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Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Tax season is here, and so is a surge in phishing attacks, fake IRS messages and tax-related identity theft attempts. Whether you file on your own or work with a tax pro...

AARP West Virginia is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from growing cryptocurrency and real estate scams that are increasingly targeting vulnerable populations, particularly older residents. Criminals are exploiting unregulated cryptocurrency kiosks—machines resembling ATMs found in stores and gas stations—to trick people into transferring funds through non-refundable transactions with hidden fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of unfamiliar money transfer machines in public places, verify the legitimacy of any investment opportunity, and consult trusted sources before sending money, especially to unfamiliar parties.

West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is warning residents about tax refund scams, which typically involve fraudulent emails or texts impersonating the IRS or state tax offices that trick people into clicking links to "verify" their identity and steal personal or financial information. Consumers should be suspicious of any unsolicited messages about tax refunds, especially those requesting clicks or personal verification. If you receive a suspicious message, verify directly with the IRS or your state tax office through official channels, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General at (800) 368-8808.

AARP West Virginia is urging lawmakers to pass legislation protecting consumers from cryptocurrency scams, which have been growing in scope and targeting vulnerable populations including older adults. Cryptocurrency kiosks—machines that resemble ATMs and are located in public places like grocery stores and gas stations—are being exploited by criminals to trick people into transferring funds, with transactions often being non-refundable and containing hidden fees. The organization points out that while 17 states have already passed comprehensive legislation to regulate these kiosks, West Virginia currently has no such protections in place, and is calling for stronger consumer safeguards against both cryptocurrency and real estate fraud.

# West Virginia DMV Text Message Scam Alert The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is warning residents about scammers sending text messages impersonating the agency and requesting payment. Scammers use urgent language and fake deadlines to pressure people into sending money quickly, but the legitimate DMV will never text residents demanding payment. If you receive a suspicious text claiming to be from the DMV, do not respond—instead, contact the DMV directly at (800) 642-9066 or visit a local office to verify whether any action is actually needed.

West Virginia and Virginia are experiencing a surge in romance scams, with reports nearly tripling in February as scammers exploit Valentine's Day spending and emotional connections to defraud victims. Of the 551 scam cases analyzed, 70% resulted in financial losses averaging $16,900 per victim, with scammers using tactics like requests for gift cards, wire transfers, fake investment schemes, and cryptocurrency promises. To protect yourself, be cautious of new romantic interests who quickly ask for money or gifts, avoid wire transfers and gift cards to unknown people, and stay skeptical of investment opportunities involving people you've only met online.

West Virginia officials are warning residents about a new scam where cybercriminals create fake government websites to steal login credentials and personal information. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these schemes, which have become increasingly sophisticated and common since the COVID-19 pandemic, with artificial intelligence now being used to impersonate loved ones and authorities. To protect yourself, only visit official state websites through WV.GOV, never click links from unsolicited emails or texts, and report suspicious activity to the West Virginia Fusion Center.

# Elder Fraud and Abuse Summary Elder abuse costs the U.S. over $2.3 billion annually and affects the region's growing aging population through financial scams and exploitation by family members and caregivers. West Virginia and Ohio rank among the nation's best states for elder-abuse protections (9th and 5th respectively), though West Virginia still struggles with nursing home quality and volunteer ombudsman availability. To protect themselves, seniors and their families should stay aware of common scams, utilize state protections and volunteer advocacy organizations, and thoroughly vet care facilities before placing loved ones in their care.

Seniors in the U.S. are increasingly vulnerable to scams and abuse, which costs over $2.3 billion annually and causes immeasurable human harm. The good news is that West Virginia and Ohio rank among the top states for elder-abuse protections, though improvements are still needed in areas like nursing home quality. To help protect older relatives and friends, caregivers should monitor their financial accounts for suspicious activity and warn them to be cautious of new contacts claiming to be friends or relatives.

Elder abuse costs the nation over $2.3 billion annually and is a growing concern as the population ages, with seniors falling victim to both financial scams and exploitation by caregivers and family members. While West Virginia and Ohio rank among the best states for elder-abuse protections, there are still significant gaps, particularly in nursing home quality and the availability of volunteer ombudsmen to advocate for seniors. To help protect vulnerable older adults, family members and caregivers should monitor their finances for suspicious activity, warn them about potential scams involving new "friends" or relatives, and stay vigilant about their overall wellbeing.

