Fraud Type

General Elder Fraud

9,965 articles in this category. Showing most recent 200.

eu.36kr.com · 2026-10-03
Pig-Butchering Scams Leverage AI: Mass-Produced Fraudulent Schemes Transform ...
AI-powered pig-butchering scams are rapidly scaling through the use of artificial personas on dating apps, with a Chinese app studio deploying over 4,700 AI-driven profiles to interact with at least 25,000 users who purchase credits to communicate. These scams combine AI technology for relationship-building with real people for critical trust-building moments, and Chinese authorities have cracked over 300 AI fraud cases involving face-swapping and voice cloning that exceeded 500 million yuan in losses, with individual cases reaching up to 20 million yuan.
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cash
kesq.com · 2026-10-02
Assemblymember Wallis, Palm Springs mayor and police chief warn seniors about scams - KESQ
Seniors in Palm Springs are being targeted by scams at increasing rates, with Americans 60 and older reporting over $7.7 billion in fraud losses to the FBI in 2025, a 59% increase from the previous year. Local officials are hosting a free scam-prevention seminar featuring representatives from four state agencies to educate seniors about common scams, including impersonation schemes where scammers pose as police officers demanding payment. Anyone suspecting fraud can contact local police or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.
Robocalls / Phone Scams
cp24.com · 2026-10-02
Oshawa man charged for fraud after elderly woman lost over $400K - CP24
An Oshawa man, Christos Charalambous, has been charged with theft, fraud, and possession of stolen property after an elderly woman in Ajax lost more than $400,000 in an alleged fraud scheme discovered during a October 2023 welfare check. Police launched an investigation and arrested Charalambous on September 29, charging him with multiple counts over $5,000. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to contact them.
Financial Crime
patch.com · 2026-10-02
Flushing Fraud: NY Man Pleads Guilty In RI To Elder Fraud Plot, US Attorney Says - Patch
Xuehai Sun, a 38-year-old from Flushing, Queens, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a transnational scheme that targeted elderly victims in the U.S. and Canada through deceptive pop-up messages claiming their computers were hacked or accounts compromised. The scam instructed victims to call fake "live agents" who posed as technology company representatives, financial institution employees, or government officials (including the FTC and Federal Reserve) and convinced them to transfer funds via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash purchases of gold bars. Sun admitted to coordinating couriers to collect the cash and gold from victims and managing the logistics of converting and distributing the
Crypto Investment Scams Tech Support Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Cash
naplespress.com · 2026-10-02
Silverberg: Beware Medicare machinations | Local News | naplespress.com
Medicare scam calls have surged this summer, with scammers using AI-powered automated calls targeting seniors to steal Medicare and Social Security numbers for fraudulent claims and identity theft. The scams employ various tactics including offering free services, threatening to cancel coverage, or claiming refunds are due, with Medicare losing an estimated $60 billion annually to fraud and abuse. Legitimate Medicare will never initiate calls or request personal information—all real communications come by mail—and seniors should never provide Medicare or Social Security numbers to unsolicited callers.
Government Impersonation Medicare Fraud Benefits Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
wgal.com · 2026-10-02
Pennsylvania Senate passes bill to protect seniors from scams - WGAL
Pennsylvania's Senate passed legislation nearly unanimously to combat elder fraud by requiring banks to report suspected fraudulent transactions targeting seniors and allowing them to hold or prevent such transactions. The bill, prompted by cases like that of Carol Axler who was targeted in a $10,000 scam, would also authorize banks to contact a senior's authorized representative about potential fraud, addressing Pennsylvania's ranking as ninth in the nation for elder financial fraud. The legislation now awaits a House vote, which could occur within the remaining three legislative sessions scheduled for this calendar year.
Caregiver Exploitation Scam Awareness Financial Crime
aol.com · 2026-10-02
7 Best Identity Theft Protection Services of October 2026 - AOL.com
This article is a product review comparing identity theft protection services rather than reporting on actual fraud incidents. It does not contain information about specific scams, victims, or dollar amounts lost to fraud—instead, it lists seven identity theft protection services with their features, coverage limits, and pricing tiers designed to help consumers prevent identity theft and fraud.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Medicare Fraud Benefits Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Check/Cashier's Check
nationalseniors.com.au · 2026-10-02
Scammers don't give up, so you must be vigilant - National Seniors Australia
In the first half of 2024, Australians reported 91,767 scams resulting in $156.6 million in losses, with scammers increasingly using fake advertisements featuring the likenesses of wealthy Australians and celebrities like Andrew Forrest, Gina Rinehart, and Jacqui Lambie to promote bogus investment schemes, primarily on Facebook. Billionaire Andrew Forrest has spent over $60 million suing Meta for failing to prevent thousands of deceptive ads using his name and image since 2019, though Meta denies responsibility. The scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using fake news stories and deepfake-style content to create false endors
Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
thisweekinworcester.com · 2026-10-02
Mass. man's $400K loss shows how AI powers romance scams - This Week in Worcester
A Massachusetts man lost $400,000 in a romance scam involving AI-generated communications and deepfakes, believing he was investing money through a woman he met on Facebook who may have been powered by ChatGPT. Romance scams nationwide cost victims $929 million in 2025, up 38% from 2024, with seniors accounting for $584 million of losses; the FBI reports that scammers operating from compounds in Myanmar use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to automate fake profiles and target thousands of victims simultaneously. The FBI warns the public to keep social media accounts private, verify video calls for AI artifacts like distorted hands, and move slowly in online relationships to avoid falling
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Government Impersonation Sextortion Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
aol.com · 2026-10-02
Romance Scam Losses Are Rising. Here's What Families Should Know. - AOL.com
Americans lost $929 million to romance and relationship scams in 2025, a 38% increase from 2024, with adults 60 and older accounting for 63% of reported losses and averaging $57,000 per victim compared to $40,000 for younger age groups. Scammers increasingly use AI-generated messages and photos to build emotional connections over weeks or months before pivoting to investment schemes involving cryptocurrency or trading apps, making detection difficult because victims initiate the transfers themselves. Family members and friends should watch for signs like never meeting in person, secretiveness about the relationship, mentions of new investments, and unusual financial activity, and should approach suspected victims with curiosity rather than judgment while reporting confirmed
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards
3news.com · 2026-10-02
Cybercrime investigator Dunstan Guba highlights the growing trend of romance scams in Ghana
Cybercrime investigator Dunstan Guba is raising awareness about the growing romance scam epidemic in Ghana, where fraudsters build emotional relationships through social media before requesting money under false pretenses. Ghana reported GH¢23.3 million in cybercrime losses in 2024 and GH¢14.9 million in just the first half of 2025, with a 2025 pan-African operation revealing approximately US$450,000 in romance scam losses and US$8 million defrauded from elderly victims by a network using artificial intelligence to create false identities. Romance fraud is particularly dangerous because criminals exploit trust rather than just targeting devices, using tactics like fake
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Sextortion Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Bank Transfer Check/Cashier's Check
sports.khan.co.kr · 2026-10-02
'Chujeok 60 Minutes' Loneliness Targets You··· Elderly Romance Scam - 스포츠경향
Romance scams targeting elderly individuals in South Korea are increasingly sophisticated, with international crime syndicates posing as romantic interests on social media to extract money from lonely seniors. Cases documented include a woman in her seventies who was nearly convinced to send $18,750 to a supposed boyfriend in Ukraine for shipping fees, and a man who remitted approximately $30,000 over five years to a woman claiming to be in a Nigerian refugee camp. Experts note that approximately 70.8% of people over 60 experience loneliness, making them vulnerable to scammers who exploit emotional vulnerability through fabricated romantic relationships.
Romance Scams Tech Support Scams Phishing Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
yoursouthshore.ca · 2026-10-02
Free seniors' safety sessions continue at Bridgewater Fire Hall - Your South Shore
Lunenburg County is offering free safety sessions for seniors at Bridgewater Fire Hall, with the opening session covering common scams targeting older adults including grandparent scams, romance scams, fake bank investigator calls, and advance-fee lottery schemes. Police and safety coordinators advised participants to avoid sharing personal or banking information over the phone, be cautious with unfamiliar links, and verify identities before transferring money. Additional sessions on safe investing, legal information, and other safety topics are scheduled throughout October.
