only know online—especially if they pressure you to use encrypted messaging apps.

New York's Attorney General warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters create fake romantic or professional relationships on social media and dating apps to trick victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency platforms that disappear with their money. The scams are particularly damaging because victims often fall for follow-up "recovery" schemes where new fraudsters promise to return lost funds for a fee, resulting in additional losses. To protect yourself, avoid sending money or cryptocurrency to online strangers, thoroughly research anyone soliciting investments, and watch for red flags like pressure to use encrypted messaging or unfamiliar trading platforms.

Scammers posing as representatives from medical device manufacturers like Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson called women with pelvic mesh implants, claiming their devices were dangerous "time bombs" and offering free removal surgery at specific clinics in Florida. Women like Sharon Gore and Barbara Shepard, who didn't even know they had mesh implants or weren't experiencing serious problems, were manipulated through knowledge of their private medical histories into believing they needed urgent surgery. The scam exploited both the women's health vulnerabilities and a system that allowed fraudsters easy access to private medical information, making it crucial for patients to verify any unsolicited medical calls directly with their doctors and manufacturers rather than trusting caller information.

Federal officials are warning Western New Yorkers about a sharp rise in romance scams, which cost victims over $1.3 billion nationwide in 2024, with criminals using fake dating profiles and AI technology to build trust before directing victims to fraudulent investment schemes. Scammers specifically target lonely individuals, and a particularly brutal tactic called "pig butchering" involves encouraging victims to make increasingly large investments before stealing their money, with victims often losing life savings and taking out loans. To protect yourself, be skeptical of online romantic interests who quickly push investment opportunities, and remember that if something "doesn't smell right or feel right, it probably isn't right."

# Romance and Investment Scams on the Rise Federal law enforcement agencies in Western New York are warning the public about a sharp increase in sophisticated romance scams, where fraudsters build fake relationships on dating apps and social media before convincing victims to invest money in fake cryptocurrency or trading schemes. Victims of all ages—including professionals, seniors, and younger adults—have lost thousands of dollars and suffered significant emotional trauma, with scammers using tactics like "pig-butchering" where they shower victims with affection before disappearing with their money. Authorities advise people to be extremely cautious about what they share online, never send money to online contacts regardless of how trustworthy they seem, and trust their instincts if something feels off.

# Fraud Prevention Summary Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.

A 46-year-old Dansville, New York woman named Nahtahna Castner pleaded guilty to defrauding her elderly neighbor of over $250,000 between 2020 and 2023 by gaining access to the victim's banking information and draining nearly their entire savings account while also opening fraudulent credit cards in their name. The case highlights the serious problem of elder financial abuse, where trusted individuals exploit vulnerable older adults, and demonstrates the devastating financial impact on victims. Elderly people should protect themselves by monitoring their bank accounts regularly, restricting who has access to their financial information, and considering trusted oversight arrangements with family members or financial institutions.

# Romance Scam Summary Sophisticated romance scams are targeting dating app users, with one in four Americans reporting encounters with fake profiles or AI-generated bots in the past year. Scammers use stolen photos to build trust, then persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by showing fake profits and official-looking statements—two victims lost nearly $1 million and $80,000 respectively before realizing the accounts were frozen. To protect yourself, be wary of new matches who quickly pivot conversations to investment opportunities, verify profiles through reverse image searches, and never invest money with someone you've only met online.

# Romance Scam Summary An elderly woman staying at a hotel appears to be a victim of a romance scam, having sold her childhood home to move to New York to be with someone she believes is former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2023, with seniors over 60 being particularly vulnerable targets—the FBI reported over 700 victims in the Northeast alone lost $20 million in a single year. If you or someone you know is in a relationship with someone you've never met in person who asks for money or personal information, verify their identity through independent sources and be wary of requests for financial assistance or moves based on promises from online contacts.

A woman discovered her brother, a former Wall Street executive, had failed to pay their 84-year-old mother's $20,000 monthly rent at a luxury senior living facility in Manhattan, despite having access to their mother's $9 million estate from a real estate sale. When the brother ignored repeated requests to resolve the unpaid bills, the sister flew to New York to investigate what turned out to be financial exploitation of their mother with dementia. The cautionary tale highlights how adult children with financial power over aging parents' accounts can mismanage or misappropriate funds, and emphasizes the importance of oversight, clear communication about financial responsibilities, and legal safeguards like power of attorney arrangements that include checks and balances among family members.

