komonews.com
· 2026-10-03
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
wmur.com
· 2026-10-01
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.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2026-09-28
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.
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
· 2026-09-26
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.
thecooldown.com
· 2026-09-24
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.
malwarebytes.com
· 2026-09-16
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.
transcripts.cnn.com
· 2026-09-13
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.
okayafrica.com
· 2026-09-12
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.
ottawapolice.ca
· 2026-09-11
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.
mynewsla.com
· 2026-09-01
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.
news.immigration.gov.tw
· 2026-08-28
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.
wndu.com
· 2026-08-19
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.
salisburypost.com
· 2026-08-16
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.
turnto23.com
· 2026-08-10
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.
kcby.com
· 2026-08-07
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.
patch.com
· 2026-08-06
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.
thevibes.com
· 2026-07-27
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.
staysafeonline.org
· 2026-07-21
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.
danvillesanramon.com
· 2026-07-18
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.
nine.com.au
· 2026-07-16
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.
cutoday.info
· 2026-07-11
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.
knue.com
· 2026-07-11
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.
wfsb.com
· 2026-07-07
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.
usatoday.com
· 2026-07-06
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.
yahoo.com
· 2026-07-05
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.
aol.com
· 2026-07-05
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.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2026-07-02
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.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-07-01
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.
berkeleyside.org
· 2026-06-26
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.
napavalleyregister.com
· 2026-06-19
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.
ny1.com
· 2026-06-18
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.
fox10phoenix.com
· 2026-06-06
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.
mercurynews.com
· 2026-05-13
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.
click2houston.com
· 2026-05-12
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.
patch.com
· 2026-05-06
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.
azag.gov
· 2026-04-15
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.
myjournalcourier.com
· 2026-04-13
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.
newsday.com
· 2026-03-14
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 nursin...
www3.erie.gov
· 2026-03-13
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.
S...
thelundreport.org
· 2026-03-11
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 Cri...
cbsnews.com
· 2026-03-07
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...
localnewsmatters.org
· 2026-03-05
Police in Berkeley are warning residents, especially seniors and their families, about an aggressive home repair scam involving traveling crews offering fraudulent roofing and maso...
berkeleyscanner.com
· 2026-03-04
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 ...
irishtimes.com
· 2026-03-02
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 f...
jezebel.com
· 2026-02-28
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. ...
rstreet.org
· 2026-02-27
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...
patch.com
· 2026-02-27
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 i...
localnewsmatters.org
· 2026-02-24
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.
nationaltoday.com
· 2026-02-16
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.
wamc.org
· 2026-02-13
# 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.
usatoday.com
· 2026-02-04
During extreme weather events, scammers impersonate utility company representatives via phone, text, or email to threaten service shutoffs or demand payment for repairs, targeting vulnerable people who fear losing heat or power. The Federal Trade Commission warns that these scams surge after storms and outages, with criminals even claiming they can restore power faster for a fee or personal information. To protect yourself, pause before paying or sharing financial details and discuss any suspicious contact with a trusted friend or family member before taking action.
gillettenewsrecord.com
· 2026-02-01
# Scams Cost Americans Billions in 2024
Scams and internet fraud have reached record levels, with the FBI reporting $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, and about 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. Common schemes include counterfeit websites selling fake merchandise, fraudulent charities that exploit disasters, cryptocurrency investment scams, and fake debt collection demands. To protect yourself, verify charities before donating, avoid clicking suspicious links, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers, and never pay on debts you don't recognize.
sandiegored.com
· 2026-01-28
A Chinese citizen pleaded guilty to her role in an international fraud ring that stole $1.2 million from over 40 elderly victims across the United States between May 2025 and early 2026. The scammers posed as technical support representatives or bank officials, tricking seniors into paying for fake computer repairs or revealing financial information through phone calls, texts, and emails. Seniors should be wary of unsolicited contacts claiming there's a problem with their computer or account, verify caller identity by hanging up and calling official company numbers directly, and never provide personal financial information or make wire transfers based on urgent requests from strangers.
abc7ny.com
· 2026-01-27
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.
smdailyjournal.com
· 2026-01-21
Three Virginia men pleaded guilty to elder abuse and residential burglary for operating a roofing repair scam targeting seniors in San Mateo County, defrauding five victims of a combined $179,211. The scammers posed as representatives of a legitimate roofing company, inflating damage estimates and pressuring victims to wire money to fraudulent accounts. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited repair offers, get multiple independent quotes, never wire money to unfamiliar companies, and verify that contractors are actually affiliated with the businesses they claim to represent.
rvtravel.com
· 2026-01-18
RVers are particularly vulnerable to scams because they frequently travel between states, use public Wi-Fi, and are isolated while traveling, making them targets for increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes including fake job offers, recovery scams targeting previous victims, government impersonation scams, and romance scams. To protect themselves, RVers should avoid unsolicited job offers requesting upfront payments or gift cards, never pay fees to recover stolen funds (legitimate agencies don't charge upfront), hang up on callers claiming to be government officials demanding immediate payment, and be cautious of online relationships that eventually request money. The key advice is to verify any unexpected contact through official channels, never send money to unknown parties, and remain skeptical of urgent payment demands regardless of who claims to be calling.
deltaplexnews.com
· 2026-01-13
# Lottery Scam Conviction
A man from out of state was sentenced to 10 years in prison for defrauding a 76-year-old Arkansas resident in a lottery scam scheme that promised an $11 million Jamaican lottery prize. The victim lost approximately $57,000 before law enforcement intervened during a cash exchange in May 2025, where the perpetrator attempted to hand over a briefcase containing only printer paper instead of winnings. Authorities advise elderly citizens and others to be suspicious of unsolicited lottery claims requiring upfront payments, as legitimate lotteries never ask winners to pay fees to collect winnings.
ashleycountyledger.com
· 2026-01-13
A man named Portier Guytan was convicted in January 2026 for running a financial scam that targeted an elderly Crossett resident, who was defrauded of $50,000 after being told he had won an $11 million Jamaican lottery. The scam began in May 2025 when the 76-year-old victim received a call from someone claiming he had won the lottery and needed to send money to claim his prize. To protect yourself from similar scams, be skeptical of unexpected lottery winnings or prize notifications, never send money upfront to claim prizes, and verify claims by contacting official authorities directly.
qchron.com
· 2026-01-08
The Queens District Attorney's Elder Fraud Unit is warning seniors about sophisticated scams that exploit emotions like fear, romance, and greed to steal tens of thousands of dollars through phone, computer, home improvement, and romance schemes. Common tactics include fake investment opportunities presented by fraudsters met online who build trust before requesting money transfers, or romance scammers claiming to be new to an area and needing financial help. The key advice from authorities is to "verify, verify, verify"—don't act quickly when pressured, and always confirm requests through independent channels before sending any money.
onesafe.io
· 2026-01-08
A $12 billion cryptocurrency fraud case involving Chen Zhi has exposed "pig butchering" scams, where criminals build fake relationships with victims to lure them into fraudulent investment schemes before disappearing with their money. The incident has prompted regulators worldwide to increase scrutiny on crypto operations, requiring businesses to implement stronger compliance measures like KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) protocols. To protect themselves, crypto businesses and companies paying contractors in cryptocurrency should use reputable payment platforms with built-in security features and conduct thorough due diligence on any crypto service providers.
uniladtech.com
· 2026-01-03
A Lithuanian man named Evaldas Rimasauskas defrauded Google and Facebook out of $122 million over two years by sending fake invoices and tricking the companies into wiring money to accounts he controlled. He was arrested in 2017, extradited to the United States, and sentenced to five years in prison along with ordered restitution of over $26 million. The case highlights how even large corporations can fall victim to business email compromise schemes, so companies should implement verification procedures for payment requests and employees should confirm unusual wire transfer requests through separate communication channels before processing them.
kxan.com
· 2026-01-03
A DoorDash driver in Austin, Texas was permanently banned from the platform after allegedly using an AI-generated image to falsely claim they had delivered a customer's order, potentially as part of a scheme to collect payment for fake deliveries. The scam affected at least one other customer in the same area, and DoorDash stated they compensated the affected customer and have zero tolerance for such fraud. Customers should carefully verify delivery photos and report suspicious activity immediately to their delivery app, and consider using features like live tracking or video confirmation when available.
savingadvice.com
· 2026-01-01
Scammers are sending increasingly convincing text messages impersonating banks, delivery companies, and tech services to trick people into clicking malicious links or confirming personal information. Common tactics include fake package delivery alerts, fraudulent card charges, account security warnings, and toll payment threats—all designed to create urgency and bypass your critical thinking. To stay safe, ignore links in unsolicited texts, never reply to suspicious messages, and always verify account issues by contacting companies directly through their official apps or websites or by calling the phone number on your card.