Romance Scams Lottery/Prize Scams Bank Impersonation Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams
patch.com · 2026-10-02
Growing Threat Of AI-Powered Scams Highlighted By LA-Based Groups | Los Angeles, CA Patch
AI-powered scams are increasingly threatening Americans' financial security, with a new coalition of 30+ consumer and technology groups calling for tech companies to implement stronger fraud prevention measures rather than profiting from scam advertisements. Scam survivor Kate Kleinert, who lost $39,000 in a Facebook romance scam, highlighted how artificial intelligence voice cloning and deepfakes make scams more convincing; the FBI reports losses among Americans 60 and older rose 59% in 2025 with an average loss of $38,500 per complaint. Americans collectively lost an estimated $148.2 billion to online scams in 2025, prompting calls for Congress to make fraud prevention a legal obligation
Romance Scams Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
foxnews.com · 2026-10-02
How a hidden scam plaguing college campuses has racked up a multimillion-dollar price tag
"Ghost students" using stolen or fabricated identities—sometimes created with AI—have been exploiting federal student aid programs by enrolling in colleges and collecting grants and loans intended for legitimate students, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The Education Department reported saving nearly $200 million after implementing identity verification requirements in June, with estimates of over $1 billion in savings this cycle, while the Trump administration has suspended over 870,000 borrowers allegedly involved in COVID-era fraud. Fraud investigators warn students and parents to watch for red flags such as multiple applications with common information, as scammers target student aid programs because of historically weak controls.
Phishing Identity Theft Medicare Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
abc12.com · 2026-10-02
Genesee County EDGE Conference focuses on protecting older adults | Local | abc12.com
The fifth annual EDGE Conference in Genesee County, Michigan brought together law enforcement, social services, financial institutions, and elder law professionals to address elder abuse prevention, including scams, financial exploitation, human trafficking, and property deed fraud. The event, hosted by the Genesee County Elder Abuse Alliance and Sheriff's Office, emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in identifying abuse and connecting vulnerable older adults with resources. Residents can report suspected elder abuse to the Sheriff's Office 24-hour hotline at 810-257-3422.
Deed Theft
ullaw.ca · 2026-10-02
Oshawa Man Charged in $400K Elder Fraud Scheme: What Ontario Residents Need to Know
An Oshawa man has been charged in connection with an alleged fraud scheme that defrauded an elderly Ajax woman of over $400,000, with charges including theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime. Durham Regional Police launched the investigation following a wellness check in October 2023 and are concerned there may be additional victims in the Greater Toronto Area. The accused faces serious criminal charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, and victims may also pursue civil litigation for asset recovery.
Investment Fraud Caregiver Exploitation Financial Crime Check/Cashier's Check
hoodline.com · 2026-10-02
Kaneohe Gold Scam: Indian Courier Pleads Guilty - Hoodline
A 25-year-old Indian national pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after collecting $137,458 in gold bars from an 80-year-old Kaneohe woman who was tricked by fake Apple and U.S. Marshal scam calls into liquidating her IRA. The victim was caught in a controlled sting operation by federal agents who used prop gold to arrest the courier, who earned $25,000-$30,000 per ten pickups for an international fraud ring orchestrated from Gujarat, India. The case is part of a broader pattern targeting elderly victims, with similar schemes operating across multiple states through WhatsApp-coordinated courier networks.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Identity Theft Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Cash Bank Transfer
thebaynet.com · 2026-10-01
Maryland Gold Scams: Warning Signs And How To Stay Safe - The BayNet
Gold scams targeting Marylanders typically involve fake dealers or government impersonators who deceive victims into purchasing precious metals, often by falsely claiming security concerns or promising profits. In October 2025, the Maryland Attorney General and CFTC won a $25.6 million restitution judgment against Safeguard Metals LLC, which defrauded at least 450 people of approximately $68 million in retirement savings, with six Maryland victims losing about $350,000. Montgomery County has been particularly affected, with victims losing over $5 million to gold bar scams in a single year, often after receiving calls falsely claiming bank account or identity theft.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Cash
alamedapost.com · 2026-10-01
Mayor Ashcraft: Emergency Preparedness, Avoiding Scams, and Voting - Alameda Post
Alameda officials warn residents about common scams including government impersonation, unsolicited payment requests, and phishing attempts, advising people to verify requests independently and never grant remote device access or respond to suspicious links. The article emphasizes that legitimate government agencies will not contact residents unexpectedly demanding payment by phone, email, or text, and encourages victims to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 or local police. An Emergency Preparedness Day is being held in Alameda County on October 17 to help residents prepare for emergencies.
Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Gift Cards
mofo.com · 2026-10-01
Key Takeaways from the National Association of Attorneys General Eastern Region Meeting ...
This article summarizes a National Association of Attorneys General Eastern Region Meeting held in Philadelphia on September 29-30, 2026, where state and federal officials discussed bipartisan collaboration on key issues including elder abuse, organized retail crime, human trafficking, and other public safety matters. A notable discussion on elder exploitation emphasized the importance of data analysis to identify trends in abuse cases, while a panel on organized retail crime highlighted how Pennsylvania's recent legislation enabled recovery of over $5 million in losses and addressed emerging threats like cargo theft and gift card fraud. The conference's overall theme focused on strengthening public institutions through interstate cooperation and coordination between state attorneys general and federal law enforcement agencies.
Gift Cards
newportdispatch.com · 2026-10-01
Man arrested in elder fraud scheme in Irvington - Newport Dispatch
A 32-year-old Bronx man was arrested after defrauding an elderly Irvington resident through an impersonation scheme in which a caller falsely claimed to be FBI and convinced the victim their bank account was compromised. The victim withdrew approximately $20,000 in cash over several days before police conducted surveillance and arrested Hoascalin Marmolejos at a scheduled cash pickup on September 29. Marmolejos was charged with attempted grand larceny in the third degree, with additional charges pending.
Financial Crime Cash
patch.com · 2026-10-01
12-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old Arrested In Burglary Case |Patch PM | New Rochelle, NY Patch
A suspect was arrested in Tarrytown for elder fraud involving an Apple impersonation scam after attempting to pick up a second cash payment at Walgreens. The case represents a second fraudulent transaction linked to the same scam targeting elderly victims.
Cash
theapopkavoice.com · 2026-10-01
Last year, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710M to cybercrime - The Apopka Voice
Floridians age 60 and older reported over 17,000 cybercrime complaints with nearly $710 million in losses in 2025, with scammers using tactics like fake technical-support warnings, account lockouts, and cryptocurrency schemes to steal funds. One woman in her early 70s lost approximately $100,000 after being manipulated through a series of coordinated scams involving a fake bank transfer, computer security warning, and pressure to move money to cryptocurrency. Nationally, people 60 and older account for over 37% of all reported fraud losses ($7.75 billion) despite representing only 20% of complaints, with an average loss of $38,500 per
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
cleveland19.com · 2026-10-01
Aura Expert Shares Insights on Senior Scams and Family Digital Safety - Cleveland 19 News
I don't have access to the article content itself—only the title and what appears to be navigation menu items from Cleveland 19 News. To provide an accurate summary focusing on specific scams, affected individuals, dollar amounts, and fraud types, I would need the full article text. Could you please share the article content?
digitaltoday.co.kr · 2026-10-01
Senior scams exploit combined personal data, target family group chats
Approximately 72% of internet crimes targeting people aged 60 and older in 2024 involved personal data exploitation, resulting in estimated losses of $4.2 billion, according to an Incogni analysis. Scammers use exposed personal information combined with techniques like SIM swaps and AI voice cloning to impersonate family members through compromised accounts and family group chats. The FBI recommends verifying urgent requests through separate communication channels and using authentication apps instead of SMS-based two-factor authentication to prevent these scams.
Government Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Grandparent Scams
spectrumnews1.com · 2026-10-01
Wisconsin advocates warn AI scams are targeting seniors - Spectrum News
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence technology to impersonate trusted people through deepfake photos, videos, and voice cloning to pressure seniors into sending money via texts, emails, and phone calls. Wisconsin loses approximately $1.4 billion annually to online scams, prompting the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans to launch an awareness campaign called "United to Stop Online Scams" and advocating for government regulation of AI tools and cooling-off periods for financial transactions.
Crypto Investment Scams Tech Support Scams Phishing Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM
kqed.org · 2026-10-01
Aditi Ranjan: Avoiding the Scams - KQED
Aditi Ranjan discusses the growing complexity of cybercrimes, including scam calls, phishing emails, and suspicious links that have become increasingly difficult to recognize as technology advances. She argues that cybersecurity requires not just better technology but education and awareness, enabling people to identify threats and make informed decisions without needing to become experts. Ranjan emphasizes that protecting communities online means teaching them to recognize scams before they fall victim.
Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
attorneygeneral.gov · 2026-10-01
AG Sunday Reacts to Pa. Senate, House Actions, Highlighting Efforts to Protect Pennsylvanians
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday praised recent legislative actions on three bills aimed at protecting residents from fraud and technology threats: SB 738 strengthens protections against financial exploitation of seniors, SB 1368 prohibits nudification applications that exploit children, and HB 1925 establishes safeguards for artificial intelligence use in healthcare and insurance. The bills passed with strong bipartisan support, reflecting the state's commitment to combating scams targeting vulnerable populations and addressing emerging technological threats.
sd25.senate.ca.gov · 2026-10-01
Upcoming Events and Bill Signings | Senator Sasha Renée Pérez
This article does not contain information about a scam or fraud incident. It is a newsletter from Senator Sasha Renée Pérez announcing upcoming community events, including a senior scam prevention workshop, and providing legislative updates on Medi-Cal eligibility changes and disaster housing assistance programs.