New York prosecutors are warning Congress that major stablecoin companies Tether and Circle are profiting from stolen cryptocurrency by earning billions in interest on flagged funds instead of returning them to victims or authorities. The recently passed GENIUS Act, designed to regulate stablecoins, lacks protections requiring companies to return stolen assets, creating what prosecutors call a loophole that allows these firms to keep and profit from victims' money. To protect yourself, remain cautious of investment schemes and "pig butchering" scams, verify that any platform holding your funds has proper legal obligations to return stolen assets, and report suspected fraud to authorities like the NYC Attorney General's office.

In 2024, New Yorkers lost $25 million to romance scams, which target vulnerable people—particularly those over 50—by building trust over weeks or months before requesting money. Scammers impersonate celebrities or public figures on social media, using flattery and personal questions to develop fake relationships that eventually lead to financial requests via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like unsolicited social media contact, requests to move conversations to private messaging apps, and requests for money; if scammed, report it to the platform and authorities including the FBI and FTC.

A New York man was sentenced to two to five years in prison for attempting to defraud an elderly Seabrook woman out of $20,000 by impersonating a PayPal representative and instructing her to withdraw cash from her bank. The scam was prevented when a family member recognized the warning signs and alerted police before the perpetrator could collect the money. Seniors should be alert to unsolicited calls claiming urgent financial problems, never withdraw large sums of cash based on phone requests, and immediately report suspected fraud to local police or the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-949-0470.

Approximately 28% of Americans were scammed in the past year, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics—especially as technology like AI advances—to target victims ranging from individuals selling items online to government institutions losing tax dollars. The article highlights how even intelligent people fall for scams due to their emotional manipulation and clarity-in-hindsight nature, and notes that some victims have suffered devastating consequences including financial ruin and suicide, particularly from sextortion schemes targeting young people. To protect yourself, be cautious about accepting payments before shipping items, verify payment directly through official accounts rather than emails, and be especially alert to scams involving threats or requests for personal information.

U.S. authorities have seized approximately $15 billion in bitcoin from a massive "pig butchering" scam operated by Chen Zhi's Prince Group in Cambodia, where thousands of trafficked workers used fake social media accounts to trick victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments with promises of fake profits. Over 250 victims across the U.S. and New York have been identified, and affected investors may now recover their stolen funds through government recovery mechanisms that remain open even after initial deadlines. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online—especially on dating apps and social media—and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.

After major storms and severe weather, scammers posing as contractors and utility workers target homeowners needing repairs for burst pipes, broken furnaces, and other damage. Victims should be wary of unsolicited door-to-door or phone solicitations, verify contractors have valid licenses displayed on their vehicles, and never pay the full amount upfront—some scammers have taken thousands of dollars and disappeared without completing work. Using unlicensed contractors can also result in insurance claims being denied, so homeowners should always check credentials with the Better Business Bureau before hiring anyone.

Federal authorities recovered over $11.4 billion in Bitcoin that was allegedly stolen from a China-Iran crypto mining operation, prompting multiple law firms to pursue claims on behalf of 9/11 families and other terrorism victims. The recovered cryptocurrency has sparked a legal battle in New York courts as various parties compete to claim the funds for victim compensation. While this recovery represents a significant law enforcement success, it highlights the broader "pig butchering" scam threat—where criminals lure victims into fraudulent investments—so people should remain cautious about unsolicited investment opportunities and verify the legitimacy of crypto platforms before sending money.

Federal authorities seized cryptocurrency from a major scam operation called "pig butchering" (where fraudsters manipulate victims into cryptocurrency schemes), but some victims and their lawyers are now claiming a portion of those seized funds should go to them because they believe the scam money originated from a cryptocurrency mining operation used to evade US sanctions against Iran. The case highlights the complex intersection of financial fraud, sanctions enforcement, and victim compensation, with various claimants competing for the recovered assets in a New York federal court. If you're approached by anyone pressuring you to invest in cryptocurrency—especially through dating apps, job offers, or promises of guaranteed returns—this is a major red flag for a pig butchering scam.

New York's Manhattan district attorney is pushing lawmakers to criminalize unlicensed cryptocurrency operations, warning that regulatory gaps allow criminals to launder an estimated $51 billion annually through platforms that ask few questions about money sources. Unlicensed crypto ATMs—which charge fees up to 20%—have become a preferred tool for moving proceeds from guns, drugs, fraud, and terrorism financing without oversight. To protect consumers and cut off criminal activity, prosecutors are urging lawmakers to require all crypto businesses to obtain licenses and implement customer verification procedures (know-your-customer rules).

