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MyChart patient portals have experienced an uptick in phishing scams targeting approximately 190 million worldwide users, with fraudsters sending deceptive emails that direct patients to fake login pages to steal personal information and expose computers to malware. To combat this threat, LexisNexis Risk Solutions introduced Identity Proofing for MyChart, which uses additional security checks like one-time passwords and biometric verification, while advising patients to verify sender email addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and log into portals directly rather than through emails. Experts warn that compromised MyChart credentials combined with other stolen personal data can enable criminals to build fraudulent profiles and commit identity theft, including opening credit cards in victims' names

Antonio Silva, a Merrimack-based contractor, appeared in court facing felony theft by deception charges after allegedly renting out a residential property he did not own, leaving victim Anna Anderson financially devastated with no savings remaining. Prosecutors allege Silva collected thousands of dollars from the rental scheme, and he also faces two separate civil judgments for incomplete contracting work. If convicted, Silva faces 7½ to 15 years in prison and potential fines.

Mavis Tire Supply settled with Pennsylvania's Attorney General for allegedly billing customers for unnecessary or unperformed vehicle repair and maintenance services, agreeing to pay $215,000 in monetary relief with an additional $100,000 contingent on future violations. The settlement includes $190,000 in restitution for harmed consumers who file valid complaints by January 26, 2027, and requires Mavis to implement employee training and oversight to prevent similar practices. Mavis operates over 130 locations in Pennsylvania and must comply with settlement terms to avoid the additional penalty.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued Evolve Construction and six related individuals for operating a hurricane repair scam targeting at least 80 consumers across multiple counties, with over 60% being seniors. The defendants allegedly collected over $1 million from homeowners for roof repairs and water/mold remediation after Hurricanes Ian and Milton, then failed to complete promised work, used unlicensed representatives, and threatened liens and foreclosure to collect additional payments. The complaint alleges deceptive practices including misrepresented timelines and scope of work, unlawful insurance benefit assignments, and threats of physical collection tactics.

Following the January 2025 Eaton Fire in California, the Los Angeles County District Attorney held a town hall in Altadena to warn survivors about post-disaster fraud and crime, including contractor scams, elder financial abuse, looting, and rent gouging. Authorities have already charged individuals for unlicensed contracting and burglaries in the fire zone, and secured a $320,000 settlement plus $216,795 in restitution from The Langham Huntington hotel for allegedly overcharging guests by more than 10% above regular rates during the emergency.

Scammers are using AI to create convincing fake antivirus renewal pages that impersonate brands like Avast to trick victims into providing personal information such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers. A Belgian-targeted scam site claiming a €129.99 Avast Premium renewal showed signs of AI generation, including polished design, grammatically correct but vague copy, and code comments suggesting contractor work. These collected details are then used for follow-up scam calls where perpetrators pose as support staff to convince victims to install malware or reverse non-existent payments.

This transcript is not about elder fraud or scams. It covers President Trump's visit to Ireland for meetings with Irish leaders and attendance at a golf event. While the transcript mentions "Nigerians Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in Romance Scams" in the headline, the actual content provided does not include details about that story. I cannot summarize elder fraud content that is not present in the provided text.

Six Nigerian nationals linked to the Black Axe criminal network were extradited to the U.S. to face wire fraud and money laundering charges for an online romance scam that defrauded over 100 American women of more than $6 million. The victims included pensioners and businesspeople who were targeted through elaborate fake online relationships. In response to violence against Nigerian migrants in South Africa, Nigeria's parliament indefinitely suspended official visits to the country.

Suspects impersonating Ontario Provincial Police officers and judges have defrauded seniors in Ottawa's Kanata area through a roofing scam, convincing victims to pay tens of thousands of dollars for misrepresented or undelivered services. The Ottawa Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents to be vigilant when contacted by individuals claiming to represent government agencies, law enforcement, or courts. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Eighteen months after the Eaton and Palisades Fires in California, county supervisors are implementing tighter consumer protections for vulnerable wildfire survivors who are being targeted by contractor fraud, home repair scams, and other predatory practices during the rebuilding process. The Board of Supervisors directed the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs to develop enhanced measures within 30 days and launch an expanded public awareness campaign to help residents recognize scams, select licensed contractors, and report suspected fraud. The initiative aims to prevent exploitation of fire survivors as they navigate the complex recovery and rebuilding process.

Taiwan's 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline has identified five prevalent scams in 2026, including fake investment schemes, AI deepfakes, romance scams, impersonation of police or prosecutors, and phishing messages, with scammers using various deception tactics to gain trust and solicit money or personal information. The hotline advises the public to verify suspicious requests, stay calm when asked to transfer funds or provide sensitive data, and contact 165 for assistance when encountering potential fraud.