aol.com
· 2025-12-30
Retirees face significant financial threats from both scammers and untrustworthy individuals, including predatory lenders offering complex financial products like reverse mortgages and home equity agreements with hidden fees. Vulnerable older adults are also targeted by aggressive salespeople pushing unnecessary products and services. To protect themselves, retirees should be cautious about unfamiliar financial offers, seek independent advice before committing to any lending arrangements, and verify that deals genuinely serve their interests rather than the seller's.
womansworld.com
· 2025-12-30
# Military Romance Scams Summary
Scammers pose as military members on dating apps and social media to exploit people's admiration for those who serve, ultimately aiming to steal money, personal information, or banking credentials from victims. These romance scams are increasingly common because fraudsters use the distance of military deployment as a cover story to explain their unavailability and lack of contact. To protect yourself, be wary of online military profiles—especially those asking for money or personal information—verify identities through official military channels, and remember that legitimate soldiers won't ask for financial help through dating platforms.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-29
This article highlights the most-read posts from America's Credit Unions Blog in 2025, covering how credit unions support members during crises, the importance of strategic planning, and community banking practices. Key takeaway: Members 1st Federal Credit Union demonstrated crisis preparedness during the federal shutdown by offering payment skips, deferred loans, and financial counseling—services that proved critical since previous shutdowns caused 27% of federal workers to miss mortgage/rent payments. For members facing financial hardship, the actionable advice is to proactively contact your credit union about flexible payment options and seek free financial counseling services rather than waiting until you fall behind.
times-advocate.com
· 2025-12-25
# Charity Scams Summary
Scammers exploit people's generosity by impersonating legitimate charities through emails, texts, social media, phone calls, and fake websites, particularly during holidays and after disasters. To protect yourself while still giving, verify that charities are registered with the California Attorney General and have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS, avoid organizations that pressure you to donate immediately, and research unfamiliar charities through trusted resources like Charity Navigator before giving.
consumeraffairs.com
· 2025-12-15
# Fraud Summary
While overall fraud declined in 2024, older Americans age 60 and older continued losing billions of dollars to scams, with impostor fraud, investment schemes, and tech-support scams causing the most damage. Although seniors file fewer fraud complaints than younger people, their individual losses are significantly higher because scammers exploit trust, create false urgency, and target retirement savings. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited contact claiming legal trouble or account issues, verify requests independently before sending money, and be wary of investment pitches promising guaranteed returns, especially those tied to trendy topics like AI or cryptocurrency.
escalontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article reports that online scams caused a record $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, with 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments) and describes six prevalent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that specifically target seniors. Awareness of these warning signs can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
theriverbanknews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article reports that scams cost Americans $16.6 billion in 2024, with 73 percent of U.S. adults experiencing online scams or attacks. The piece outlines common red flags—unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments—and describes prominent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that particularly target elderly individuals.
greatnews.life
· 2025-12-08
This 2013 overview identifies the top scams affecting La Porte County and beyond, with phishing (stealing personal information for identity theft) ranked as the most prevalent fraud. The top ten scams include grandparent impersonation schemes targeting elderly relatives, doorstep contractor fraud using high-pressure sales tactics, work-from-home schemes, lottery scams, Nigerian advance-fee frauds, and account hijacking of email and social media platforms. The article emphasizes that internet growth and social networking have expanded scam delivery methods and increased victim numbers significantly, with many scams persisting or resurfacing over years despite awareness efforts.
wfmz.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments in Robeson and Caernarvon townships in southern Berks County, Pennsylvania, issued a warning about door-to-door contractors offering low-cost paving and construction work, which are frequently associated with scams or substandard workmanship. The townships have not issued solicitation permits for these types of jobs, and residents are advised to contact police if approached by suspicious contractors.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
A 40-year-old Queens resident, Abba Cohen, was arrested for defrauding a Bergen County senior of $25,800 in a home improvement scam that occurred in January 2024. Cohen, who had prior similar charges, was apprehended by New York City Police in August and remains in custody awaiting extradition to New Jersey on charges of conspiracy to commit theft by deception and receiving stolen property.
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines five common charity scams that exploit people's generosity, particularly following disasters: fake FEMA websites impersonating government relief agencies, fraudulent charities mimicking legitimate organizations, phony crowdfunding campaigns using false stories, scam contractors demanding upfront payment, and sketchy peer-to-peer payment requests. The article provides safety guidance including donating only through official charity websites verified on CharityNavigator.org, avoiding unsolicited links and payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers, and verifying contractor credentials before hiring.
inkl.com
· 2025-12-08
Phone-based elder scams remain prevalent in 2024, with fraudsters using evolving tactics that exploit trust and urgency to target older adults. Common scams include Medicare impersonation, fake tech support, grandparent emergency schemes, lottery/prize offers, utility company threats, and government agency impersonation—each designed to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, or install malware. The key protection strategy is to never share personal information over unsolicited calls, verify requests independently by contacting official sources directly, and ask verification questions that only legitimate contacts would know.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The article discusses a surge in impersonation scams targeting seniors, where scammers pose as government agencies or trusted businesses (like Amazon) to convince victims to transfer money for "protection," ultimately stealing it. The FTC reports a nearly 200% increase in reports of older Americans losing up to $10,000 since 2020, with a 400% increase in losses exceeding $100,000, and younger Americans are increasingly affected. The piece provides protective advice including being wary of money transfer requests, refusing demands for gift cards or cryptocurrency transfers, and hanging up to independently verify caller claims.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
An Orange County, North Carolina woman lost over $17,000 in a sophisticated scam involving fake bank and PayPal fraud alerts, remote computer access, fraudulent letters printed from her own printer, and an in-person cash collection at her home. The scammers manipulated her through a four-hour phone call, convincing her to withdraw cash from her bank after transferring funds from her savings to checking and creating the false appearance of an $18,000 deposit. Investigators indicate this was part of a larger operation targeting multiple victims across several counties in the Triangle area.
oregonlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Oregon law enforcement agencies issued a public warning about common summer scams, including impersonators posing as police or court officials demanding payment for missed jury duty via cryptocurrency or gift cards, fraudsters claiming pets have been hit by cars to extort veterinary fees, and fake vacation rental listings offering unrealistic deals. Officials advised residents to independently verify contact information, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and use only authorized vendors for ticket purchases and vacation bookings.
gantnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania State Police issued a warning about increased scams, con artist schemes, and home invasions targeting residents, particularly the elderly. Common tactics include home improvement fraud (offering low-quality services like diluted driveway sealant at below-market prices), paired home invasions where one person distracts the homeowner while the other searches for valuables (often posing as utility workers), and phone scams that lead to identity theft. Police recommend verifying identification and employment, checking contractor references, and being skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
thepress.net
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters stole over $12.5 billion from Americans over 55 in 2024, a 25% increase from $10 billion in 2023, according to the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network report. Seniors are targeted due to limited online experience, accumulated wealth, and social isolation, with common scams including grandparent schemes, romance scams, impersonation of government agencies or utilities, tech support fraud, home repair scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Experts advise that pressure to act quickly is a hallmark of scams, and legitimate government agencies and corporations typically do not contact people via unsolicited text messages or calls demanding immediate payment.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses various scams and questionable spending habits that millennials fall victim to, including multilevel marketing schemes, online sports betting, rage bait engagement, fake detox products, and premium food delivery services. The piece compiles Reddit comments from millennials admitting to these scams, though commenters debate whether some items (like detox products and food delivery) are actual scams or simply poor financial decisions and that similar issues affected previous generations.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are exploiting the summer holiday season in the UK through sophisticated scams including AI-generated fake travel websites, bogus delivery notifications (parcel scam searches up 400%), and fraudulent accommodation bookings, with victims losing hundreds to thousands of pounds and risking identity theft and account compromise. August is identified as a peak fraud month when people's guards are lowered by holiday distractions, and sharing travel details online—such as boarding passes on social media—further exposes victims to targeted attacks and personal data theft.
ocalagazette.com
· 2025-12-08
An 82-year-old Ocala woman lost $7,300 in cryptocurrency and nearly lost $160,000 in cash converted to gold in a multi-stage scam involving a fake computer hack, fraudulent bank officer call, and an accomplice attempting to pick up the gold at her home—the plot was foiled by law enforcement and a gold exchange company alert, resulting in the arrest of Jiann Cao. Local agencies report approximately $1 million stolen monthly from elder fraud victims in Marion County, with common scams including tech support fraud, romance scams, and investment schemes; officials recommend verifying the authenticity of unsolicited communications and emphasize education and reporting as key prevention strategies.
ket.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational forum features elder fraud experts discussing common scams targeting seniors, including email, social media, tech support, and phone-based schemes. Elderly individuals are frequent targets because they have more free time, may be lonely or financially worried, and scammers exploit urgency and fear to manipulate them. The panel shares real victim experiences—including a woman who lost over $400,000 to an imposter federal agent scam and now owes $100,000 in taxes—and emphasizes that scams use multiple layers of deception designed to be difficult to trace before funds are depleted.