Scam Awareness
mynewsla.com · 2026-10-01
LA-Based Groups Highlight Growing Threat of AI-Powered Scams - MyNewsLA.com
AI-powered scams are increasingly targeting Americans, with criminals using voice cloning and deepfakes to make fraudulent schemes more convincing, prompting a coalition of over 30 consumer and advocacy groups to call for technology companies to take greater responsibility for fraud prevention. A scam survivor named Kate Kleinert, who lost $39,000 in a Facebook romance scam, is helping raise awareness through public service announcements, while the FBI reports that losses among Americans aged 60 and older rose 59% in 2025, averaging $38,500 per complaint. Americans lost an estimated $148.2 billion to online scams and crimes in 2025, according to the Consumer Federation of America.
Romance Scams Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
thecooldown.com · 2026-09-30
Daughter spots romance scam after mom asks for Apple gift card codes for 'UK pilot'
A woman in her late 60s fell victim to a romance scam involving a supposed UK pilot who initially requested $700 and later demanded Apple gift card codes, with the scammer using emotional manipulation and insisting on secrecy to prevent the family from discovering the fraud. The daughter recognized the classic romance scam tactics—requests for money via gift cards, emotional attachment, and demands for confidentiality—and sought advice online, where commenters warned that the financial damage could extend far beyond initial payments and affect family finances.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Cryptocurrency Gift Cards
keystonenewsroom.com · 2026-09-30
“They get in your head, they get in your heart": The high cost of online scams in Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania widow was defrauded by an online romance scammer posing as a doctor named "Tony" who built an emotional connection over several months through daily WhatsApp calls and messages, eventually requesting money by fabricating emergencies involving his supposed children. The scammer exploited the victim's loneliness during COVID-19 lockdown and her lifelong desire to be called "Mom," demonstrating how AI and social engineering tactics are making online scams increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. The article highlights how billions of dollars are lost annually to such scams, which often originate through social media platforms and use convincing false narratives to manipulate victims emotionally before requesting funds.
Tech Support Scams Online Shopping Scams Scam Awareness Gift Cards
coingeek.com · 2026-09-30
How to crack down on crypto fraud: An interview with Token Recovery - CoinGeek
Token Recovery, a blockchain forensics company, analyzed cryptocurrency donations to British political figure Tommy Robinson for a Channel 4 investigation, tracing 0.92 Bitcoin from a donation wallet to a gambling address. The investigation highlighted that while cryptocurrency transactions are traceable through blockchain analysis combined with open-source intelligence (OSINT), attribution requires careful verification since wallet addresses don't automatically identify individuals. The case demonstrates how digital currency fraud investigation has become more sophisticated, with professionals using advanced tools to follow transaction trails despite the perception that crypto is anonymous.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Phishing Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Payment App
yahoo.com · 2026-09-30
Daughter spots romance scam after mom asks for Apple gift card codes for 'UK pilot' - Yahoo
A woman in her late 60s fell victim to a romance scam involving a fake UK pilot who initially requested $700 and later demanded Apple gift card codes, classic indicators of financial exploitation. Her daughter discovered the scam after noticing her mother's secretive behavior, emotional attachment to an unmet online contact, and requests for untraceable payments. The case highlights how romance scammers use psychological manipulation and secrecy to drain victims' finances while isolating them from protective family members.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Cryptocurrency Gift Cards
scientificamerican.com · 2026-09-30
Why AI-powered romance scams are harder than ever to spot | Scientific American
Six men were extradited from South Africa for their involvement in a romance scam ring that defrauded over 100 U.S. women of more than $6 million by crafting elaborate fake romantic relationships. Researchers warn that artificial intelligence is making these scams increasingly difficult to detect and easier for criminals to scale up their operations. The scams exploit the normalcy of online dating to build trust with victims before extracting money through various schemes.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Sextortion Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
forsythnews.com · 2026-09-30
Forsyth County woman indicted in Ambien prescription fraud, elder financial exploitation case
Crystal Reyes-Jimenez, 42, was indicted on 11 counts in Forsyth County for alleged Ambien prescription fraud and financial exploitation of an elder. She is currently incarcerated at the Dawson County Detention Center. The indictment came from a Forsyth County grand jury in September.
Financial Crime
9to5mac.com · 2026-09-30
Elder fraud is rising – here's how to protect your family - 9to5Mac
Elder fraud targeting seniors with lower tech literacy rose dramatically in 2024, with 72% of cases involving exposed personal data and resulting in $4.2 billion in losses. Scammers exploit family chat groups and use SIM swap attacks to intercept two-factor authentication codes, enabling them to impersonate family members and convince victims to send money. Protection strategies include minimizing personal data online, enabling authenticator app-based two-factor authentication, verifying identities through multiple communication channels, and establishing family passwords for emergency verification.
Investment Fraud Phishing Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams
cbsnews.com · 2026-09-30
"Scambassador Initiative" will help combat rise in elder fraud, officials say - CBS News
Staten Island officials launched the "Scambassador Initiative" to combat rising elder fraud by recruiting volunteers to educate seniors about common scams including impersonation schemes, fake bank account compromise alerts, jewelry theft, and Medicare fraud. Criminals are increasingly targeting older adults through online schemes posing as friends or family requesting money transfers, with victims like Leo Falk losing funds they cannot recover. Authorities warn seniors to be suspicious of requests for gift card payments and to avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to be insurance or bank representatives.
Bank Impersonation Gift Cards Cash Bank Transfer
wgxa.tv · 2026-09-30
Two arrested after suspects pose as officials and exploit, scam elder of $70,000 - WGXA
Two individuals, James Card and Tykeria Washington, were arrested after impersonating federal, court, and law enforcement officials to scam an elderly Perry, Georgia resident out of approximately $70,000. The suspects threatened the victim with arrest and coerced her to withdraw cash, purchase cryptocurrency, and transfer funds to other individuals before police located and intervened. Card was charged with theft by extortion, elderly exploitation, and impersonation of an officer, while Washington was charged with elderly exploitation, with the investigation ongoing to identify additional participants.
Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Cash
pasenategop.com · 2026-09-30
Gebhard Bill to Protect Senior Citizens from Scams Passes Senate
Pennsylvania passed Senate Bill 738 to strengthen protections for seniors against financial exploitation, requiring financial institutions to report suspected elder fraud within specific timeframes and empowering them to hold suspicious transactions. The legislation was prompted by data showing Pennsylvania ranked ninth nationally in elder fraud losses, with over 7,000 seniors defrauded of more than $200 million in 2025, representing a 43% increase from the previous year. The bill aims to give financial institution employees tools to prevent scams before seniors lose money and includes provisions for state tracking of fraud reports and investigation outcomes.
Scam Awareness
wbbjtv.com · 2026-09-30
DA hosts elder abuse, scam awareness conference at Discovery Park - WBBJ
District Attorney General Colin Johnson hosted the fifth annual Elder Justice Conference at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, offering free training for professionals on day one and seniors on day two to educate them about online scams, financial exploitation, and abuse. The conference aims to help seniors and vulnerable adults recognize and avoid scams that cost Americans billions of dollars annually through awareness and intervention strategies.
saltwire.com · 2026-09-30
Nova Scotia woman scammed for $10000: Online shopping ends with deposits in Bitcoin terminal
An 80-year-old Nova Scotia woman lost $10,000 to a sophisticated phone scam that began with a false claim her bank card was compromised and involved drugs and money laundering charges. The scammers impersonated CSIS and police, keeping her on the phone while directing her to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin machines at local stores in two separate transactions. Despite warnings from a store clerk and visits from actual police officers, she only realized the fraud when a scammer impersonated a local officer with a spoofed number and she confirmed with real police that the name and rank were fake.
Crypto Investment Scams Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM
abajournal.com · 2026-09-29
Attorney sentenced in Medicaid fraud scheme involving Rolls-Royce collection
Attorney Timothy Mark Anderson, 67, of Iowa, pleaded guilty to Medicaid fraud and was sentenced to six months in federal prison for orchestrating a scheme where he sold luxury vehicles, including a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, to elderly clients at inflated prices to help them qualify for Medicaid benefits. The scheme involved the vehicles being "gifted" to heirs and resold back to Anderson at lower prices, resulting in $184,274.36 in restitution ordered to Iowa Medicaid and a $25,000 fine. In one documented case, an elderly couple purchased the Rolls-Royce for $186,000 as part of the fraud
Medicare Fraud Financial Crime
yahoo.com · 2026-09-29
Last year, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710M to cybercrime – here's what to do if you or a ...