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.

A veterans advocate in Rowan County, North Carolina is organizing an August 29 educational forum to help elderly residents recognize and avoid fraud scams, including phone, construction, and door-to-door schemes. The initiative was inspired by cases Hardin encountered, including an 80-year-old woman who lost over $100,000 after being pressured to sell her car and furniture. Local law enforcement and officials will participate in the forum to educate residents on fraud prevention tactics and provide resources.

Bakersfield residents are experiencing multiple scams, with investment fraud being the costliest, involving scammers building trust via text or social media before directing victims to fake cryptocurrency or gold trading platforms. Online purchase scams featuring counterfeit products and home improvement upfront payment schemes are also prevalent and taking significant amounts of money. The Better Business Bureau advises checking businesses at bbb.org, avoiding urgent links, and being wary of high-pressure sales tactics demanding immediate payment.

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about six common summer scams: law enforcement impersonation demanding quick payment for missed jury duty or bail, vacation rental fraud involving nonexistent properties, home improvement scams with unrealistic pricing, fake job postings targeting job seekers, travel deal scams, and counterfeit ticket sales. The agency recommends verifying sources directly, using reputable platforms, obtaining multiple bids, and avoiding unsolicited offers to protect against these schemes. No specific dollar amounts or individual victims were mentioned in this advisory.

Police in Napa Valley's American Canyon are warning residents of a surge in fraud targeting personal information and money, including grandparent scams, government imposter scams, tech support scams, romance scams, and utility scams. Law enforcement emphasized that legitimate authorities will never call demanding money to resolve legal matters and urge residents to hang up immediately on such calls. Anyone who believes they've been targeted should contact American Canyon police at (707) 253-4451.

A 68-year-old electrical contractor in Malaysia lost RM152,550 after being scammed by a syndicate posing as "Nik Sahril," an officer from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, who offered fake government project tenders via email and WhatsApp. The victim was instructed to make two payments totaling RM152,550 for supposed generator supply contracts, with promises of RM252,000 in returns within six days. Police investigations suggest this case is linked to at least one other similar scam involving the same suspect name and are treating it as cheating under Malaysian law.

Tech support scams trick people by displaying fake virus warnings or making unsolicited calls claiming to be from tech companies, pressuring victims to pay for unnecessary repairs, download malicious software, or grant remote access to their devices. These scams affect anyone online and are constantly evolving across pop-ups, phone calls, emails, and ads. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected security warnings or support calls—legitimate companies won't contact you unprompted about device problems, and you should never grant remote access or pay for repairs based on unsolicited alerts.

Patelco Credit Union's Senior Advocate Program successfully stopped 700 fraud attempts and prevented nearly $10 million in losses over the past year by training employees to identify suspicious transactions through personal interaction. The most common scams targeting seniors involved family and friend impersonation (26%), tech support scams (12%), and cryptocurrency fraud (10%), though overall suspicious transaction attempts have declined since peaking in April. To protect yourself, stay alert to unsolicited requests for money or personal information, verify requests by contacting organizations directly through official channels, and don't hesitate to ask trusted friends or family members for a second opinion on suspicious communications.

A 70-year-old man lost $70,000 to unlicensed Irish tradesmen who knocked on his door offering roof repairs, quoted him $84,000, and did shoddy work before he stopped them. After his story aired on television, legitimate local roofing companies were so moved by his situation that they banded together to repair his roof for free. The incident highlights the importance of verifying that tradespeople are licensed and qualified before hiring them, and shows that speaking up about scams can sometimes lead to community support.

Patelco Credit Union's Senior Advocate Program prevented $9.6 million in potential fraud losses during its first year by having trained employees identify and stop suspicious transactions before completion, protecting vulnerable older adults from increasingly sophisticated scams. The most common fraud schemes targeting seniors included family impersonation (26%), tech support scams (12%), and cryptocurrency fraud (10%), with human intervention—rather than automated systems—proving critical to catching these crimes. To protect yourself, be cautious when family or friends ask for money via unexpected contacts, verify requests directly through known phone numbers, and don't provide personal information or access to your accounts to unsolicited callers claiming to be from banks or tech companies.

An East Texas contractor named Robert Lee was indicted for financially abusing an elderly homeowner by convincing her to pay $64,000 for unnecessary roof repairs that were never actually needed. Lee falsely claimed the roof was in danger of collapsing and his team created damage themselves, installing only a poorly-fitted piece of plywood instead of performing real repairs—enough work to warrant four new roofs according to inspectors. Experts advise having elderly family members get second opinions on major home repairs and staying alert to pressure tactics from contractors.