ket.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational forum featuring experts and fraud victims discusses common scams targeting elderly people, including email/social media schemes, tech support scams, and impersonation of law enforcement or government officials. Seniors are frequent targets because they may be lonely, vulnerable, or less technologically savvy, and scammers exploit urgency and fear to manipulate victims; real victims lost thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, including one woman who lost over $400,000 and now owes the IRS $100,000 in additional taxes. The discussion emphasizes that fraudsters use sophisticated, multi-layered schemes designed to be difficult to trace and recommends awareness and verification of unexpected contacts as prevention strategies.
npr.org
· 2025-12-08
In Bogotá, Colombia, organized scammers known as "pinchallantas" (tire-puncturers) deliberately damage car tires on busy streets using sharp objects attached to motorcycles, then direct stranded motorists to complicit repair shops that make additional holes and overcharge for repairs. Victims like architect Óscar Villanueva and lawyer Felipe Gallo (who paid $150 for repairs that could have covered new tires) have reported hundreds of complaints monthly, prompting police to raid suspected repair shops and target the mechanics profiting from an estimated 30 flat-tire repairs per day.
tribtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The article describes five active scams in the Valley area: fake delivery drivers posing as legitimate couriers to extort payment for nonexistent packages, sweepstakes fraud schemes that have resulted in losses exceeding $100,000, fraudsters using stolen personal information to open vehicle accounts in victims' names, scammers impersonating police officers and bail bondsmen to extort payment, and unlicensed door-to-door salespeople operating without required permits. Residents are advised to verify identities before sharing personal information, hang up on suspicious callers, and familiarize themselves with local soliciting regulations to protect against these schemes.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
North Branford police conducted an elder fraud awareness presentation at Evergreen Woods Community to educate seniors on prevention strategies. The presentation highlighted that seniors lose more than $3 billion annually to various fraud schemes including romance scams, tech support scams, grandparent scams, and government impersonation scams, with tips provided on how to recognize and protect against these threats.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 bipartisan report highlights that fraud and scams cost seniors $4.8 billion in 2024, with investment, cryptocurrency, and romance scams posing the greatest risks to older adults who are often targeted due to politeness, trust, and unfamiliarity with digital technologies. Common scams include Medicare fraud ($80.5 million in losses), imposter scams ($789 million in losses), phishing, and deepfakes, which cause not only financial devastation but also significant emotional and physical health impacts on victims.
legaltalknetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
Legal experts from LSC-funded organizations discuss how civil legal services address critical needs of aging Americans, with LSC programs assisting over 312,000 seniors age 60+ annually with issues including wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives. Seniors face particular vulnerability to scams and fraud, and these legal crises compound other challenges like housing costs and medical issues that threaten their safety, stability, and ability to age independently with dignity.
windsorstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Windsor police are investigating two contractor scams targeting senior homeowners in July, in which elderly victims were driven to banks and pressured to withdraw large sums of money under false pretenses for alleged roofing and repair work. In the first incident, a woman withdrew $13,000 and attempted to withdraw another $13,000 after being driven by a suspect claiming to be Mark Bignam; in the second, a man was lured into withdrawing $10,000 (with an attempted additional $5,000 withdrawal declined) after work allegedly began on his roof. Police are seeking public assistance in identifying the suspects and determining whether the incidents are connected.
tillamookheadlightherald.com
· 2025-12-08
An Eastern Oregon woman lost $600,000 in life savings to a "gold bar scam" in which scammers impersonated federal agents, claimed her accounts were at risk, and convinced her to purchase gold bars for "safekeeping"; local law enforcement prevented an additional $300,000 loss after her sister reported the scheme to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline. The scam typically involves fraudsters creating false urgency about compromised finances, instructing victims to convert assets into gold, and dispatching couriers to collect the valuables before disappearing. The Oregon DOJ warns that no legitimate government agency requests gold purchases or home visits for money collection, and urges victims to hang up
crescentavalleyweekly.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI and FTC are warning the public about evolving scams that exploit advancing technology, including AI-generated voice impersonations of law enforcement and government officials. Elderly Americans are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, tech support scams, grandparent scams, government impersonation scams, sweepstakes scams, and home repair scams, with millions falling victim annually. The agencies also warn against business email compromise, charity fraud (especially after disasters), cryptocurrency job scams, VA benefits overpayment scams, and card skimmers, recommending victims verify charitable organizations through trusted databases and use credit cards rather than cash, gift cards, or wire transfers for donations.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate FEMA officials after natural disasters, calling, texting, or visiting people to solicit cash upfront for fake disaster grants, home inspections, or assistance services. FEMA never charges for disaster assistance or requests money, banking information, or personal data, so anyone making such requests is fraudulent. To protect yourself, verify identity through official FEMA badges, avoid responding to unsolicited communications, and contact FEMA directly at 1-800-621-3362 if uncertain about a representative's legitimacy.
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-08
An Indian civil contractor lost INR 1.67 crore ($200,000) after being scammed through WhatsApp by a woman posing as a potential bride who claimed to work for a cryptocurrency trading company in Singapore. The victim made multiple deposits between April and June after seeing initial profits of INR 8,300, but the fake app locked his wallet when he attempted withdrawal and demanded an additional INR 25 lakh to release funds. Cyberabad Police registered a case and are investigating multiple bank accounts and phone numbers connected to the scam, with authorities warning that social platforms are increasingly being exploited by cybercriminals.
boston25news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers exploited summer vacation and home improvement seasons to steal approximately $1.7 billion last year, employing sophisticated tactics including fake vacation rental listings with upfront payment requests, door-to-door home improvement schemes offering discounted rates but delivering shoddy or incomplete work, inflated moving company fees, ticket scalping scams, and fraudulent mortgage relief offers targeting homeowners in financial distress. The article advises consumers to verify sellers' legitimacy, check licenses and reviews, only purchase from official sources, work exclusively with established lenders or HUD-approved counselors, and conduct thorough research before committing money.
newschannel6now.com
· 2025-12-08
Experts warn that seniors and residents of rural communities are increasingly targeted by scams, including cryptocurrency investment schemes and door-to-door contractor fraud, with investment scams averaging $4,000 in losses per victim. Red flags include unsolicited investment offers from unknown individuals and scammers exploiting loneliness through friendship-building tactics before pitching schemes. The Better Business Bureau recommends verifying the legitimacy of contacts and reaching out to the BBB if you suspect involvement in a scam.
ag.state.mn.us
· 2025-12-08
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison warned residents about door-to-door pest-control scams involving high-pressure sales tactics, hidden fees, and undisclosed long-term contracts. The scam typically targets consumers off-guard during summer months, with fraudsters failing to deliver services, imposing surprise charges, or forcing automatic contract renewals. Consumers are advised to avoid pressure tactics, read contracts carefully before signing, verify local peddler registration, and report suspected scams to the Attorney General's office rather than remaining silent out of embarrassment.
fox35orlando.com
· 2025-12-08
Following the 2025 hurricane season, officials warn residents to be cautious of unlicensed contractors and scammers seeking to exploit storm damage. The Better Business Bureau recommends vetting contractors in advance of needing repairs to protect oneself from hurricane-related fraud schemes.
attorneygeneral.gov
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a consumer alert warning residents to be cautious of scammers exploiting storm and flood damage by targeting those seeking vehicle purchases and home improvement contractors. The advisory recommends verifying contractor registration, obtaining written estimates, avoiding large upfront payments, using bank certificates of completion, and reporting suspected scams to the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource presents a chart detailing common scams targeting consumers, including AI scams (deepfake impersonations), bank text scams (phishing for account information), billing/invoice scams (fake invoices demanding payment), brushing scams (unsolicited items to boost reviews), and charity scams. The guide identifies shared scammer tactics such as impersonation, creating urgency, and pressuring victims to share personal information, while offering specific identification and prevention strategies for each scam type. The material encourages sharing this information with friends and family as a primary defense against fraud.
kcbx.org
· 2025-12-08
State Senator Monique Limón is hosting a free Senior Scam Prevention Seminar in Goleta on June 27 to educate older adults about protecting themselves from fraud, following warnings from law enforcement in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties about recent scam calls impersonating officers. Experts from the California Department of Insurance, Consumer Affairs, and Department of Justice will present information on common scam tactics including fake tech support, grandparent scams, fake lottery winnings, and phony home repair offers that frequently target seniors.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau and ComEd warn that con artists intensify scams during summer months, exploiting busy vacationers through fake vacation rental listings, fraudulent ticket sales, impostor utility worker calls threatening service disconnection, and door-to-door home repair schemes. Both organizations advise consumers to research companies before engaging with them, never send cash or personal information to unsolicited contacts, verify utility worker identities through official ID badges, and contact companies directly rather than responding to suspicious calls or visits.