In 2025, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710 million to cybercrime, with the state ranking second nationally for elder fraud losses among that age group. A cybersecurity educator describes how her neighbor, a woman in her early 70s, lost approximately $100,000 in three days through a coordinated scam involving fake bank support calls, fake computer warnings, and pressure to move funds into cryptocurrency. Nationally, people age 60 and older account for over 37% of all cybercrime financial losses totaling $7.75 billion, with an average loss of $38,500 per victim.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
aol.com · 2026-09-29
The Unpaid Bill That Turns an Adult Child Into the Family CFO Overnight, and the 6 Steps That Follow
Adult children are increasingly becoming family financial managers after discovering unpaid bills, suspicious wire transfers, or signs that elderly parents have fallen victim to scams. The article outlines six steps to protect aging parents' finances, including securing financial power of attorney before any funds are moved, auditing all financial documents and passwords, and setting up bank alerts for suspicious activity. Key recommendations include establishing view-only account access to monitor for fraud, building a professional advisory team, and updating estate plans while the parent can still make independent decisions.
Friendship Scams Bank Impersonation Utility Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Wire Transfer
theconversation.com · 2026-09-29
Last year, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710M to cybercrime - The Conversation
In 2025, Floridians over 60 lost nearly $710 million to cybercrime across more than 17,000 reported complaints, making Florida second in the nation for elder fraud losses. The article highlights a case where a woman in her early 70s lost approximately $100,000 after scammers gained access to her bank account and convinced her to move funds to cryptocurrency, exploiting her isolation and fear during a three-day scheme involving fake technical support and computer warnings. Nationally, adults 60 and older account for over 37% of all cybercrime losses totaling $7.75 billion, with an average loss of $38,500 per complainant, driven
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
247wallst.com · 2026-09-29
The Unpaid Bill That Turns an Adult Child Into the Family CFO Overnight, and the 6 Steps That Follow
An adult child unexpectedly discovers a parent's unpaid bill or suspicious financial activity, triggering the need to assume control of their aging parent's finances without clear legal authority. The article outlines six steps to manage this transition, including establishing communication, obtaining power of attorney, setting up bank alerts for wire transfers and large withdrawals, and monitoring statements monthly to detect potential elder fraud before scammers drain accounts. The key challenge is balancing protective oversight with the parent's autonomy and dignity while preventing common mistakes like simply paying bills without addressing underlying capacity issues.
Friendship Scams Bank Impersonation Utility Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Wire Transfer
newsantaana.com · 2026-09-29
OC senior scammed out of $8,600; suspect arrested - New Santa Ana
An elderly Connecticut man lost $8,600 in a mail-based fraud scheme targeting seniors, but Fountain Valley Police recovered his funds along with an additional $46,000 from other victims when they arrested a suspect at a local address. The incident is part of a broader surge in elder fraud across Orange County, where reports have risen over 30% in three years, with scammers using mail schemes, spoofed calls, and local "money mules" to target older adults. Federal estimates show elder fraud causes over $3.1 billion in annual losses nationally, though experts believe the actual figure reaches $8-10 billion when accounting for unreported cases.
Investment Fraud Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
prnewswire.com · 2026-09-29
Los Angeles Elder Law Attorney Susan B. Geffen Launches Video Series to Help Families ...
Los Angeles elder law attorney Susan B. Geffen has launched an educational video series across social media platforms to help older adults and their families recognize warning signs of financial exploitation, scams, and isolation before harm occurs. The series emphasizes the connection between social isolation and financial vulnerability, noting that seniors separated from trusted family and friends are more susceptible to manipulation and loss of significant amounts of money. Geffen draws on nearly four decades of experience in elder law to educate families about potential red flags such as sudden financial secrecy, unexplained withdrawals, unusual new relationships requesting money, and restricted access to family members.
Caregiver Exploitation Scam Awareness
dailyhodl.com · 2026-09-29
Wells Fargo Customers Lose Nearly $6000 In ATM Withdrawal Scam: Report
Two men, Sergio Romero and Franklin Florez, are accused of stealing nearly $6,000 from Wells Fargo customers across Southern California through an ATM card-switching scam, where they observed customers entering PINs, distracted them, swapped their debit cards, and withdrew cash. The pair are linked to approximately 5 confirmed victims in Lemon Grove with losses ranging from $100 to $2,700, and an estimated 30 additional similar cases across San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties totaling approximately $120,000 in losses, with at least two elderly victims affected. Both men have pleaded not guilty to charges including robbery, identity theft, and
Crypto Investment Scams Identity Theft Cryptocurrency
eastbaytimes.com · 2026-09-29
Alameda mayor: Get ready for crises on Emergency Preparedness Day - East Bay Times
This article is not about an elder fraud incident. It is an opinion piece by the Alameda mayor announcing an Emergency Preparedness Day event on October 17 and providing general fraud prevention tips from local police, including warnings about government impersonation scams, unsolicited payment requests, and remote access schemes. The article also mentions the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) as a resource for victims aged 60 and older.
Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Gift Cards
theguardian.com · 2026-09-29
Festivalgoers, gamers and shoppers: the rise in online scammers targeting your hobbies
Young adults aged 18-34 are nearly three times more likely to be targeted by online scammers than those over 65, with social media being the primary source of scams targeting hobbies like gaming, shopping, and concert ticket purchases. Victims reported falling for increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics including fake ticket sellers, counterfeit shopping websites, and gaming scams, with reported losses ranging from £80 to £150. The payments industry is working to combat these schemes through advanced fraud detection technology and encouraging consumers to use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection.
Tech Support Scams Phishing Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
cpapracticeadvisor.com · 2026-09-29
A North Carolina Woman Lost $600,000 to a Scam. Then an Unexpected IRS Bill Arrived
Lori Flowers lost $600,000 to a pig-butchering scam where a man claiming to be from Belgium built trust with her over months before convincing her to withdraw money from her retirement account. Because the IRS treated the retirement withdrawal as taxable income, Flowers owed approximately $225,000 in taxes and penalties on money she no longer had, leading her to file for bankruptcy. A bipartisan Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act recently passed the House that would restore theft-loss deductions for scam victims, addressing a gap created by 2017 tax law changes.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime
ksl.com · 2026-09-29
Artificial intelligence dating scams move beyond fake profiles to entire fake apps | KSL.com
Scammers operating from China have created thousands of fake AI-powered dating profiles across over 20 fraudulent dating apps, with one operation generating 2.36 million messages to at least 25,000 people in just two weeks. Romance scams have surged 38% in losses to nearly $1 billion annually, with Americans over 60 losing more than half a billion dollars, as criminals use AI to create convincing fake personas and replicate voices for targeted deception. The FBI urges victims to report losses and recommends public awareness and conversations with vulnerable individuals as key defenses against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
Romance Scams Scam Awareness
fortune.com · 2026-09-29
Georgia Attorney General: scams demand a new consumer protection strategy - Fortune
In 2025, U.S. consumers reported losing nearly $16 billion to fraud and scams—a 25% increase from the previous year—with imposter scams alone accounting for $3.5 billion in losses as criminals increasingly pose as trusted entities through social media, text messages, and phishing emails to manipulate victims into willingly sending money. Georgia's Attorney General argues that addressing scams requires a fundamentally different strategy than traditional fraud, demanding coordinated efforts across government agencies, technology companies, financial institutions, and law enforcement to intervene at multiple stages before victims lose money, rather than focusing only on the final transaction stage.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
idahonews.com · 2026-09-29
Cryptocurrency ATM scams surge in Treasure Valley as callers pose as police - KBOI
Scammers in Idaho's Treasure Valley are impersonating police and threatening victims with arrest warrants, instructing them to deposit cash into cryptocurrency ATMs to avoid prosecution. Between January 2025 and September 2026, victims across the region lost over $2.1 million, with approximately half of identified victims over age 60. Local governments are responding by considering bans on cryptocurrency ATMs within city limits to combat the fraud and prevent further losses.