Elder abuse costs the U.S. over $2.3 billion annually and affects a growing aging population vulnerable to financial scams and exploitation by both strangers and trusted caregivers. While West Virginia and Ohio rank among the nation's best for elder-abuse protections, vulnerabilities remain in areas like nursing home quality and volunteer oversight. To help protect seniors, caregivers and family members should monitor elderly relatives' financial accounts for suspicious activity and encourage caution with digital transactions.

During the holiday season, scammers increasingly target senior citizens through charity fraud, fake online shopping websites, and phone impersonation schemes, exploiting the elderly's trust and less familiarity with modern technology while people are distracted by festivities and shopping. West Virginia's Secretary of State warns that fraudsters use emotional appeals and urgency to manipulate victims into donating to fake charities or providing credit card information for nonexistent purchases. To protect yourself, verify charities using the official list at erls.wvsos.gov, be cautious of unsolicited donation requests, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share payment information without independently confirming the legitimacy of the organization or seller.

During the holiday season, scammers intensify their fraud schemes, targeting seniors who are often more trusting and polite, making them vulnerable to losing their retirement savings and pensions. West Virginia officials warn families to protect older loved ones by verifying charities through the official state registry before donating and being cautious of unsolicited phone and internet contacts. Anyone who suspects fraud should immediately report it to the Secretary of State's Investigations Division at 877-FRAUD-WV to help protect other seniors.

Older adults in West Virginia are frequently targeted by scammers using robocalls, texts, and social media schemes that exploit personal information to build false credibility. Common tactics include impersonating legitimate businesses, the IRS, or family members in distress, then pressuring victims to purchase Green Dot cards, Bitcoin, or other untraceable payment methods. Police advise seniors to question callers without disclosing personal information and recognize that legitimate businesses never operate through unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment.

Charleston Police and Chase Bank hosted a scam awareness workshop for seniors in Charleston, West Virginia, where attendees learned to recognize common fraud schemes including E-Z Pass, jury duty, and romance scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, West Virginia residents lost approximately $27 million to fraud and scams in 2024 and are on pace to lose more in 2025. Experts advised seniors to verify requests with trusted sources directly, avoid sharing personal information via phone or email, and report scams immediately to police and their banks, noting that once money reaches scammers—typically operating overseas—it is nearly impossible to recover.

**Summary:** The FBI Pittsburgh warned that elder fraud complaints reached 147,127 in 2024, resulting in $4.885 billion in losses—a 46% increase in complaints and 43% surge in losses year-over-year, with West Virginia victims reporting $5.7 million in losses. Common schemes targeting seniors include romance scams, investment fraud, tech support scams, and money mule schemes, with fraudsters exploiting seniors' perceived trustworthiness, isolation, and financial stability. The FBI recommends verifying unknown contacts, avoiding pressure-based decisions, protecting personal information, and reporting suspected fraud through the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) to help law enforcement

April Elick, 43, of Bluefield, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to stealing $84,000 in COVID-19 relief funds, including two Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $14,520 and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan of $69,700, which she obtained by falsely claiming the money was for her home healthcare business. Elick admitted to converting the funds for personal use, including approximately $30,560 in cash withdrawals, $16,350 in digital wallet transfers, and $8,290 in purchases across multiple states. She faces sentencing on September 8, 2025, with a maximum penalty of 10

The U.S. Attorney for Southern West Virginia secured two guilty pleas for COVID-19 relief fraud: Ross Jay Bailey misused approximately $1.4 million of a $2 million federal loan for personal purchases including cryptocurrency, and April Elick of Bluefield stole $84,000 in federal relief aid for personal expenses rather than eligible business costs. Elick faces up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and over $97,000 in restitution.

Dementia Friendly Blue Ridge, a new initiative led by regional nonprofit DementiaMatters, is launching in June 2024 to educate businesses, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations across the Northern Shenandoah Valley (Winchester and surrounding counties in Virginia and West Virginia) on how to better support and interact with people living with dementia. The program addresses the region's rising dementia prevalence, with approximately 164,000 Virginians currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and aims to help community members feel safe and welcome while providing caregivers with necessary support through training on communication strategies and dementia awareness.