New York taxpayers are spending $400 million annually on Adult Social Day Care centers that are largely unregulated and potentially exploiting Medicaid by serving relatively healthy seniors instead of those with serious disabilities. These facilities charge the state up to $85 per meal for lunch that costs $7-12 at local restaurants, while providing minimal services beyond meals and basic activities like ping pong, and the vague state requirements for "nutrition" and "socialization" go largely unenforced. To protect themselves, taxpayers should demand greater oversight and stricter eligibility verification for Medicaid-funded services, and state officials should clarify and enforce the eligibility standards that restrict these centers to seniors with documented chronic illnesses or disabilities.

Scammers are exploiting confusion about Medicare's 2026 prescription drug coverage changes to target seniors, taking advantage of lingering worries about outdated policies like the "donut hole." Seniors can protect themselves by learning the facts about new Medicare rules and contacting the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol (800-333-4374) if they suspect fraud, such as unauthorized plan enrollment or compromised Medicare numbers. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually, making awareness and reporting essential for seniors and caregivers.

Scammers are targeting Medicare seniors by exploiting confusion about the 2026 prescription drug coverage changes, particularly the outdated "donut hole" concept that no longer exists. Seniors are being contacted by fraudsters using these Medicare rule changes as a pretext to steal personal information or enroll them in unauthorized plans. To protect yourself, verify any Medicare-related communications directly with official sources, never give your Medicare number to unsolicited callers, and report suspected fraud immediately to the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or nysenior.org.

# Fraud Awareness for Seniors New York State Legislator Amy Paulin and Westchester County Consumer Protection Director Jim Maisano addressed elderly residents about common scams targeting seniors, including phone fraud and contractor schemes, while emphasizing that residents should call the Consumer Protection office for guidance before making financial decisions. Key safety tips included avoiding public Wi-Fi for banking and financial transactions, verifying store scales for accurate product weights, and being cautious of unsolicited contractors offering home repairs. Seniors were provided with phone numbers to report suspected scams and encouraged to contact consumer protection officials as a first step when they suspect fraudulent activity.

Minnesota has been investigating a massive taxpayer-funded day-care fraud scheme dating back to at least 2014, with federal authorities recently alleging a staggering $9 billion fraud operation involving fake childcare businesses that billed the state for services never provided. Scammers reportedly smuggled millions of dollars out of the country via airport luggage while also paying kickbacks to parents who enrolled their children in these fraudulent facilities but didn't actually use the services. Taxpayers and families needing legitimate childcare assistance were the primary victims, and authorities recommend remaining vigilant about daycare provider legitimacy and reporting suspicious activity to state officials.

# Boarding Pass Scams: Summary Hackers can exploit boarding passes—whether printed or digital—to steal personal information like your name, frequent flyer number, and credit card details from the barcode or printed text. Once they access this information, scammers can hijack your airline account to change flights, steal accumulated miles, or make fraudulent purchases like gift cards. To protect yourself, avoid sharing boarding passes on social media or with others, never post photos of them online, and enable two-factor authentication on your airline accounts.

A 23-year-old New York man was arrested for stealing $16 million in cryptocurrency from approximately 100 victims nationwide, including police officers and single mothers, by impersonating a Coinbase representative and tricking them into transferring their digital funds to wallets he controlled. The suspect then used the stolen money for online gambling and bragged about the thefts on social media under the username "@lolimfeelingevil." To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact claiming your cryptocurrency is at risk, verify requests directly with official company channels before moving any funds, and never transfer money to accounts controlled by people you cannot independently verify.

Scammers have stolen billions of dollars from Minnesota's social welfare programs through elaborate fraud schemes, including the notorious "Feeding Our Future" case that diverted $250 million in pandemic relief funds meant for vulnerable populations like children with autism, people with disabilities, and those seeking addiction treatment. The fraudsters—many with no connection to Minnesota—created fake community organizations and submitted inflated invoices that state officials continued to pay without proper oversight, while some criminals then transferred stolen funds internationally through weak money transfer regulations. Residents should be vigilant about verifying that social service organizations are legitimate and report suspicious billing or program activity to federal authorities, while policymakers need stronger oversight of government spending and stricter compliance rules on financial transfers.