Crypto Investment Scams Law Enforcement Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Cash Bank Transfer
foxnews.com · 2026-09-29
Inside Operation Blackout: Patel reveals global scam 'cities' targeting your parents' life savings
Operation Blackout, an FBI global initiative, has seized approximately $17 billion tied to scam compounds operating primarily in Southeast Asia and the Middle East that target American seniors through cryptocurrency investment schemes, romance scams, and forced labor operations. The campaign combines overseas raids, asset seizures, and communications disruption efforts, while a domestic prevention component called Operation Level Up has contacted over 10,000 potential victims and prevented an estimated $660 million in losses. Criminal syndicates operate sprawling compounds where trafficked workers are forced to perpetrate fraud schemes against thousands of Americans, with victims often losing their life savings after being lured into fake investment platforms.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
nbcbayarea.com · 2026-09-29
AI scams increasingly target older adults - NBC Bay Area
FBI data reveals that people over 60 lost more than $7.7 billion to scams in the past year, with artificial intelligence increasingly being used to target older adults. Experts are urging families to discuss warning signs with elderly relatives to help prevent fraud victimization.
amac.us · 2026-09-29
Cracking Down on Real Estate Rental Scams - AMAC
Scammers are creating fraudulent rental listings by copying photos and details from vacant homes for sale, then using fake lockbox codes to allow prospective renters to tour properties before pressuring them to wire deposits for properties they have no legal right to lease. The Albuquerque Police Department recently warned about this scheme, which is becoming increasingly common on social media platforms like Facebook and Craigslist. Experts recommend protecting yourself by conducting real estate business through established firms and reputable websites, verifying all documentation in person, and reporting suspicious activity immediately to authorities and relevant platforms.
Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
investx.fr · 2026-09-29
Wells Fargo ATM Scam: $6,000 Stolen in California - InvestX
Two men in Southern California used a card-swapping scheme at ATMs, memorizing victims' PINs and replacing their cards with duplicates during withdrawals, resulting in approximately $120,000 in losses across multiple counties with at least 30 documented incidents. Sergio Romero and Franklin Florez targeted at least five victims in Lemon Grove alone, with individual losses ranging from $100 to over $2,700, and two elderly victims led to elder fraud charges against Romero. Both men were identified through surveillance cameras and license plate readers; Romero faces charges including elder fraud, robbery, and identity theft, while Florez faces robbery, identity theft, and conspiracy charges.
Crypto Investment Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
ksl.com · 2026-09-29
Heber City police warn of rise of romance scams | KSL.com
Heber City police are warning residents, particularly older adults, of increasing romance and gift card scams where perpetrators build online relationships before requesting money or gift card codes. Scammers use various tactics including promises of repayment or claims of emergencies to convince victims to purchase and share gift card information. Police advise against sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited online contacts.
Romance Scams Gift Cards
wdio.com · 2026-09-29
Fraud specialist educates on how to avoid modern scams - WDIO.com
A fraud specialist at Park State Bank spoke at Duluth's Senior Go Show about three prevalent scams affecting the community: check fraud targeting rural customers through mail theft, romance scams that exploit the elderly by building trust before requesting money, and tech support scams using fake pop-ups to compromise bank information. In 2025, the Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 201,000 complaints totaling nearly $8 billion in losses, with the specialist emphasizing that scammers exploit urgency and AI sophistication to deceive people of all ages and intelligence levels. He advised victims and potential targets to pause before acting, verify requests by calling their bank or trusted contacts, and remember that legitimate financial matters rarely require immediate action
Romance Scams Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Check/Cashier's Check
yonkerstimes.com · 2026-09-28
Tarrytown & Greenburgh PD Arrest Man for $29K Elder Fraud | Yonkers Times
An elderly Tarrytown resident was defrauded of approximately $29,000 through a sophisticated scheme in which scammers impersonated Apple's financial department, gained remote access to the victim's computer, and falsely claimed an erroneous $50,000 deposit required repayment in cash. Benny Cai was arrested on September 24, 2026, after receiving a second fraudulent payment from the victim and was found in possession of cocaine; investigators believe he is part of an organized group targeting elderly victims. Cai was charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Grandparent Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cash
pymnts.com · 2026-09-28
Fraud Trends Put Fragmented Defenses Under Pressure - PYMNTS.com
According to PYMNTS Intelligence research, scam victims exhibit varied payment timelines—63% pay within a day of contact, while 18% take at least two weeks—with romance scams averaging $27,587 in losses and investment scams averaging $14,225. FinCEN identified victims of digital asset and cryptocurrency scams liquidating savings accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and taking on debt to fund fraudulent payments, creating opportunities for banks to detect suspicious financial behavior. The research found that 11% of scam victims report their fraud to no one, rising to 40% among romance scam victims, indicating significant gaps in fraud reporting and awareness.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
yahoo.com · 2026-09-28
Illinois man, 90, lost six figures to 'Alex,' and now his condo may be next - Yahoo
A 90-year-old Illinois man has lost six figures over four years to an online romance scam involving scammers posing as "Max" and "Alex," draining his bank accounts and selling his car primarily through cryptocurrency transactions while he believed he was in a relationship. The victim, who lives alone on Social Security, now risks losing his condominium, and despite warnings from a concerned friend and reports to police, the FBI, and other agencies, little can be done without legal intervention like conservatorship or guardianship. The scam highlights the vulnerability of isolated elderly people to romance fraud, where emotional dependence on daily attention from scammers often makes victims resistant to intervention even when the fraud is obvious.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Phishing Cryptocurrency
thecooldown.com · 2026-09-28
Illinois man, 90, lost six figures to 'Alex,' and now his condo may be next - The Cool Down
A 90-year-old Illinois man has lost six figures over four years to an online romance scam involving scammers posing as "Max" and "Alex," emptying his bank accounts and selling his car primarily through cryptocurrency transactions, and now risks losing his condominium as well. Living alone on Social Security with no immediate family, the victim remains emotionally dependent on the scammers despite warnings from a concerned friend and clear evidence of the scheme, making intervention difficult without legal measures like conservatorship. The case highlights the particular vulnerability of isolated elderly adults to romance scams that exploit emotional dependence and the challenge of helping victims who are resistant to recognizing they are being defrauded.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Phishing Cryptocurrency
modernghana.com · 2026-09-28
Abu Trica Reportedly Names Eight in $8m Romance Scam Case, as Ghana Watches
Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi (Abu Trica) has allegedly provided US investigators with eight names of people linked to laundering proceeds from a romance scam targeting over 80 elderly Americans of more than $8 million since 2023, though the claim remains unverified and disputed by his associates. Kumi was arrested in Ghana in December 2025 and extradited to face federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, with prosecutors alleging he and co-defendant Daniel Yussif used AI-driven video tools and fake personas to defraud victims. The broader investigation involves at least five Ghanaians accused of defrauding over 130
Romance Scams Phishing Money Mules / Laundering Financial Crime Wire Transfer
savingadvice.com · 2026-09-27
Your Parent Keeps Falling for Scams — Can You Limit Their Access to Money?
Adults over 60 reported $2.4 billion in fraud losses in 2024, with scams ranging from gift card fraud to cryptocurrency schemes, prompting adult children to seek ways to protect vulnerable parents. While you cannot unilaterally control a competent adult's finances, families can implement protective measures with the parent's cooperation, including transaction alerts, trusted contacts on investment accounts, and financial powers of attorney. Legal options vary by state and account structure, so consulting with financial institutions and elder-law attorneys is recommended to balance fraud protection with preserving the parent's financial independence.
Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Cash Bank Transfer
ludlowadvertiser.co.uk · 2026-09-27
Top West Mercia Police boss makes unexpected scam confession | Ludlow Advertiser
West Mercia's deputy police and crime commissioner Mark Bayliss acknowledged he personally fell victim to an online shopping scam involving a fake discount offer, while highlighting the difficulty police face in reaching vulnerable populations—particularly elderly residents and those with learning difficulties—with fraud prevention messages. Bayliss emphasized the need for better channels to warn vulnerable people, noting that current efforts through platforms like Neighbourhood Matters remain insufficient to protect those most at risk of being deceived by fraudsters. No specific financial loss was reported in connection with his personal experience.
Scam Awareness
thestar.com.my · 2026-09-27
Woman duped of RM750k in S'pore PR scam - The Star
An elderly woman in her 60s lost over RM750,000 in savings to scammers who posed as Singapore permanent residency agents, luring her with a fake S$300 professional fee and then demanding continuous payments over months of fraudulent transactions. In a separate case, a retiree in his 70s lost more than RM850,000 in a phone scam where callers impersonated police and Bank Negara officials, convincing him to transfer his life savings to accounts they controlled. Both victims fell prey to elaborate fraud schemes that exploited their trust and resulted in significant financial losses.
Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
bernama.com · 2026-09-27
Perak Expands Safe Internet Campaign To Combat AI-Based Scam Threats - Bernama
Perak's state government is expanding its Safe Internet Campaign to educate the public, particularly senior citizens, about AI-based scams including fake voice threats, with briefing modules now available at National Information Dissemination Centres across the state. Malaysia recorded over 66,000 online fraud cases involving RM2.97 billion in losses last year, with AI platforms being a primary tool used by scammers. The state is also organizing a special briefing on cybercrime prosecution under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, targeting over 2,000 visitors and collaborating with telecommunications agencies and operators.
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-09-26
The View-Only Access Setting That Lets You Watch Your Parents' Brokerage Accounts ...