Nearly 150,000 West Virginia households rely on SNAP benefits, with the state ranking third nationally for participation. The USDA reported over $220 million in stolen SNAP benefits nationally in 2024, with West Virginia experiencing $92,000 in theft from 171 families through card skimming—where devices capture card data and PIN codes from ATMs and terminals. State officials are advising SNAP recipients to block out-of-state transactions, inspect card readers for suspicious devices, update PINs monthly before benefits are issued, and note that fraudulent withdrawals typically occur between midnight and 6 a.m. on benefit distribution days.

The IRS Criminal Investigation division has charged more than 1,000 people with CARES Act-related fraud over the five years since the pandemic relief program's passage, with particular focus on the Paycheck Protection Program and Employee Retention Credit loans. In Virginia alone, a federal grand jury indicted 24 people from the Roanoke area for wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering related to PPP fraud, while a Southwest Virginia woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a separate scheme involving over $1.5 million in stolen unemployment benefits. The IRS states it will continue investigating fraudulent use of pandemic relief programs.

West Virginians reported over $27 million in fraud losses in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission, as scams continue to rise across the state through phone calls, emails, and text messages. The article outlines common scam tactics including IRS/Social Security impersonation, romance scams, tech support scams, and phishing emails, and advises consumers to watch for red flags such as urgent language, requests for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and unfamiliar contact information. Key protective measures include not answering unknown numbers, never clicking suspicious links, verifying charities before donating, and reporting suspected scams to authorities.

The Pleasant Community Education Outreach Service (CEOS) in Point Pleasant, West Virginia held a meeting on March 13 where member Elaine Matheny presented an educational lesson on scams targeting senior citizens, covering ten types of fraud including telephone scams, IRS scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and lottery scams, along with prevention tips. The lesson, written by Gina Taylor and Carter Taylor, was designed to educate the community on how to recognize and avoid common elder fraud schemes.

**Financial Exploitation via Unauthorized ACH Transfers** Steven and Ashley Simpson of Charmco, West Virginia were arrested and charged with financial exploitation and computer fraud after allegedly stealing approximately $36,000 from an 82-year-old victim's bank account between August 2023 and December 2024. The couple obtained the victim's banking information from a payment check issued for construction work they performed, then used it to conduct unauthorized ACH transfers until the victim discovered her account was overdrawn. Both defendants face 103 counts of computer fraud and related charges, with bonds set at $50,000 and $100,000 respectively.

West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey issued a consumer warning about scammers impersonating charities and disaster relief organizations to solicit donations following severe flooding in southern West Virginia. The office provided guidance to consumers on identifying legitimate charities, including verifying established organizations, avoiding cash or wire transfer payments, using credit cards, and checking for secure website connections (https://). Consumers can report suspected fraud to the Attorney General's consumer protection division at 800-368-8808 or file complaints online at www.ago.wv.gov.

A Texas man, Rockey Kuykendall, was arrested and extradited to West Virginia for defrauding an elderly Marshall County woman of approximately $53,000 through a prize-winning scam, in which he posed as a local representative claiming to deliver a cash prize and vehicle. The victim's alert family member reported the scheme, enabling detectives to trace checks and identify the suspect, with assistance from Texas National Bank and Marshall Police. Authorities indicate the investigation is ongoing and warn of increasing elder fraud cases, urging victims and their families to report suspected scams immediately.

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Duane Dixon, Jr., a 35-year-old Maryland man, was convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and three counts of wire fraud for his role in a real estate impersonation scheme targeting a Virginia realtor. The fraud involved a co-conspirator impersonating a property owner to fraudulently list a Hampshire County, West Virginia parcel for sale, with Dixon providing his bank account to receive the sale proceeds; Dixon lied to an undercover FBI agent about his involvement in the scheme. Dixon faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count.

Joseph Beach, a 55-year-old West Virginia man, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for wire fraud after stealing $253,867.12 from his elderly father by misusing veteran's disability, retirement, and Social Security benefits that he managed as his father's fiduciary. Beach pleaded guilty in March 2024 and was ordered to pay full restitution plus serve three years of supervised release.