shreveportbossieradvocate.com
· 2025-12-08
Door-to-door solar panel scams in northwest Louisiana have victimized residents with high-pressure sales tactics, leaving some liable for over $40,000 in fraudulent loan repayments for units marketed as "free." Fraud is also evolving to include online scams such as phishing emails, impersonation of law enforcement and government agencies via phone and text, and cryptocurrency and gift card fraud, with Louisiana experiencing nearly $47 million in fraud losses in 2023. Experts recommend protective measures including posting no-soliciting signs and avoiding clicking unknown links, answering unfamiliar calls, or engaging with unrecognized communications.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-08
A 66-year-old executor embezzled $3.7 million from his 92-year-old dementia patient by systematically draining her accounts through withdrawals, checks, and credit-card charges, then spent the funds on luxuries, leaving her estate virtually depleted. The case exemplifies a growing crisis: older Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams and fraud in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), with common exploitation methods including property theft, fraudulent power-of-attorney misuse, romance scams, and grandparent imposter schemes. Financial institutions are responding by training staff to recognize red flags—such as
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wisconsin consumer fell victim to a door-to-door charity scam where fraudsters convinced him to donate $40 but fraudulently charged his credit card $4,000 after scanning it. The state's Division of Trade and Consumer Protection recommends donating through familiar charities' official websites, paying by credit card for fraud protection, and verifying solicitors' credentials before contributing.
roanoke-chowannewsherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Detective Darrell Rowe of the Northampton County Sheriff's Office presented at an Elder Abuse Awareness event to educate older adults about financial exploitation, which includes family members misusing benefits or bank accounts and strangers conducting home repair scams, grandchild bail scams, and IRS impersonation scams. Rowe emphasized that victims are often reluctant to report abuse due to shame and that it is difficult to recover lost money, recommending community members verify suspicious calls with family and report potential scams to law enforcement or DSS before sending any money.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment and cryptocurrency scams remain the riskiest threat for adults 55+, followed by online purchase scams and romance scams for specific age groups, according to the BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. The article provides practical prevention strategies including: avoiding unsolicited callers (especially those claiming to be government agents or bank employees), recognizing red flags like pressure to act or unusual payment requests, hiring only licensed contractors through verified sources, remaining alert to emergency/grandchild scams, and hanging up on calls about "free" medical equipment or government impersonations. Key advice emphasizes registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, verifying unexpected claims through official sources, and maintaining healthy
timesobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
Lacy G. Abraham, a 39-year-old in-home caregiver in Warren, was charged with second-degree felony forgery and financial exploitation after stealing approximately $1,750 from an elderly client between October 2023 and May 2024, including forging checks and misappropriating a beneficiary check. The victim's financial harm was severe enough to cause her bank to close her checking account, and the case was initiated by the Area Agency on Aging in October 2024. Abraham was jailed with bail set at $25,000 after admitting during police interviews to cashing checks she kept for personal use rather than their intended purposes.
illinoisanswers.org
· 2025-12-08
LaShon Minter Williams faces losing her family's Chicago home after her grandmother, Louise Minter, was defrauded into a reverse mortgage in 2012 by convicted scammer Mark Diamond, who promised home repairs that never materialized. Diamond, sentenced to over 17 years in prison in January, specifically targeted vulnerable senior homeowners on Chicago's South and West sides; the scheme depleted the home's equity, and now Williams must either pay off the loan or vacate the property she has lived in since age 2. Reverse mortgages, while potentially helpful for seniors needing income for repairs, can prevent wealth transfer to heirs and are difficult to pay off, particularly impacting
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
Storm chasers—fraudulent contractors and fake organizations—target homeowners affected by severe weather disasters, using unsolicited offers of quick, cheap repairs or fake donation sites to steal money through upfront payments, shoddy work, or identity theft. Red flags include demands for cash or prepaid cards, vague pricing, pressure to decide immediately, refusal to provide contracts, and avoidance of inspections. Homeowners should verify contractor licenses and insurance, obtain written estimates, contact their insurance company first, and avoid acting out of urgency to prevent falling victim to these post-disaster scams.
vincennespbs.org
· 2025-12-08
Following weekend storms in Indiana, officials warn residents to watch for contractor scams targeting disaster recovery, where fraudsters pose as repair or cleanup services, collect down payments, and either disappear or deliver poor work. The Indiana Attorney General advises verifying contractor credentials, avoiding upfront full payments or payment via gift cards and cryptocurrency, and being cautious of FEMA impersonators requesting fees and donation fraud schemes. Suspected scams can be reported to the Indiana Consumer Protection Division at indianaconsumer.com or 800-382-5516.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
Meta executives acknowledged an "epidemic of scams" growing in scale and sophistication on Facebook and Instagram, with the company experimenting with facial-recognition technology and partnering with banks and tech firms to address the problem. JPMorgan Chase reported that Meta accounted for nearly half of all scams on its Zelle payment platform between summer 2023 and 2024, prompting the bank to block certain transactions originating from Meta platforms. Despite recent improvements, internal documents show Meta has deprioritized scam enforcement and reduced resources allocated to combating fraud.
thepress.net
· 2025-12-08
The county issued a public awareness warning about ten common phone and internet scams targeting residents, including grandparent scams, government imposter schemes, technology support fraud, romance scams, charity fraud, lottery scams, investment schemes, home repair fraud, phishing emails and texts, and utility payment scams. The advisory educates the public on how to identify and recognize these fraudulent tactics to protect themselves from financial loss and identity theft.
techcrunch.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers exploited compromised contractor accounts within Granicus's GovDelivery email system—used by U.S. federal and state governments to send official notifications—to send fraudulent emails impersonating government agencies in Indiana and New Mexico. The fake toll and payment scam emails, sent from official government addresses, contained malicious links directing recipients to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial information. Granicus confirmed the breaches resulted from compromised user accounts rather than system vulnerabilities, but did not disclose the number of affected recipients.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Former San Diego Deputy District Attorney Paul Greenwood shared insights on elder fraud at the 8th Annual Fairfax Scam Jam, highlighting why victims often remain silent—including impairment, isolation, shame, loyalty to abusers, fear of losing independence, dependence on caregivers, and retaliation fears. Greenwood advocates for a proactive community approach to fraud prevention, including training notaries to recognize fraud signs, public awareness campaigns, and educating the public about misconceptions such as ageism affecting investigations and the false belief that giving someone money cannot constitute a crime.
nebraska.tv
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that cryptocurrency, online, romance, and home improvement scams pose significant risks to older adults, with scammers often impersonating government agencies, banks, or trusted sources through phone calls and spoofing tactics. The FTC cautions that these scammers may initially appear friendly before becoming aggressive and threatening to coerce victims into providing information or money. Consumers are advised to hang up on suspicious calls, independently verify caller identity, and check BBB.org's scam tracker for current fraud reports.
hk-now.com
· 2025-12-08
Killingworth's Committee on Aging held a two-hour Scam and Fraud Prevention Program on May 3, 2025, where attorney Don Phillips, legal services representative Erica Basoli, and State Trooper Rick Mulhall educated seniors about common fraud schemes including bank/credit card scams, gift card fraud, home repair scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and fake prize offers. The presenters advised seniors to avoid sharing personal information on social media, resist urgency tactics, report all scams to authorities, and verify legitimacy through official channels, while emphasizing that legitimate businesses should be registered, insured, and provide written contracts.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Rachel Watts Sanders, a 40-year-old mail contractor from Louisiana, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and mail theft after stealing over 40 checks from U.S. mail, forging endorsements, and depositing them into her personal bank account. She faces up to 20 years imprisonment for wire fraud and 5 years for mail theft, plus potential fines of up to $250,000 per count. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General.
herald-dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers commonly target adults 55+ with investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase fraud, romance scams, and home improvement schemes. The article outlines key warning signs including unsolicited calls from those claiming to be government officials or bank employees, requests for unusual payment methods, pressure to act quickly, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Recommended protections include registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, hanging up on unsolicited callers, researching investments thoroughly, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying unexpected claims by contacting official sources directly.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau alerts adults 55 and older that investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase scams, and romance scams pose significant risks to this demographic. The BBB recommends protecting yourself by avoiding unsolicited calls and unverified callers, researching investments thoroughly, recognizing red flags like pressure tactics and requests for unusual payment methods, and being cautious of too-good-to-be-true offers for home improvement, medical equipment, and charities. Specific threats include phone fraud where scammers impersonate government agents or banks, Medicare fraud involving fake durable medical equipment, and malware from suspicious links in emails or social media.
cantonrep.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns adults ages 55 and older that investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase scams, romance scams, and home improvement scams pose the greatest risks to this demographic. The BBB recommends protecting oneself by being skeptical of unsolicited calls (especially those impersonating government agencies), recognizing common scam red flags like pressure to act quickly or requests for unusual payment methods, researching investments carefully, and avoiding clicking links in unsolicited emails or messages.
signalsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud affects all age groups but scammers tailor tactics to exploit generation-specific vulnerabilities: Gen Z faces employment and crypto scams via social media, Millennials encounter investment fraud through spoofed communications, Gen X targets investment schemes, and Seniors are most susceptible to romance, investment, and home improvement scams resulting in losses of $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Desert Financial Credit Union advises recognizing red flags such as unsolicited contact, requests for money or wire transfers, urgency, and coaching about what to tell financial institutions, recommending victims pause to research claims and consult trusted contacts before authorizing any transactions.
hometownnewsbrevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Helping Seniors of Brevard partnered with AARP Florida to present a free educational event called "Scam Jam" on May 16 in Melbourne designed to help seniors recognize and protect themselves from common fraud schemes. The event features workshops on prevalent scams including Nigerian lottery schemes, romance scams, government impersonation, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and identity theft, with experts emphasizing warning signs such as pressure tactics, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, and poor grammar. The organization stresses that seniors should slow down, verify requests with others, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement to help prevent victimization.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired caregiver in Fresno, California discovered her identity had been stolen in a cryptocurrency investment scam when friends congratulated her on launching a crypto business; the fraudulent Facebook post falsely claimed she was a certified "Expert Crypto Trader" and garnered 160+ responses, though the actual number of victims who sent money remains unknown. California's Department of Social Services received over 190,000 reports of financial abuse against seniors between January 2022 and February 2025, with experts noting that older adults are particularly vulnerable to sophisticated scams involving cryptocurrency, phishing, impersonation, and romance fraud, especially as AI technology makes these schemes more convincing.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired caregiver in Fresno, California discovered her identity had been stolen for a cryptocurrency investment scam on Facebook, where scammers posed as her offering "Expert Crypto Trader" services with falsified certificates. California has reported over 190,000 cases of alleged financial abuse against seniors from January 2022 to February 2025, with cryptocurrency, phishing, romance, and government impersonation scams being prevalent, particularly in Fresno and Madera counties. Experts recommend seniors avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify claims through official sources, and report suspected fraud to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
fhtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers tailor their fraud tactics by age group, targeting Gen Z with employment and crypto scams on social media, millennials with investment fraud via text and email, Gen X with retirement-focused investment schemes, and seniors with romance, home improvement, and crypto scams that often result in losses of $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Seven key warning signs of scams include unsolicited contact from strangers, requests for money or wire transfers, artificial urgency, coaching about what to tell financial institutions, and discouragement from trusting banks. The article advises verifying suspicious offers through Google searches, consulting trusted contacts and financial institutions, and recognizing that fraudsters use
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
This article describes an educational event held by AARP Virginia that presented information about six types of scams targeting older adults, paired with wine tastings. The scams covered included cryptocurrency fraud (where victims are tricked into depositing cash at crypto ATMs), jury duty scams (imposter calls claiming arrest is imminent unless fines are paid), and romance scams, with volunteers providing recognition strategies and prevention advice for each.
ktemnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Following natural disasters in Texas, scammers target vulnerable residents seeking repairs and relief, with 63% of state residents falling victim to post-disaster scams according to Instant Roofer data, and Hurricane Beryl alone causing $2 billion in damage and displacing 1.4 million people. Common scams include fraudulent contractors, fake FEMA representatives, phony charities, and identity theft schemes. To protect yourself, verify business reviews, get all agreements in writing, avoid upfront payments, and be cautious of unsolicited relief offers and utility shutoff threats.
wiscassetnewspaper.com
· 2025-12-08
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office documented 29 fraud cases in 2024 with potential losses of $452,356 to local residents, with romance and family emergency scams accounting for the highest losses at $222,780, followed by technical support scams at $94,300 and cryptocurrency fraud at $55,000. Detective Jared Mitkus reported a recent spike in grandparent/bail scams (March 2025), including two cases where victims lost $63,000 total to couriers collecting cash at their homes, and emphasized that legitimate bail commissioners and law enforcement never collect bail payments in person. Law enforcement advises victims to verify emergency calls by directly contacting the family member
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office documented 29 fraud cases in 2024 with potential losses totaling $452,356 for local residents, with romance and family emergency scams causing the highest losses ($222,780), followed by technical support scams ($94,300) and cryptocurrency fraud ($55,000). The office is seeing a recent spike in grandparent and bail scams, including cases where scammers sent couriers to victims' homes to collect cash in person, with two separate victims losing $63,000 combined in the first quarter of 2025. Law enforcement advises victims to verify emergency claims by calling the person directly and to be aware that legitimate bail commissioners and law enforcement will never
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns homeowners of seasonal lawn and garden scams, particularly those involving upfront payments for services where companies later disappear. The BBB recommends researching businesses on BBB.org before hiring, avoiding high-pressure tactics, obtaining written contracts with detailed terms, staggering payments, and using credit cards rather than cash to protect against fraud.
goodnewsnetwork.org
· 2025-12-08
A Pittsburgh-area senior couple lost $6,750 to Shiloh Landscaping after paying a $4,000 advance for a retaining wall that was never completed, receiving only materials and excuses over two years. After their story aired on local news, contractor Ray Benvenuti saw the report and donated labor to complete the wall at no cost, with help from a local hardware store. The article also includes Better Business Bureau guidance on selecting contractors, recommending getting multiple bids, verifying insurance, limiting advance payments to one-third of the total cost, and confirming contractor registration with Pennsylvania's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Two Texas men, Stanley Anyanwu (41) and Vitalis Anyanwu (42), were convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering conspiracy for their roles as "money mules" in a scheme that defrauded the City of Memphis of $773,695.45 through a business email compromise (BEC) scam in February 2022, as well as romance scam victims. The conspiracy quickly laundered the stolen funds through a network before the city could recover them, and sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2025.
beacononlinenews.com
· 2025-12-08
A three-county search was underway for Orlando-based contractor Ryan Matthew Paul, 39, who allegedly defrauded a senior citizen of $310,000. An arrest warrant was issued on April 11 with charges including organized scheme to defraud, exploitation of the elderly, and three counts of grand theft, with a $233,500 bond set for nationwide pickup.
myupnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a scam awareness roundup highlighting major fraud schemes targeting state residents, including disaster relief and charity scams, government imposter fraud, phishing/smishing attacks, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" romance scams, and data breach identity theft. The advisory recommends consumers verify charity legitimacy before donating, never click suspicious links or provide personal information to unsolicited contacts, monitor credit reports regularly through AnnualCreditReport.com, and implement security measures like two-factor authentication and password changes following data breaches.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old contractor in Kangar, Malaysia lost RM1,448,000 to an impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police officers convinced her that her phone number was linked to fraud and drug cases. The victim was instructed to open bank accounts and make 10 transfers over several days before discovering the scam on April 14 and filing a police report. An investigation was opened under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
spokanejournal.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington Trust Bank employees launched a Senior Fraud Awareness workshop series in April 2023 to combat rising scams targeting older adults, after branch staff witnessed seniors being pressured to withdraw cash while on phone calls with scammers. The trio of bank managers has conducted five workshops in Spokane senior living communities and plans to expand regionally, providing FTC data, practical fraud prevention tips, and resources for reporting elder fraud. According to federal data, older adults lost over $1.9 billion to fraud in 2023 alone, with estimates suggesting actual losses could reach $61.5 billion.
bucks.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common scams targeting seniors—including phone scams, phishing, romance fraud, investment schemes, charity scams, home repair fraud, identity theft, and grandparent scams—and provides practical prevention strategies. Key protective measures include being skeptical of unsolicited contact, safeguarding personal information, avoiding rushed decisions, recognizing communication red flags, verifying identities before trusting, staying informed about technology, and building a support network. The article emphasizes that seniors can protect themselves and their finances through knowledge and vigilance, offering resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network and National Elder Fraud Hotline for additional support.
statenews.org
· 2025-12-08
In November, the city of Athens fell victim to a sophisticated phishing and email compromise scam that cost over $700,000 in public funds. Scammers accessed Pepper Construction's email system, created nearly identical fake email addresses, and intercepted communications about a fire station construction invoice, convincing city employees to switch payment to a fraudulent bank account controlled by the criminals. Between April 2023 and 2024, at least 23 Ohio local government offices lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to similar cyber crimes, with the state auditor's office now recommending employees verify payment method changes independently and warning of future investigations into agencies that fail to follow security protocols.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Rockland County officials warned of fake contractors scamming homeowners by impersonating legitimate roofing companies and using scare tactics to convince victims they need urgent structural repairs. At least three homeowners were defrauded of tens of thousands of dollars, including one woman who paid $60,000 for unnecessary roof work and another who signed a $78,000 contract for fraudulent repairs; the scammers even asked victims to write the real company names on checks to appear legitimate.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies six common online scams and their warning signs: phishing scams (impersonating trusted companies via email/text to steal credentials), investment scams (promising unrealistic returns through unregulated platforms), job offer scams (requesting upfront payments or personal information for fraudulent positions), and tech support scams (using fake alerts to trick users into paying for unnecessary services or granting device access). Key prevention strategies include verifying sender information directly with companies, researching investment opportunities with licensed professionals, being skeptical of unsolicited offers, and avoiding clicking links or granting remote access to unknown parties.