Many brokerages offer view-only account access and trusted contact designations that allow adult children to monitor aging parents' financial accounts for signs of fraud or exploitation without controlling them directly. However, visibility alone is insufficient protection; a power of attorney document is needed to grant the legal authority to actually intervene when suspicious transactions are detected. Financial institutions like Fidelity and Charles Schwab enable this monitoring in real time, helping families catch potential elder fraud before significant savings are lost.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime
247wallst.com · 2026-09-26
The View-Only Access Setting That Lets You Watch Your Parents' Brokerage Accounts ...
The article discusses how adult children can monitor their aging parents' brokerage accounts to detect elder fraud by using view-only access settings offered by major financial institutions like Fidelity and Charles Schwab. This monitoring tool allows family members to see account statements and transactions in real time without taking control away from their parents, while additional safeguards like trusted contact designations and powers of attorney provide additional layers of protection. Elder fraud can silently drain retirement savings, particularly affecting seniors aged 62 and older who may fall victim to sophisticated phone scams or unauthorized withdrawals.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime
hoodline.com · 2026-09-26
New Oklahoma Law Frees Banks to Flag Scams After $53M Hit Seniors - Hoodline
Oklahoma has enacted Senate Bill 2067, which takes effect in November and grants banks and credit unions legal immunity to freeze suspicious transactions and report suspected elder exploitation to authorities. The law addresses a growing crisis in which Oklahoma seniors lost $53.3 million to financial scams in 2025, including $24 million from investment fraud alone, representing a 32% increase in elderly victims year-over-year. The measure removes previous legal barriers that prevented financial institutions from alerting law enforcement and Adult Protective Services to potential fraud without risking privacy lawsuits or regulatory penalties.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Deed Theft Scam Awareness Financial Crime
watfordcitynd.com · 2026-09-26
Scammers Target Seniors: Families urged to build safeguards before money is gone
Americans over age 60 filed more than 201,000 internet-crime complaints in 2025 with losses exceeding $7.7 billion, representing a 37% increase in complaints and 59% increase in losses compared to 2024, with average losses of $38,000 per victim. Scammers target seniors through various schemes including grandparent scams, fake law enforcement calls, technical support fraud, and romance scams, often manipulating caller ID and using urgency to prevent victims from verifying requests. North Dakota residents and authorities have reported increasing incidents of these fraud schemes, and law enforcement urges families to establish safeguards and teach seniors that legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Gift Cards Cash
cutoday.info · 2026-09-26
Credit Unions Tell DOJ Where Elder-Fraud Fight Is Falling Short - CUToday.info
Credit unions participated in a DOJ listening session focused on elder financial exploitation, discussing fraud trends, transaction authority, inter-agency coordination, and training needs to better protect elderly members from scams. The session, part of the Justice Department's Elder Justice Initiative, identified gaps in current government policies and regulatory frameworks that hinder credit unions' ability to prevent elder fraud on the front lines.
Scam Awareness
gottheimer.house.gov · 2026-09-26
PHOTO RELEASE: Gottheimer Celebrates Bergen County Seniors at Annual Senior Citizens Festival
This article describes Congressman Gottheimer's attendance at Bergen County's Annual Senior Citizens Festival in New Jersey, where he spoke with seniors about his legislative efforts to protect them from scams and fraud. Rather than detailing an actual scam, the article highlights Gottheimer's work on senior protection measures, including the GUARD Act to combat fraud targeting older Americans, efforts to lower prescription drug costs, and assistance helping over 6,100 seniors access Social Security benefits. No fraud incidents or victim dollar amounts are mentioned in this piece.
Scam Awareness
ursinusgrizzly.com · 2026-09-26
Flock Cameras In Collegeville? - The Grizzly
Collegeville, Pennsylvania currently does not use Flock license plate reader cameras, though the police department uses other types of LPR technology that have helped locate stolen vehicles, find missing elderly drivers, and identify suspects in crimes including jewelry store burglaries, robberies, and fraud cases. Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislative measures to regulate LPRs with safeguards for data privacy and civil liberties, and Collegeville officials have indicated that Flock cameras may be considered for future implementation in the area.
Romance Scams Financial Crime
rheaheraldnews.com · 2026-09-26
Senate unanimously passes Blackburn's pill to prevent romance scams | News
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed Senator Marsha Blackburn's Romance Scam Prevention Act, which requires dating apps to notify users who have interacted with someone removed for fraud, addressing a growing problem targeting seniors. Romance scams cost victims $1.3 billion nationally in 2022, with Tennesseans over 60 losing $43 million in 2023 alone, as scammers increasingly target recently widowed or divorced elderly individuals who connect on dating platforms.
Romance Scams Scam Awareness
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-09-26
A scam took her retirement savings. Then the IRS wanted more - Yahoo Finance
A North Carolina woman lost approximately $600,000 to a pig-butchering scam where she built a relationship with a fraudster online before sending him money from her retirement account. After discovering the fraud, she faced an additional $225,000 tax bill from the IRS for the withdrawn retirement funds, forcing her to file for bankruptcy. A bipartisan bill called the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act, which would restore tax deductions for fraud victims lost in 2017 tax law changes, recently passed the House and awaits Senate action.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
press-herald.com · 2026-09-25
Officials warn seniors of increasingly sophisticated scams - Minden Press-Herald
Webster Parish residents are reporting scams to authorities three to four times weekly, with scammers increasingly using sophisticated tactics including spoofing the Sheriff's Office phone number and impersonating law enforcement to solicit bail payments for arrested relatives. One notable case involved a local businessman losing nearly $500,000 in a fake Bitcoin investment scheme, while romance scams remain prevalent among older adults, with perpetrators sometimes spending months building trust before requesting money. Officials emphasized that skepticism, independent verification of requests, and consulting trusted contacts are critical defenses against these evolving scams, which are often perpetrated by overseas criminals.
Romance Scams Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
longisland.com · 2026-09-25
Have You Seen This Thief? Suffolk County Police Seeking Suspect in $4K Elder Scam
A 79-year-old woman in Suffolk County was scammed out of $4,000 after being contacted by someone posing as a TD Bank representative who claimed fraudulent activity on her account and instructed her to hand over her debit card to a man who appeared at her home. Suffolk County Police are seeking the suspect involved in this elder fraud scheme. The scam is classified as identity theft.
Identity Theft
americascreditunions.org · 2026-09-25
DOJ focuses on elder financial exploitation solutions | America's Credit Unions
The Department of Justice held a listening session with credit unions to address elder financial exploitation as part of its Elder Justice Initiative. Credit union representatives discussed fraud trends, internal protections, transaction authority, agency coordination, and training needs to better safeguard members from scams. America's Credit Unions committed to advocating for policies that would strengthen credit unions' ability to protect elderly members and combat financial exploitation.
Scam Awareness
aol.com · 2026-09-25
Michigan senior cashed out $270,000 in pensions after fake FTC agent threatened her with ...
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after a scammer impersonating an FTC agent threatened her with arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. Believing the false charges, she initially purchased gold and later cashed out her own and her late husband's pension accounts to pay the fraudster, who was eventually arrested after she reported the crime to police. This case exemplifies a common government impersonation scam targeting seniors, who collectively lost $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Benefits Fraud Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
southtexasnews.com · 2026-09-25
'Education Expeditions' connects Kenedy seniors with vital local resources
This article describes an educational workshop held in Kenedy, Texas, where seniors and caregivers learned about resources for healthy aging, including topics on transportation, brain health, and financial safety. FBI and Adult Protective Services representatives provided guidance on recognizing and avoiding elder fraud and financial scams as part of the free "Education Expeditions" event organized by the Alamo Senior Advisory Committee. The workshop was informational in nature with no specific fraud incidents or financial losses reported.
Scam Awareness
news9.com · 2026-09-25
New Oklahoma law aims to protect elderly consumers from financial scams - News9.com
Oklahoma enacted a new law effective in November to protect elderly and vulnerable consumers from financial scams by removing barriers that prevented financial institutions from intervening, reporting to law enforcement, and contacting Adult Protective Services when fraud is suspected. The law also allows consumers to designate a trusted contact on their account who can be alerted if suspicious activity occurs, without gaining transaction authority. Common scams targeting seniors include caller ID spoofing impersonating banks and social media fraud, with experts urging victims to pause, verify through official channels, and contact their financial institution or local authorities immediately.
hk-now.com · 2026-09-25
“Fraud Bingo' Event Offers Advice on Avoiding Scams – HK Now
The Connecticut Department of Banking and State Rep. Chris Aniskovich hosted a free "Fraud Bingo" educational event on September 28, 2026, designed to help residents recognize and prevent common scams including banking fraud, identity theft, and financial exploitation. The interactive program was open to the public, particularly targeting seniors, and covered warning signs and protection strategies against evolving criminal schemes targeting personal information and money. No specific fraud cases or dollar amounts were discussed; the event was purely educational and preventative in nature.