Joseph Beach, age 55, of West Virginia, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for wire fraud after fraudulently obtaining $253,867.12 from his elderly father while serving as the father's fiduciary. Beach misappropriated his father's veteran's disability, retirement, and social security benefits for personal use, and was ordered to pay full restitution and serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

Ohio and West Virginia rank 4th and 9th respectively on WalletHub's list of states with the best elder-abuse protections, with Ohio particularly strong in legal protections and low fraud prevalence. However, both states face opportunities for improvement, including West Virginia's need for more certified volunteer ombudsmen and better nursing home quality standards, especially as their elderly populations are projected to grow significantly by 2030. Experts emphasize that continued legislative efforts, public awareness, and family vigilance are essential to safeguard these vulnerable populations from physical, financial, and mental abuse.

This article reviews WalletHub's rankings of elder-abuse protections, finding that Ohio ranks 4th nationally and West Virginia ranks 9th, with both states performing well on legal safeguards and resources despite some areas needing improvement. As Ohio's elderly population is projected to reach 25.1% by 2030 and West Virginia's to reach approximately 30%, the article emphasizes that lawmakers, officials, and families must prioritize continued efforts to prevent elder abuse through accessible quality care facilities, volunteer ombudsmen programs, and public education.

A 26-year-old Minnesota man, Benjamin Yakah, was arrested following a five-month investigation by the Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit for stealing over $100,000 from a 77-year-old Bradenton widower through a romance scam. The victim was deceived by a fake Facebook profile using photos stolen from a West Virginia woman, with the scammer posing as "Julia" and convincing the victim to send money for an alleged debt settlement in Minnesota. The victim's children discovered the fraud in June 2024, and Yakah is currently awaiting extradition to Manatee County; investigators believe there may be additional victims in other

**Summary:** This educational piece presents financial fraud prevention advice from Jeff Sandy, a former West Virginia law enforcement official, highlighting common scams targeting the Mid-Ohio Valley including impersonation of loved ones (such as the "grandparent scam") and too-good-to-be-true offers. Sandy recommends critical thinking (asking "who, what, when, where, why"), maintaining open communication with elderly family members, limiting personal information shared online and in obituaries, and reporting fraud immediately to law enforcement or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) without shame.

A 77-year-old widower in Bradenton, Florida lost $100,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a British woman named "Julia" on Facebook and claimed she needed money to pay off a debt before relocating to be with him. The investigation, launched in June 2024 by the victim's children, revealed that suspect Benjamin Yakah used stolen photos from a West Virginia woman's Facebook account and had the victim send cash and checks to accounts in Minneapolis over an eight-month period. Yakah was arrested in Minnesota and is awaiting extradition to Manatee County; police suspect he scammed multiple victims across different states.

A 26-year-old Minnesota man, Benjamin Yakah, was arrested and faces grand theft charges after defrauding a 77-year-old Bradenton widower of over $100,000 in an eight-month internet romance scam. The victim was deceived by a fake Facebook profile using stolen photos of a West Virginia woman, who posed as "Julia" and convinced him to send cash and checks to Minnesota accounts under the pretense of relocating to Florida to be with him. The victim's children alerted authorities in June, leading to a five-month investigation and Yakah's arrest; evidence suggests he victimized additional people in other states.

A 26-year-old man named Benjamin Yakah was arrested in Minnesota for operating an internet romance scam in which he posed as a woman named "Julia" on Facebook and defrauded a 77-year-old widower in Bradenton, Florida of over $100,000 across eight months. Yakah used stolen photos of a West Virginia woman without her knowledge and convinced the victim that he needed money to pay off a debt before relocating from the United Kingdom to Florida to start a relationship. The victim's children reported the scam to the Bradenton Police Department's Elder Fraud Unit in June, leading investigators to trace the fraudulent bank account to Yakah, and further investigation reveale

**Not applicable for elder fraud database.** This article excerpt does not contain information about elder fraud, scams targeting seniors, or elder abuse. It primarily covers a pharmacy benefit manager lawsuit related to the opioid crisis, which is a public health matter rather than elder fraud. The other brief mentions reference unrelated legal disputes (employment, music industry, elections, and sports gambling).