After storms damage homes, fraudulent contractors known as "stormchasers" target affected neighborhoods by going door-to-door, offering quick deals for tree removal or repairs, then collecting large deposits without completing the work. Homeowners are the primary victims, especially those pressured to sign contracts immediately without time to verify the contractor's legitimacy. To protect yourself, always research any contractor before hiring—check their licenses, registrations, and background—and be wary of anyone who pressures you to sign quickly or claims to be working nearby and can offer a special deal.

Over three days, scammers in Washington state defrauded four Clallam County residents of more than $670,000 using sophisticated tactics including impersonating Microsoft, the FTC, and Coinbase employees. The schemes ranged from tricking victims into buying gift cards and clicking malicious links to the most extreme case: an 84-year-old who was convinced they were under FTC investigation and handed $420,000 in gold to a stranger at their door. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact from tech companies or government agencies, never click links in suspicious emails, avoid downloading apps from people who contact you, and remember that legitimate authorities will never demand payment or ask you to keep contact secret.

An 84-year-old Washington resident lost $420,000 in gold after falling victim to a scam that started with a fake Microsoft alert and escalated into impersonation of federal authorities who falsely claimed the victim was under investigation for money laundering. This case was part of a broader fraud wave in Clallam County where residents lost over $673,000 in just three days through similar schemes involving cryptocurrency, gift cards, and other assets. Authorities urge people to pause before making any financial transactions or purchases, and to verify requests by calling trusted contacts, their bank, or local law enforcement—especially when pressured to keep transactions secret or given remote access to devices.

A Florida homeowner returned home to discover her driveway had been completely torn up by a contractor who was hired by someone posing as a real estate company representative using a fraudulent $15,000 check. Police traced the scam to internet addresses in Nigeria and believe the contractor—not the homeowner—was the actual target, as the scammer intended to defraud the contractor rather than damage the property. To protect yourself, verify all home improvement work through direct communication with legitimate companies, never allow work to begin without proper permits, and be cautious of third-party representatives claiming to hire contractors on your behalf.

Florida's Department of Elder Affairs is warning seniors about air conditioning repair scams, where dishonest contractors exploit the urgency of summer heat to pressure older adults into unnecessary repairs, expensive replacements, or confusing contracts. The scammers use high-pressure tactics to prevent consumers from comparing estimates or seeking second opinions. The agency recommends pausing to verify contractor credentials, getting multiple quotes, and reporting suspicious activity to help protect yourself and other seniors from financial exploitation.

A 66-year-old San Diego contractor lost $4,000 in a sophisticated gift card scam after a caller impersonating a federal agent convinced him his bank account had been compromised and needed to transfer money for security. The scammer kept him on the phone while he purchased Lowe's gift cards at a nearby store, exploiting his fear about serious allegations and his need for business operating funds. The victim is urging retailers to do more to protect customers, such as training employees to recognize and intervene in potential scams and ensuring warning signs are visible and explained to customers at point of sale.

Scammers are impersonating PG&E and telling customers their service will be disconnected unless they pay via QR codes or barcodes sent by email or text, with victims in the Bay Area losing over $211,000 so far this year and averaging $969 per incident. PG&E advises customers to hang up on suspicious calls, never provide financial information over the phone, and verify billing details by calling 1-833-500-SCAM or logging into their account at PGE.com. If you suspect fraud, contact your local police department, and remember that PG&E will never request payment through QR codes, barcodes, prepaid cards, or money transfer services.

Napa County is hosting its third annual Seniors Against Financial Exploitation (SAFE) conference on June 23 to address the growing problem of scams targeting older adults, bringing together law enforcement, financial experts, and community organizations. Seniors are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated fraud schemes, particularly those facing financial hardship despite living in a seemingly wealthy area. The conference has expanded its accessibility with later start times, multilingual options, and diverse presentations on fraud prevention—changes made directly based on senior feedback to ensure more people can attend and protect themselves from financial exploitation.

Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting and Hawaii State Judiciary are warning residents about sophisticated scams involving fake inspection notices, permits, and communications that impersonate government officials. Scammers have sent fraudulent violation notices to evict tenants and fake permit emails requesting wire transfer payments for fake "approval fees"—tactics the real DPP never uses. Residents should verify any government communications directly with the agency by phone or in person, avoid wire transfers for government fees, and never respond to suspicious emails or calls claiming to be from city officials.

A Sedona woman in her 90s nearly fell victim to a sophisticated scam where a caller impersonating Wells Fargo convinced her that her banking information had been compromised and instructed her to purchase gift cards. She was saved by chance when an Uber driver—a retired police officer—accidentally pulled into her driveway looking for a different passenger and recognized the telltale signs of fraud, including her being directed to give gift cards and feeling bound by "confidentiality." The incident highlights how seniors are targeted by high-pressure financial scams and underscores the importance of being skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks and refusing requests for gift cards or wire transfers.