# Holiday Scam Summary During the 2024 holiday season, scammers are targeting shoppers with five main schemes—including fake shipping alerts, non-delivery scams, and too-good-to-be-true deals on social media—that cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying links by going directly to retailer websites rather than clicking suspicious messages, being wary of urgent demands for payment, and checking URLs for signs of fraud. If a deal seems too good to be true or a message pressures you to act immediately, it's likely a scam designed to steal personal information or install malware on your device.

A New York City man has been indicted for allegedly stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble through an elaborate romance scam that began in 2019. The perpetrator posed as a Stanford-educated finance professional and convinced the victim to send money for a Brooklyn property auction, claiming he needed funds to maintain their bid position and later to increase their offer. To protect yourself from similar scams, be extremely cautious about anyone you meet online asking for money for investments or urgent financial matters, verify identities independently, and never wire funds or send checks to strangers—especially for property or investment deals you cannot directly verify.

An 80-year-old North Dakota woman lost $8,500 to a "grandparent scam" where callers impersonated her granddaughter and a fake attorney, demanding bail money be sent by mail, but authorities in New York intercepted the package and recovered the funds. The scam typically preys on seniors through tactics like creating urgency, demanding secrecy, and pressuring victims to send cash or gift cards by mail. To protect yourself, verify the identity of callers through official channels, be suspicious of requests for secrecy or immediate payment, and contact your bank or police directly if you suspect a scam.

An 86-year-old New York woman lost her entire $700,000 life savings to a scam that began with fake pop-up warnings claiming her bank accounts were hacked, then manipulated her into making unusual large withdrawals disguised as "safekeeping" measures, ultimately convincing her to convert her savings into gold bullion. Despite red flags—including withdrawals far exceeding her typical $5,000 limit and a co-trustee added for oversight—Bank of America and Merrill Lynch failed to block the fraudulent transactions, leading to a lawsuit seeking accountability and policy changes. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent warnings on your computer, verify any account security concerns directly with your bank through official channels, and allow trusted family members oversight of your finances.

# Romance Scam Summary A New York City man was indicted for stealing approximately $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in 2019, posing as a Stanford-educated finance professional. Using a fake property auction scheme, he convinced her to send multiple payments totaling over $270,000 to accomplices posing as real estate brokers. To protect yourself: be wary of online dating matches who quickly push financial decisions, verify property transactions directly with official sources rather than through romantic partners, and never send money to people you've only met online, especially for investments or time-sensitive deals.

A 45-year-old man in New York has been charged with stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble in a "romance scam," where he falsely claimed they were buying a home together and convinced her to send money for a property auction that never occurred. This is the suspect's second offense—he was previously convicted of similar scams on Tinder in 2016, targeting at least two other women. To protect yourself, be cautious of romantic partners who quickly push for financial involvement, verify any major purchases through official channels independently, and be wary of requests to wire money or send checks to third parties you haven't personally vetted.

A Manhattan man was charged with grand larceny after allegedly stealing $272,000 from a woman he met on the dating app Bumble by posing as a Stanford-educated finance professional and convincing her they were buying a home together. Over the course of about a year, he exploited her trust by requesting multiple wire transfers totaling tens of thousands of dollars under the pretense of securing a Brooklyn property auction, claiming additional funds were needed as bids progressed. To protect yourself, be cautious of individuals you meet online who quickly move into serious financial discussions, verify identities independently, and never wire money to people you haven't met in person or whose credentials you haven't verified through official channels.

A fitness trainer named Jerry Genesis defrauded at least eight apartment hunters out of over $100,000 by posing as a landlord offering fake sublets in desirable Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods, collecting move-in fees ranging from $8,000 to $17,200 that he never returned. Genesis, who was also previously indicted for scamming personal training clients, fled to Connecticut but was arrested and extradited to face grand larceny and fraud charges. To protect yourself from similar scams, verify apartment listings directly with property management companies or official landlords, avoid paying upfront fees before seeing a signed lease from a verified owner, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true in competitive rental markets.

Scammers are targeting Medicare beneficiaries with fake calls claiming to issue new plastic cards or requesting verification of Medicare numbers to prevent coverage loss—tactics that are entirely fraudulent. Seniors in New York and nationwide are vulnerable to these schemes, which contribute to an estimated $60 billion in annual Medicare fraud losses. To protect yourself, never provide personal information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls, and if you suspect fraud or believe your Medicare number has been compromised, contact the New York State Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org for assistance.