This educational piece warns seniors about utility scams, where fraudsters impersonate utility companies and demand immediate payment under threat of service cutoff. The article advises recipients to hang up immediately, call their utility using the legitimate number on their bill, and report the scam to both the utility and the Federal Trade Commission. It notes that people over 65 lost nearly $1 billion to scams in 2020, with utility scams particularly prevalent in California, Florida, and Texas, making West Virginia seniors especially vulnerable given the state's high elderly population.

Leroy Artemus Tolbert, III, a 35-year-old from Michigan, pleaded guilty to wire fraud after fraudulently applying for Lowe's credit cards using another person's identity and purchasing approximately $100,000 in merchandise across multiple states including West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Tolbert has agreed to pay $100,000 in restitution and faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing to be determined by a federal judge.

Following Hurricane Helene, West Virginia's Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau warned residents about charity and disaster scams, in which fraudsters solicit donations for fake charities that redirect funds to personal use rather than relief efforts. To protect themselves, donors should verify charities' legitimacy through established databases, avoid cash or wire transfers, pay by credit card, and research organizations independently before giving. Residents who encounter suspected fraudulent charities can report them to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 800-368-8808.

Jeffrey Morris, a 37-year-old real estate developer in Wheeling, West Virginia, was sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding investors through forged leases, withheld information, and Ponzi-scheme payments that caused five or more victims to lose their savings. Morris must pay nearly $5 million in restitution to investors and over $500,000 to the IRS for unpaid taxes and penalties.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in West Virginia launched an educational outreach campaign to inform seniors about financial fraud risks, with U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld conducting the first event at a Morgantown senior living community. The initiative, part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative, aims to raise awareness about common scams targeting older adults—both from strangers and trusted individuals like family members and caretakers—and provide protective strategies. Additional events are planned across Northern District senior facilities, with fraud reporting available at 304-234-0100.

Tosha Lantz, 31, of Texas was sentenced to 6 months in federal prison for defrauding an elderly West Virginia man of $32,400 through unauthorized bank transfers and fraudulent credit card openings using his personal information. Lantz will also serve three years of supervised release following her incarceration.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for West Virginia launched an educational outreach campaign to protect seniors from financial fraud, with U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld conducting awareness events at senior living communities across the Northern District. The initiative addresses the prevalence of elder fraud in West Virginia, including scams by both strangers and trusted individuals like family members and caretakers, emphasizing that seniors' trustworthiness and accumulated savings make them vulnerable targets. Additional educational events are planned at assisted living facilities and senior communities as part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of West Virginia launched an educational outreach campaign to inform older residents about financial fraud and elder abuse risks. U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld conducted the first event at a Morgantown senior living community, highlighting how seniors' trustworthiness and accumulated savings make them vulnerable to both stranger scams and fraud by loved ones or caretakers. Additional awareness events are planned across the region as part of the Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative.

A 52-year-old West Virginia man was indicted for defrauding a woman of $96,000 through a romance scam that began in 2022, claiming he had access to millions of dollars and needed funds for medical expenses and bail. Robert LeClear repeatedly promised repayment but never followed through, and federal prosecutors charged him with five counts of wire fraud, each carrying a potential maximum of 20 years in prison.

Eugene Robert LeClear, a 52-year-old from Wheeling, West Virginia, was indicted for a romance scam in which he defrauded a woman of approximately $96,000 between 2022 and the time of charges. LeClear posed as a millionaire online, fabricated reasons for needing money (such as medical expenses and bail), and promised reimbursement that never came. He faces five counts of wire fraud, each carrying a potential 20-year federal prison sentence.

Samuel Kristofer Bunner of West Virginia was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for defrauding a dementia patient of $1,906,229 through bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, including selling the victim's real estate, draining accounts, and opening fraudulent credit cards. Bunner used the stolen funds to purchase homes, campers, cars, and consumer goods, and was ordered to pay full restitution of $1,906,229 and serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.

A consumer advocate from the West Virginia Attorney General's office visited the Vienna Senior and Wellness Center to provide seniors with education on scam prevention, elder abuse awareness, and general consumer protection issues. The advocate offers monthly visits on the second Thursday of each month to answer questions and help seniors address fraud concerns and other consumer protection matters.