fox5vegas.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nevada State Contractors Board issued a consumer alert warning homeowners, particularly seniors, to watch for contractor scams during summer months, including unsolicited door-to-door offers and suspicious online advertisements. Red flags include requests for cash-only payments, "free" inspections, pressure tactics, and mismatched company information, while protective measures include verifying contractor license numbers, obtaining multiple bids, and confirming employee status through the Board's website before hiring.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
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.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the Better Business Bureau's 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report, cryptocurrency investment scams top the list of riskiest frauds, with 80 percent of victims losing an average of $5,000 through fake exchanges and pressure tactics. The report identifies five major scam categories affecting consumers: employment scams (involving fake job offers and training fees), romance scams (targeting people in online relationships), online purchase scams (non-delivery of goods), and home improvement scams (particularly prevalent after severe weather, involving door-to-door solicitors who take payment without completing work).
kbtx.com
· 2025-12-08
Following a hailstorm in Bryan, Texas, scammers targeted residents with roofing repair schemes, including calls falsely claiming roof evaluations were already scheduled. Local realtor Raylene Lewis warned that victims have been defrauded through incomplete or substandard work, or by paying scammers who then disappear, and advised residents to hire only local, reputable roofers who work directly with insurance companies.
digitalreviews.net
· 2025-12-08
Following Cyclone Alfred, cyber security experts warn of a surge in disaster-related scams targeting vulnerable victims, including unannounced contractor fraud, phishing emails impersonating insurers, fake donation campaigns, and imposters posing as government and relief agencies. AUCyber recommends victims file insurance claims through official channels, verify contractor credentials, avoid upfront payments, check email sender addresses, and report suspicious activity to ScamWatch to protect themselves during cleanup and recovery efforts.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
A Suamico, Wisconsin woman was targeted by an elaborate phone scam in which scammers impersonating Medicare, pharmacies, and her doctors convinced her that her Medicare benefits had been terminated and coerced her into providing her Medicare number. The scammers then instructed her to accept unnecessary medical equipment (back braces, knee braces, and wrist braces), which were subsequently mailed to her; she refused the packages and obtained a new Medicare number after contacting the real Medicare to verify the fraud. The Wisconsin Senior Medical Patrol warns that Medicare never contacts people unsolicited to request personal information or Medicare numbers and does not terminate benefits in this manner.
thecitizen.com
· 2025-12-08
An 82-year-old woman named Julie from Fayette County was scammed out of approximately $270,000 after receiving calls from people impersonating her bank who claimed there was an insider threat and convinced her to secretly withdraw funds via cashier's checks sent to multiple domestic addresses. Unlike many fraud cases where money is quickly converted to cryptocurrency and lost overseas, this case had a rare positive outcome: a UPS worker recognized one of the destination addresses in Waco, Texas as flagged by law enforcement, leading to the interception of the checks and recovery of all stolen funds. The article introduces an ongoing series about local scams and emphasizes that financial fraud is the most common and financially devastating crime affecting
hyannisnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This article reports on federal law enforcement arrests of undocumented immigrants with criminal records in Massachusetts during early 2025, including individuals charged with sexual assault, drug trafficking, and weapons offenses. The cases involved coordination between DEA, ICE, and local police, with one suspect remaining in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and another wanted for felony drug trafficking in Brazil. The article does not contain information related to elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse and is therefore outside the scope of the Elderus database.
gothamist.com
· 2025-12-08
New York reported a 44% increase in internet fraud complaints in 2024, with over 3,700 cases, driven by rising account takeover schemes and AI-enabled phishing techniques including synthesized voice calls. Cybersecurity experts attribute the surge to attackers exploiting human vulnerabilities, and recommend consumers use strong multi-factor authentication, separate passwords, and account change notifications to protect themselves.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
At least two dozen elderly and vulnerable people across multiple states lost over $1 million to a construction fraud scheme perpetrated by James Dinnigan, Martin Maughan, and recruited foreign nationals posing as legitimate home repair contractors. The scammers lured victims through false advertisements, then deliberately damaged their properties and coerced them into paying tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars for unnecessary repairs through intimidation and threats. Most victims were located in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut.
spectrumlocalnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau's 2024 Risk Report identifies investment and cryptocurrency scams as the highest-risk fraud type with a median loss of $5,000, followed by employment scams ($1,500 median loss) and romance scams ($6,099 median loss—the highest per-victim cost and ranked third for the first time). Scammers typically invest significant time building relationships with victims, with online and home improvement scams also among the top five reported fraud categories.
islandpacket.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "What can I do about all these scams? Tips and tricks to keep you and your loved ones safe"
Beaufort County, South Carolina residents—particularly older adults—face a high risk of scams, with the state ranking seventh nationally for fraud cases. Common schemes targeting seniors include cryptocurrency scams (up 900% since 2020), contractor fraud, phone solicitation, and religious impersonation scams. The FTC advises identifying scams by recognizing when scammers impersonate legitimate organizations, create false urgency or prize claims, and pressure immediate action or unusual payment methods.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Middlesex County, New Jersey is hosting a free Senior Fraud Prevention Conference on March 14, 2025, in partnership with the County Prosecutor's Office to educate older adults, caregivers, and service providers about scams targeting seniors. The conference will cover common fraud schemes including online, phone, and door-to-door scams, with expert guidance from law enforcement on protecting personal information and financial security. Registration is required and closes March 10.
businesstimes.com.sg
· 2025-12-08
Standard Chartered Bank partnered with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to conduct monthly digital literacy workshops for seniors aged 50-90 from August 2024 to February 2025, addressing Singapore's 16.3% rise in scam cases in the first half of 2024. The workshops taught seniors how to identify and protect themselves from fake friend, investment, and phishing scams, with 120 participants and 70 bank volunteers participating in hands-on training sessions. The initiative, part of a corporate volunteering program, demonstrates how partnerships between financial institutions and government agencies can raise fraud awareness and help vulnerable populations avoid becoming victims of self-effected transfer
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly people aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with seniors targeted because they hold significant wealth and are susceptible to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics. The most common scams affecting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, which often involve refined variations of traditional schemes rather than entirely new tactics. Experts recommend staying connected with elderly loved ones and remaining vigilant about suspicious offers that create artificial time pressure or build false relationships, as scammers exploit lon
shelterislandreporter.timesreview.com
· 2025-12-08
On February 13, the Shelter Island Public Library hosted an educational Zoom presentation on senior scams led by Tom McCann of Senior Services of North America, covering common fraud schemes including phone scams, sweepstakes/lottery fraud, home improvement cons, and reverse mortgage scams. McCann emphasized that seniors are particularly vulnerable due to loneliness, increased home time, unfamiliarity with technology, and potential disabilities, and recommended protective measures such as recognizing red flags (urgency, requests for money, and offers that seem too good to be true), using the do-not-call list, monitoring credit reports, and enabling two-factor authentication.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Dennis Jones, 82, lost his life savings and subsequently took his own life after being victimized by a "financial grooming" scam (also called "pig butchering"), in which a person posing as "Jessie" built an online relationship with him over months before pressuring him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Financial grooming scams—where criminals establish trust with victims before luring them into fake investments—caused losses rising from $3.31 billion in 2022 to $4.57 billion in 2023, with individual victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars; the scams originate from criminal operations primarily in Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines, where
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly adults aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics tailored to exploit seniors' wealth and vulnerabilities. The most common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, with scammers often using social media and high-pressure tactics to build trust before manipulating victims into sending money. Prevention strategies include staying connected with elderly loved ones, remaining skeptical of online connections, and being aware
substack.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, scams targeting older adults resulted in approximately $3.4 billion in losses, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report. Common schemes include romance scams, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, government impersonation, lottery scams, and home repair fraud, with perpetrators typically using intimidation tactics or appeals to family relationships to pressure victims into sending money. Experts recommend maintaining awareness, being cautious of high-pressure situations, and reporting suspected fraud as the best defenses against these schemes.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old widow in Santa Clara County, California lost $25,000 in a spoofing scam when a caller impersonating a Wells Fargo fraud department representative used her personal information to gain her trust and extract banking details. Over 90 minutes, the scammer obtained her account password and transaction information, then changed her contact number and authorized a fraudulent wire transfer while keeping her distracted on the phone. Scammers increasingly use spoofed caller IDs, personal data obtained from the dark web, and AI deepfakes to impersonate trusted institutions and individuals, making verification of legitimate contacts and independent confirmation essential protection strategies.
kfiz.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are targeting older adults through calls, texts, emails, and door-to-door visits, falsely offering free in-home services like cooking and cleaning while actually attempting to fraudulently enroll them in Medicare hospice care to bill for unnecessary services. Legitimate hospice care requires doctor certification that a patient has six months or less to live, and improper enrollment can negatively affect future Medicare coverage. Consumers should never share their Medicare number for "free" services, agree to hospice enrollment for gifts or money, or provide information to anyone claiming to be from Medicare at their door.