Older adults are losing billions of dollars to increasingly sophisticated scams, with fraud losses rising from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, according to federal data. Seniors are targeted because they often have retirement savings and assets, plus may be less familiar with evolving technology like AI-powered voice mimicry and phishing schemes. Experts advise older adults and their families to be cautious of urgent requests for money, verify caller identities through independent contact information, and stay skeptical of unsolicited communications—especially those creating emotional pressure.

A new phone scam targeting Houston-area residents impersonates utility companies and claims to send workers to check homes for electrical issues, but actually aims to gain access to people's homes, likely to steal items. The scam is sophisticated enough that it's fooled local law enforcement and the Better Business Bureau, who say they haven't encountered this specific scheme before. To protect yourself, verify any utility company claims by contacting your actual provider directly using a number from your bill, and never let unknown callers schedule home visits without independently confirming the request through official channels.

The Town of Huntington is hosting a free seminar with the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office to educate seniors about common scams, including home improvement fraud, romance scams, and "grandparent scams" where criminals impersonate distressed relatives to steal money. Older adults are frequent targets of these schemes, which can have devastating financial consequences. The seminar takes place Thursday, May 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Cinema Arts Centre and will teach residents how to recognize warning signs and protect their personal information and finances.

Arizona Attorney General Mayes is warning homeowners about construction fraud targeting those building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), with victims losing between tens of thousands to $250,000 after paying upfront fees to contractors who fail to obtain permits and never start work. To protect yourself, scrutinize any construction contract for red flags like pressure for large upfront payments, lack of proper licensing, and unwillingness to provide references before signing. If you suspect fraud, file complaints with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, the Better Business Bureau, or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.

A 76-year-old woman fell victim to an impersonation scam where a fraudster posing as a Department of Criminal Investigations officer manipulated her through fake credentials and threats of arrest. Banks and investment firms are now stepping up as crucial defenses against such scams targeting vulnerable seniors, as losses to elder financial exploitation exceed $28 billion annually, with the FTC reporting $2.4 billion in losses in 2024 alone. Seniors should be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement, verify caller identity through official channels rather than information provided by the caller, and report suspicious activity to their bank or the FTC rather than suffering in shame and silence.

In March 2023, the roof of Tina Leggio’s 106-year-old Bay Shore home started leaking and she was in a rush to get it repaired. In need of a contractor, the former certified nursing assistant scoured ...

Scams occur throughout the year, but criminals often take advantage of the “season” to trick you into providing your personal or financial information to them as part of a scam. Summer scams target v...

The first call came just before Thanksgiving last year. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but she answered anyway. “The person said he was an officer of the Department of Criminal Investigations...

Police in Berkeley arrested three people in connection with a home repair scam targeting the city's elderly residents, saying they are searching for additional suspects. Around 11:50 a.m. Monday, off...

Police in Berkeley are warning residents, especially seniors and their families, about an aggressive home repair scam involving traveling crews offering fraudulent roofing and masonry work.  The Berk...

Authorities say they have linked two men and a teenage boy to at least six home repair scam reports in Berkeley in the past month alone. The Scanner broke the news of the arrests Monday after a local...

A reader was pretty certain she was too savvy and smart to ever be taken in by scam artists – until she was, and lost tens of thousands of euro in a matter of minutes. Months on from when she fell vi...

Of all the online locales where I could have met the scammer I recently spent more than a week chatting with, Nextdoor probably would have been near the bottom of my suspect list. It is, after all, a ...

On a normal summer day in June, Manny Guerrero, a soft-spoken Vietnam War veteran living in Las Vegas, picked up the phone and was told he had beaten the odds and won. The voice on the other end claim...

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Middletown Township Police Department is reporting a concerning trend in elder fraud cases within the community. Recently, there have been numerous instances where perpe...

Two men have been sentenced to nearly four years in prison in Marin County for posing as licensed roofing contractors and defrauding elderly homeowners out of over $340,000 in 2024. The scammers, who targeted seniors ages 78-85, used fake business cards, invoices, and websites to convince victims to sign contracts and pay large down payments for roof repairs that were never completed. To protect yourself, authorities recommend verifying any contractor's license through California's Department of Consumer Affairs website before agreeing to any work or making payments.

An 89-year-old Berkeley woman was allegedly scammed by three men posing as a raccoon removal crew who deliberately damaged her roof, then demanded $1,600 for repairs, leaving with $600 cash and financial documents. The incident illustrates a growing problem of home repair scams targeting vulnerable seniors, particularly those living alone. To protect yourself, experts recommend never allowing strangers onto your property, refusing to sign contracts immediately, and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.

# 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.