gvwire.com
· 2025-12-08
A 24-year-old Los Angeles man was arrested after defrauding a 79-year-old Tulare woman of $9,600 in a grandparent scam, where he impersonated a bail bondsman claiming her grandson had been arrested. Detectives followed a courier to a restaurant in Castaic where the suspect, Manuel Rivera Cueto, was apprehended attempting to flee with money from a second extortion attempt; he admitted to acting as a "mule" in approximately 10 similar schemes and revealed the operation's main orchestrators were based in the Dominican Republic.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
During natural disasters, scammers exploit vulnerable victims by impersonating utility companies, FEMA, and contractors to steal personal information or money through pressure tactics and upfront fees. Protection measures include verifying identities by contacting organizations directly, never paying upfront fees for disaster aid or repairs, researching contractors thoroughly, and getting multiple estimates before hiring. If identity theft occurs, victims should immediately report it to the FTC, credit bureaus, and financial institutions to prevent further damage.
pasadenanow.com
· 2025-12-08
California's Insurance Commissioner and Los Angeles County District Attorney announced a joint initiative to combat insurance fraud targeting wildfire survivors, combining consumer education with enhanced prosecution efforts. The Department of Insurance has deployed teams to educate residents about their rights, verify contractor licenses, and enforce regulations including a mandatory seven-day waiting period before public adjusters can solicit business in disaster zones. Since 2019, the Department has distributed over $550 million statewide for fraud investigations and prosecutions, with free insurance support workshops being offered to help survivors understand claims processes and avoid common scams.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
During the Los Angeles wildfires, scammers exploited disaster victims and donors through fake relief fundraisers impersonating celebrities like Kim Kardashian, fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns using stolen photos, fake charity websites, phishing emails posing as FEMA and the Red Cross, fake contractor services, and animal rescue scams. Security experts note that disaster scams proliferate because they combine vulnerability, urgency, and the public's desire to help, with perpetrators ranging from local individuals to organized crime syndicates. Potential victims should verify charities through official channels, avoid clicking unsolicited donation links, and be wary of upfront payment requests or overly urgent appeals
miamiherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors, particularly homeowners age 62 and older who control approximately $14 trillion in housing wealth, lose around $28.3 billion annually to financial exploitation from various perpetrators including family members (who commit two-thirds of verified cases), contractors, loan brokers, and caregivers. Common scams involve fraudulent reverse mortgages, home equity loans, and home improvement schemes, with notable cases including a loan broker exploiting a widow with dementia and a hairstylist depleting three women's assets. Family members and friends should discuss major financial decisions with elderly relatives, ask critical questions about who benefits from transactions, and watch for red flags like isolation from family, missing statements
apnews.com
· 2025-12-08
After natural disasters like wildfires and floods, scammers exploit vulnerable victims by impersonating government agencies (FEMA, utilities) and contractors to steal personal information or demand upfront payments for aid and repair services. People in heightened emotional states should verify callers directly with organizations, be skeptical of urgency tactics, and confirm contractor licenses and insurance before paying anything. The FTC advises that legitimate FEMA aid is always free, and recommends getting multiple estimates, reviewing online complaints, and monitoring credit reports for signs of identity theft or fraud.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
Following wildfires in Los Angeles, California issued emergency protections against price gouging through January 2026, limiting price increases to 10% on housing, materials, and services. State Attorney General Rob Bonta warned of multiple scams targeting displaced residents, including fake charities, contractor fraud demanding deposits, and impersonation schemes targeting elderly individuals, immigrants, and non-English speakers; violators of price gouging laws face up to $10,000 in fines and jail time.
citizensvoice.com
· 2025-12-08
During natural disasters like wildfires and floods, scammers impersonate FEMA officials, utility companies, and contractors to prey on vulnerable victims by requesting personal information, charging fraudulent fees for disaster aid, or demanding upfront cash payments for repairs. The FTC warns disaster victims to verify contact through official channels, avoid anyone creating urgency or requesting immediate payment, and conduct background checks on contractors before hiring. In 2023 alone, the FTC received reports of approximately 1 million identity theft cases, 2.6 million fraud cases, and 1.9 million other scam reports.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Patrick Wall, a 24-year-old Irish man, was arrested in Nassau County, Long Island, and released on bail after allegedly defrauding elderly homeowners of approximately $100,000 through a home repair scam spanning from September 2023 to his arrest. Wall would pose as a masonry worker, identify repair needs at elderly victims' homes, then deliberately cause additional damage and inflate repair costs to extract inflated payments and cheques. He faces charges of larceny, conspiracy, fraud, and criminal mischief, with police seeking additional victims to come forward.
psychologytoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Rural Americans face unique vulnerabilities to fraud due to geographic isolation, limited access to resources, and higher concentrations of older adults who report larger financial losses to scams. Rural residents are more reliant on online services for shopping, may turn to online dating platforms due to limited in-person social opportunities, and often encounter barriers to reporting scams including decreased government trust, lack of support services, and social stigma. Scammers exploit these vulnerabilities through various schemes including online shopping fraud, romance scams, and disaster relief impersonation, yet rural fraud trends remain largely undocumented because most consumer protection agencies do not differentiate data by population density.
cdispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman in New Hope became the victim of a romance scam after sending her entire life savings ($20,000) via FedEx to an online boyfriend who did not actually exist. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins highlighted this case while warning the public about multiple prevalent scams, including phone spoofing schemes impersonating the sheriff's office, utility companies, and government agencies, as well as employment, cryptocurrency, lottery, and tech support scams. Hawkins emphasized that scammers are sophisticated professionals and advised victims to hang up and call official numbers directly rather than staying on suspicious calls.
presstelegram.com
· 2025-12-08
Bank insiders, particularly lower-paid employees, are leaking sensitive customer account information to scammers, creating a significant vulnerability in financial institutions' security controls. This internal data breach has emerged as a critical risk factor enabling sophisticated scams that target Americans' life savings and poses substantial security gaps in the banking industry.
southernstar.ie
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide defines scams as illegal schemes designed to steal money or personal information, and describes current fraud methods including "quishing" (fake QR codes at parking meters), fraudulent text messages impersonating government energy credit schemes, and spoofed business emails requesting payment. The article provides protective measures such as avoiding QR code payments, using multi-factor authentication, verifying websites through cybersecurity tools, recognizing warning signs (unsolicited contacts, pressure to act quickly, grammatical errors), and safeguarding personal information by only sharing details in initiated communications and checking website security features.
sundayworld.com
· 2025-12-08
Patrick and Matthew McDonagh, two brothers from Co Fermanagh, were sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud against elderly homeowners across the United States. The brothers defrauded victims nationwide by falsely claiming homes needed urgent repairs (roof holes, foundation cracks, driveway work), extracting over $1 million total—including $435,000 from a single Shoreline homeowner through aggressive, daily demands for checks and wire transfers. They have agreed to pay restitution exceeding $1 million to victims in Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and other states.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
"Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams" is an educational resource released by financial expert Andy LaPointe that teaches seniors to recognize and prevent fraud across multiple platforms, including phishing emails, social media scams, cryptocurrency schemes, romance scams, and door-to-door deception. The guide provides step-by-step explanations, real-world examples, and actionable strategies for responding to scams, with particular emphasis on protecting seniors during high-risk periods like the holiday season when scammer activity increases.
glensidelocal.com
· 2025-12-08
Louigi Frank, 35, was arrested on December 12 for operating a driveway repair scam targeting elderly residents through his company Seal Coat Pro. Frank and his wife approached an 89-year-old Bedminster Township resident claiming they had extra sealcoat material, then charged her $7,000 for unnecessary driveway work. Police report this is a common scam targeting seniors using the "extra material" sales pitch, and are asking other potential victims to contact Officer Jim Browne at 215-795-2972 ext. 108.
news9.com
· 2025-12-08
Cleveland County Court Clerk's Office warned residents of a jury duty scam involving fraudsters using fake arrest warrants and demanding payment via phone, email, or in-person visits, with at least one reported case where scammers appeared at someone's door with a fake warrant demanding payment in gift cards. The court clarified that legitimate jury duty communications are only sent by U.S. mail and never request payment, and that no Cleveland County resident has been fined or jailed for missing jury duty under the current clerk. Residents are advised to call 911 if approached in person by suspected scammers and to alert vulnerable loved ones, especially during the holiday season.
wmur.com
· 2025-12-08
New Hampshire's Assistant Attorney General Alexandra Sosnowski warns consumers about holiday shopping scams, particularly those occurring online during the Christmas season. Key recommendations include verifying retailer URLs and checking reviews on trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau before purchasing, monitoring package deliveries to prevent porch theft, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited text messages claiming delivery issues, and purchasing gift cards directly from retailers to avoid tampered cards. The alert emphasizes taking extra time to verify sources and using tracking information directly from retailers rather than through suspicious links.
losaltosonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Door-to-door contractor Adam Waldrop, 23, was arrested and charged with eight felony counts and one misdemeanor for allegedly scamming at least two Los Altos elderly women out of a combined $4,750 for roofing and garage-door repairs he never performed in February and March 2024. Waldrop, who used at least 13 aliases including Billy Thomas Wilson, also faces additional warrants in Merced and Oregon, and police suspect he is connected to scams in other states.
westsidespirit.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal, state, and local authorities warn that scams targeting seniors are rising, particularly during the holiday season, with common schemes including charity fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, tech support scams, and government impersonation scams. Authorities advise seniors to avoid phishing emails, use secure networks for online purchases, verify websites and charities before donating, and be cautious of unsolicited offers. Victims can report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), their state attorney general, or local law enforcement.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
Andy LaPointe, a retired registered investment advisor, held a book signing event on November 27, 2024, for *Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams*, a resource designed to help seniors recognize and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. The book covers common scams targeting seniors—including phishing, cryptocurrency schemes, and door-to-door fraud—and provides practical guidance on internet safety, password creation, and recovery steps if victimized. Organizations can purchase bulk editions with customized branding to strengthen fraud prevention efforts in their communities.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old Oakland man, Zhongqiang Chen, was arrested on November 14 after scamming an elderly Stanislaus County woman out of $30,000 through a fake McAfee antivirus email that gave him remote access to her computer. Chen transferred $60,000 from her money market account, convinced her she owed him that amount, and collected an initial $30,000 payment before being arrested in an undercover operation when he arrived to collect the remaining $30,000. The case remains under investigation to determine if there are additional victims.
ucf.edu
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole over $1.6 billion from victims in the first five months of 2024—a 20% increase from 2023—though actual numbers are higher due to underreporting. Researcher Nichole Lighthall at UCF's Adult Development and Decision Lab found that while most older adults recognize scams as a problem, they feel disempowered to prevent them, and scams range from minor losses of $50 to financially catastrophic amounts. Lighthall's research aims to empower seniors with knowledge and solutions, noting that modern scammers use increasingly relentless tactics like impersonation texts, robo-calls, and social engineering because
vindy.com
· 2025-12-08
A fraud awareness forum in Youngstown hosted by Jewish Family and Community Services attracted 126 seniors to learn prevention strategies from Mahoning County Prosecutor Gina DeGenova. The program covered major scam tactics including phishing text links, romance and catfishing schemes, AI voice impersonation, home improvement fraud, and warned against sharing personal information on social media that could endanger children or be used to answer security questions.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
From 2018 to 2021, Charlotte-based repairmen David Angelo Quick and Tony Joshua Christo earned over $1.5 million providing home and car repair services to elderly customers but failed to report any of this income on their federal tax returns. The defendants also defrauded some elderly clients by overcharging them for repairs, and Quick operated without a contractor's license. Both pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns, facing up to three years in prison and $250,000 in fines each at sentencing.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams affect millions of Americans annually, with one in five adults losing money to online fraud, including romance scams, investment schemes, and identity theft. Beyond financial losses, scam victims often experience significant emotional trauma including feelings of betrayal, powerlessness, and reduced self-esteem, with effects extending to mental health, physical health, and personal relationships. Mental health organizations and fraud protection technologies are increasingly working to support victims and detect fraudulent activity, though scams continue to evolve with tools like AI-generated videos making deception more convincing.
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee launched the "Scam Free HC" initiative to combat a surge in holiday-season fraud, warning that thousands of Houston residents fall victim annually to scams including gift card schemes, spam calls, and contractor fraud. A notable case involved former police officer Julia Marino, who lost $16,200 in a deposit to A & L Sheds, a company accused of defrauding over 100 victims totaling $1.1 million; the company postponed her shed project 27 times without delivering services or refunds. The initiative provides educational resources and a reporting platform as Texas ranks as the 4th most scammed state in the country with $
gmtoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment scams remain the highest risk for adults over 55, followed by online purchase scams and romance scams, according to the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker Risk Report. The article provides consumer protection guidance including: avoiding unsolicited calls (especially from spoofed numbers), recognizing red flags like pressure to act quickly or requests for unusual payment methods, hiring only licensed contractors after thorough vetting, being alert to emergency scams targeting grandchildren, and avoiding Medicare fraud schemes involving "free" medical equipment.
wrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
An 82-year-old Florida woman lost over $40,000 in a lottery scam where a caller claiming to represent Mega Millions told her she had won $8 million and instructed her to send cash to an Indianapolis address to cover taxes. The scammer used fake check deposits and promises of prize money to convince the victim to wire multiple shipments of cash via UPS, though authorities have not recovered the funds or identified the actual perpetrator. This case exemplifies the rising tide of elder fraud, with the FBI reporting $3.4 billion in losses to people age 60 and older in 2023—an 11 percent increase from the previous year.
journalnow.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides educational guidance on avoiding romance scams, particularly around Valentine's Day when people are more vulnerable to online dating fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers lost $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2022, with scammers typically cultivating relationships for months before requesting money under false pretenses such as emergencies. Experts recommend moving online relationships slowly, being wary of requests to communicate off dating apps, and recognizing red flags such as requests for money or overly fast relationship progression.
ajc.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals increasingly use phishing emails, text messages, and spoofed delivery notifications to steal personal and financial information from victims of all ages during the holiday season and year-round. The Federal Trade Commission advises avoiding urgency-driven scams by verifying sender identities, researching suspicious messages, not clicking unexpected links, never paying for prizes, and hanging up on callers requesting sensitive information like Social Security numbers or banking details. Taking time to verify legitimacy rather than acting on panic is the most effective protection against financial fraud.
dailygalaxy.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents in the Gard department of France and surrounding areas received fraudulent magnets disguised as official "Useful Numbers" guides that actually contained contact information for unscrupulous home repair services. These scammers use high-pressure sales tactics and overpriced services targeting vulnerable individuals, including the elderly—one couple in their 80s was charged 1,463 euros for a simple circuit breaker replacement. To protect themselves, residents should discard suspicious magnets, verify service providers through trusted sources, and report suspicious activity to consumer protection agencies.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
BBC Scam Safe Week is a multi-platform educational initiative launching programs across television, radio, and online to help the public recognize and avoid scams, which have become increasingly prevalent during the cost-of-living crisis. Expert contributors highlight that "pig butchering" romance-to-investment scams are currently the most profitable fraud scheme, with victims losing tens of thousands of pounds or more, and emphasize that people of all ages—particularly 16-34 year-olds—are vulnerable targets. The campaign stresses that self-education is essential since authorities can only convict 0.1% of fraud cases, and that scamming has become a sophisticated criminal enterprise rather than isolated incidents.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Research from USC found that thinning of the entorhinal cortex in the brain—an early sign of Alzheimer's disease—is associated with increased vulnerability to financial scams in older adults, particularly those aged 70 and older. The study of 97 participants used brain imaging and a standardized financial vulnerability assessment tool, suggesting that evaluating financial decision-making could help identify early cognitive decline, though the researchers note the study was limited to educated white women and further research on diverse populations is needed before this can be used as a clinical diagnostic tool.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Fifteen homebuyers discovered significant undisclosed defects in their homes after purchase, including missing fixtures (toilets, wiring), hidden damage (water damage, mold, structural issues), poor workmanship (faulty electrical systems, plumbing from the 1950s), and pest infestations (bats). One buyer faced $24,000 in plumbing repairs, while others discovered problems ranging from missing hardwood flooring to ceiling collapses shortly after moving in. These cases highlight common issues resulting from inadequate home inspections or seller non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions.
buzzfeed.com
· 2025-12-08
This article compiles 15 anecdotal examples of homebuyers who discovered serious defects and fraudulent concealment by previous owners after purchase, including missing fixtures, false flooring, dangerous electrical work, hidden water damage, mold, structural failures, pest infestations, and deferred maintenance—with one case requiring $24,000 in plumbing repairs. The examples illustrate how inadequate home inspections or seller misrepresentation can result in significant financial and safety liabilities for unsuspecting buyers. While focused on real estate rather than elder-specific fraud, the cases underscore the importance of thorough pre-purchase inspections and disclosure verification for all homebuyers, particularly vulnerable populations
valleybreeze.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud complaints rose 14 percent nationally in 2023, resulting in $3.4 billion in losses, with Rhode Islanders over 60 losing $7.4 million to scams. U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, AARP Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island State Police held an Elder Fraud Prevention Summit to educate older adults on detecting and reporting fraud, emphasizing that tech support, romance, and investment scams are among the most common schemes targeting seniors. Experts stressed that victims should report incidents immediately and stay informed about evolving scams, noting that sophisticated criminals use artificial intelligence and psychological manipulation rather than targeting inherent vulnerabilities in older adults.