Identity Theft Scam Awareness
abc.net.au · 2026-09-25
Job listings show Cambodia's scam industry persists despite crackdown - ABC News
Cambodia's multi-billion-dollar online scam industry persists despite government crackdowns, as evidenced by analysis of nearly 5,000 job advertisements posted on Telegram recruiting workers for scam operations between April 2023 and July 2024. The ads, posted in multiple languages, offered various roles including "victim finders" ($600/month), romance scam "models" (up to $12,000/month for those with "Western" or "Japanese" features), and money launderers, with some explicitly targeting victims in the US, Europe, Australia, and other countries. While Cambodia's government claims to have successfully dismantled scam compounds through raids in 2025, the persistence
Law Enforcement Impersonation Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
foxbusiness.com · 2026-09-25
IRS steps up fraud fight with new app, CEO promises '100% secure' platform
The IRS launched a new mobile app that allows taxpayers to securely check refund status and make payments directly from their phones, with CEO Frank Bisignano claiming it is "100% secure" and designed to combat fraud and identity theft. The app expansion comes as the IRS handled 600 million online inquiries last year—double the previous year—and is working to reduce its backlog of identity theft cases, which peaked at roughly 500,000 items in 2024 but has since been cut by more than half.
Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Check/Cashier's Check
floridabar.org · 2026-09-24
Romance scam puts new elder exploitation law to the test - The Florida Bar
A lonely Jacksonville widower lost over $450,000 in a romance scam orchestrated by a male scammer operating from China who posed as a woman on WhatsApp and promised investment opportunities. An elder law attorney successfully used Florida's new SB 106 law to freeze an additional $200,000 wire transfer by serving the scammer through the same WhatsApp platform used in the scheme. The case highlights the vulnerability of isolated seniors to romance fraud, with FBI data showing elder fraud complaints rose 59% last year with total losses of $7.7 billion nationally, including $709.8 million from Florida victims.
Romance Scams Identity Theft Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Bank Transfer
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-09-24
Michigan senior cashed out $270,000 in pensions after fake FTC agent threatened her with ...
A 70-year-old Michigan woman cashed out her and her late husband's pension accounts, totaling over $270,000, after a scammer posing as an FTC agent threatened her with arrest for alleged money laundering and drug trafficking. The victim was instructed to purchase gold and later withdraw cash to pay the fake charges, and was threatened with arrest if she contacted police. A 30-year-old man from Sacramento was arrested using community camera footage, though it's unclear whether the victim recovered her money.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Benefits Fraud Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
broadandliberty.com · 2026-09-24
Felice Fein: Scams target Pennsylvania seniors
Pennsylvania's elderly population, which comprises over one-quarter of the state's residents, lost over $215 million to scams in 2025 alone, according to FBI data. Common scams targeting seniors include romance and investment fraud, online shopping counterfeit schemes, phishing scams impersonating government agencies like Social Security and the IRS, and grandparent emergency scams. Scammers exploit seniors' vulnerability by using spoofed phone numbers, fake websites, and increasingly AI technology to deceive victims into divulging sensitive financial information or transferring funds.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Medicare Fraud Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Gift Cards Cash
theconversation.com · 2026-09-24
Are older Australians really safer from crime? The evidence says the harms are just harder to see
While older Australians experience crime at lower rates overall, they are disproportionately vulnerable to fraud and abuse, accounting for 26.5% of scam losses despite representing only 17% of the population. A national study found 14.8% of people 65+ experienced abuse in the past year, with family members responsible for around half of all abuse cases and 64% of financial abuse incidents. Significant underreporting occurs due to shame, fear of judgment, and concerns about getting perpetrators in trouble, with only one in three abuse victims seeking help and just 17% reporting to police.
Family Exploitation Scam Awareness
gobankingrates.com · 2026-09-24
The Priciest Colleges & More Top Money News | GOBankingRates
According to an Avast survey, 68% of U.S. respondents with older loved ones report that at least one has fallen victim to online scams, identity theft, or fraud at some point, highlighting a significant elder fraud problem in America. The survey underscores the vulnerability of seniors to digital scams and suggests that brief tech education and family conversations could help protect older adults from becoming victims.
Identity Theft
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-09-24
She thought she was helping her 'best friend.' After forking over $600K, he ghosted her
A 58-year-old woman lost approximately $600,000 in a "pig-butchering scam" after being contacted online by someone claiming to be from Brussels who posed as her friend over four months and convinced her to invest in a fraudulent business, withdrawing $400,000 from her retirement account and taking $200,000 in personal loans. The scammer then disappeared, and she faced an additional $225,000 tax bill from the IRS for the early retirement withdrawal, eventually filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy with monthly payments of $5,600 that will continue for several years.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud
moneywise.com · 2026-09-24
She lost $600K to a scam — then owed the IRS - Moneywise
A 58-year-old woman lost approximately $600,000 to a pig-butchering scam after being befriended online by a fraudster posing as someone from Brussels who eventually convinced her to withdraw $400,000 from her retirement account and take out $200,000 in personal loans for fraudulent investments. The IRS subsequently issued her a $225,000 tax bill for the retirement account withdrawal, penalties, and counting the stolen funds as taxable income, forcing her into Chapter 13 bankruptcy with $5,600 monthly payments.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud
chattanoogan.com · 2026-09-24
Senate Unanimously Passes Blackburn's Bipartisan Bill To Prevent Romance Scams
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating apps to notify users who have communicated with individuals removed for fraudulent activity. Romance scams targeting seniors have surged, with Tennesseans over 60 losing $43 million in 2023 and nationwide losses reaching $1.3 billion in 2022. The legislation addresses the gap created when scammers move conversations off dating platforms after their accounts are deactivated.
Romance Scams Scam Awareness
moneytalksnews.com · 2026-09-24
Scams Then and Now: Same Con, Different Delivery
Americans lost $15.9 billion to fraud in 2025, with investment fraud being the costliest category at $7.9 billion in losses, and adults over 60 reporting significantly larger individual losses including six-figure amounts when victimized. Traditional scams—including penny stock schemes, grandparent impersonations, romance fraud, prize scams, and bank impersonation—have been refined through modern technology like text messaging, AI voice cloning, and social media to target victims more efficiently and at unprecedented scale. The article advises verification of financial advisors, use of family code words, skepticism of unsolicited money requests from strangers, and direct contact with banks using verified phone numbers rather
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Lottery/Prize Scams Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
japantimes.co.jp · 2026-09-24
Cambodia to target casinos in next phase of anti-scam sweep - The Japan Times
Cambodia is targeting licensed casinos suspected of serving as fronts for cybercriminal operations that have stolen billions globally, expanding enforcement actions beyond physical scam compounds. Authorities have already audited all 195 licensed casinos nationwide and suspended several linked to illicit activities, while also investigating approximately 30 subsidiaries of Prince Group—whose chairman was arrested and extradited to China in January—and tracing offshore assets across Singapore, the U.S., and the U.K. The crackdown aims to prevent criminal syndicates from using legitimate business structures and casinos to launder proceeds from online scams and illegal gambling operations.
Financial Crime
newswav.com · 2026-09-24
Cash You Feed Into a Bitcoin ATM Is Gone for Good — The FTC Warning Seniors Keep Missing
Scammers are targeting seniors over 50 through Bitcoin ATM fraud, where victims are tricked into withdrawing cash and converting it to cryptocurrency at machines located in familiar stores, which is then sent to criminal wallets with no legal recourse for recovery. The FBI reported over 13,400 cryptocurrency-kiosk fraud complaints in 2025 with losses exceeding $388 million, with seniors accounting for more than half the complaints and $302 million in losses. Scammers typically impersonate government agencies, banks, or tech support companies claiming urgent problems to pressure victims into using Bitcoin ATMs, which lack the consumer protections of traditional banking methods.
Crypto Investment Scams Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Benefits Fraud Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Cash
cyberguy.com · 2026-09-24
The secret list that tells scammers you're an easy target - CyberGuy
Data brokers including Epsilon Data Management, KBM Group, Macromark, and Wiland Inc. sold "opportunity seeker" lists—targeting vulnerable older Americans—to fraudsters running sweepstakes, lottery, and other scams, resulting in over $23.7 million in losses to more than 218,000 victims in one scheme alone. The Department of Justice prosecuted multiple employees and companies, securing over $129 million in victim compensation by June 2025, with Troy Murray sentenced to 121 months in prison for selling data on 7 million older Americans to Jamaica-based lottery scammers from 2016-2023.
Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
ibtimes.co.uk · 2026-09-24
Woman Drains 401(k) in $600K LinkedIn Scam — Then Faces $225K Tax Bill on Money She Lost
A 58-year-old North Carolina woman lost $600,000 to a pig-butchering scam after a man posing as a Brussels-based contact on LinkedIn built her trust and convinced her to invest in a fake business, resulting in a $225,000 tax bill when she withdrew $400,000 from her 401(k) and took out two personal loans for additional funds. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 limited personal theft loss deductions, leaving fraud victims responsible for taxes on stolen retirement funds, though pending legislation like the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act aims to provide retroactive relief.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Financial Crime
savingadvice.com · 2026-09-24
Cash You Feed Into a Bitcoin ATM Is Gone for Good — The FTC Warning Seniors Keep Missing
Bitcoin ATM scams, often initiated by phone callers impersonating government agencies or banks, trick victims into withdrawing cash and converting it to cryptocurrency at kiosks, with the funds sent to scammer-controlled wallets and virtually impossible to recover. The FBI reported over 13,400 cryptocurrency-kiosk fraud complaints in 2025 totaling $388 million in losses, with seniors over 50 accounting for more than half the complaints and exceeding $302 million in losses. Criminals use spoofed phone numbers, AI technology, and fabricated financial emergencies to pressure victims into these irreversible transactions, which lack the legal protections of traditional banking.
Crypto Investment Scams Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Benefits Fraud Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Cash
bignewsnetwork.com · 2026-09-24
Are older Australians really safer from crime? The evidence says the harms are just harder to see
Older Australians, while experiencing lower overall crime rates than younger people, face disproportionate vulnerability to fraud and abuse, with seniors aged 65+ accounting for 26.5% of financial scam losses despite representing only 17% of the population. According to the National Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, 14.8% of people aged 65+ experienced abuse in the past year, including psychological abuse (11.7%), neglect (2.9%), financial abuse (2.1%), physical abuse (1.8%), and sexual abuse (1.0%), with about 64% of financial abuse perpetrators being family members. Significant underreporting occurs due to shame, embarrassment, and
Family Exploitation Scam Awareness
inkl.com · 2026-09-24
Woman Drains 401(k) in $600K LinkedIn Scam — Then Faces $225K Tax Bill on Money She Lost
A 58-year-old North Carolina woman lost $600,000 to a pig-butchering scam orchestrated through LinkedIn by a man posing as a Brussels-based investor who convinced her to withdraw $400,000 from her 401(k) and take out two personal loans for additional funds. Due to federal tax law restrictions on personal theft loss deductions, Flowers faces a $225,000 tax bill on the retirement withdrawal despite losing the money to fraud. Pending legislation, the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act, could retroactively eliminate such tax liabilities for qualifying victims if enacted.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Financial Crime
ivpressonline.com · 2026-09-23
STATE BRIEFS: Man sentenced to nearly 5 years for spoofing bank calls, scamming elderly victims
Franco Fuentes, a 30-year-old Woodland Hills resident, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for defrauding elderly victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars through spoofed bank calls impersonating bank staff. Fuentes and his co-conspirators tricked victims into surrendering debit and credit cards, then made massive unauthorized withdrawals and luxury purchases totaling over $270,000 in losses. He was ordered to pay restitution and forfeit more than $37,000 in cash and seized assets, with investigators noting he repeatedly targeted seniors despite prior fraud convictions.
Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Financial Crime
ekathimerini.com · 2026-09-23
Tougher laws shield seniors | eKathimerini.com
The Greek government is implementing stricter laws to combat fraud targeting elderly and vulnerable populations, which officials characterize as an epidemic. Current penalties treat fraud under €120,000 as a misdemeanor, but authorities plan to impose felony charges with harsher prison sentences regardless of transaction amount to better deter offenders.
Financial Crime
hoodline.com · 2026-09-23
San Diego Bank Impersonator Gets 57 Months for Preying on Elderly Victims - Hoodline
Franco Fuentes was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for running a bank impersonation scam targeting elderly victims in San Diego, where he and associates posed as bank employees to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars and drain victims' accounts using stolen debit cards. The scheme exploited vulnerable seniors by deceiving them into surrendering their banking information, treating their accounts as personal ATMs to steal their money and peace of mind. San Diego County experiences over 1,000 elder fraud cases annually resulting in more than $100 million in reported losses, with California seniors losing $1.4 billion to financial fraud in 2025.
Bank Impersonation Money Mules / Laundering Scam Awareness Financial Crime
goldrushcam.com · 2026-09-23
Woodland Hills Bank Imposter to Serve Over 4 Years in Prison for Defrauding Elderly ...
Franco Fuentes, a Peruvian national, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for impersonating a bank employee to defraud elderly victims of over $270,000 by convincing them to surrender their bank cards, which he then used for cash withdrawals and purchases including $43,000 from a single 80-year-old victim. Fuentes was ordered to pay restitution of more than $270,000 and forfeit approximately $37,000 in cash and other assets seized from his residence. The scheme targeted vulnerable seniors through deceptive phone calls claiming to investigate fraud on their accounts, causing significant emotional and financial distress to victims.
Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
tristatealert.com · 2026-09-23
The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act could help protect people from scams - Tri-State Alert
Congressman John Joyce is promoting the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act to combat sophisticated scams targeting Pennsylvania seniors, citing cases where victims lost thousands of dollars to convincing fraudsters who obtained sensitive banking information. The legislation would create an interagency task force among the FCC, FTC, and Attorney General's office to identify and disrupt foreign robocall operations, with one example being a senior who lost $6,500 after unknowingly providing her bank account number to a scammer. Joyce emphasized that recovering stolen funds transferred overseas is nearly impossible, making prevention through federal and banking industry collaboration essential.
Robocalls / Phone Scams
phemex.com · 2026-09-23
Hunan Police Crack Crypto Pig Butchering Scam, Two Detained | Phemex News
Police in Hunan Province detained two suspects in a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam that defrauded a victim of approximately 30,000 yuan. The scammers used social media to lure the victim into downloading a fraudulent app, purchasing USDT, and trading for a manipulated token whose price was artificially inflated before being dumped to zero. Suspect Li was arrested on August 19 and accomplice Lei, who collected illicit funds, was detained on September 17.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
theregister.com · 2026-09-23
Swedish celebs campaign for public rudeness ... to prevent cyber scams - The Register
Swedish cybercriminals profited 5.7 billion SEK ($579.9 million USD) in 2025 by targeting elderly citizens through telephone-based scams, prompting police to launch a celebrity-backed public awareness campaign encouraging people to be "rude" and hang up on suspicious callers. Common scams include fraudsters posing as banks or government officials via SMS messages, and fake police officers claiming to collect valuables for safekeeping before stealing them. Sweden has implemented new regulations requiring telecom providers to block suspected fraud communications, working to combat the organized crime networks behind these scams.
Law Enforcement Impersonation Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams
mountain-news.com · 2026-09-23
An ounce of prevention provided by Inland Counties' Legal Services - Mountain News
Inland Counties Legal Services representatives presented information on scams targeting older Americans, noting that seniors lose over $3 billion annually with those over 80 experiencing the highest median losses. The presentation covered multiple scam types including phone fraud, caller ID spoofing, phishing text messages, social media scams (which grew from $19 million in 2019 to $380 million in 2023), and tech support scams that stole $587.8 million from victims over 60 in 2022. Attorneys emphasized that many scams go unreported due to seniors' reluctance to admit victimization, and advised the audience to pause before responding to suspicious contacts, avoid clicking links, and
Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Medicare Fraud Benefits Fraud Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer Gift Cards Money Order / Western Union
cnhinews.com · 2026-09-22
Seniors learn how to protect themselves from scams, fraud | CNHI | cnhinews.com
The Lions Club of Tahlequah and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma hosted a fraud protection event where seniors learned about scams targeting older adults and younger generations alike. Presenters discussed how artificial intelligence is increasingly used in scams, common tactics like fraudulent bank texts and phishing emails, and recommended a three-step prevention method: stop, think, and verify by contacting the source independently. The event emphasized reporting any suspected fraud to law enforcement and the FTC, and encouraged attendees to avoid giving personal information over the phone or to unsolicited contacts.
Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams
dailyhodl.com · 2026-09-22
New Jersey Financial Advisor Steals $300000 From Elderly Client, Gets Seven-Year Prison Term
A New Jersey financial advisor, John Boston, stole over $300,000 from a 90-year-old client by obtaining power of attorney and making unauthorized ATM withdrawals, bank transfers, and diverting her Social Security benefits, receiving a seven-year prison sentence. Boston managed the elderly woman's inherited assets without proper registration or client approval, violating state financial advisor licensing requirements. The case highlights the vulnerability of elderly clients to financial exploitation by trusted professionals and underscores the importance of reporting suspected elder fraud.
Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
newstalkzb.co.nz · 2026-09-22
Man murdered on UK's 'Millionaire's Row' after release from NZ jail for scamming Kiwis - Newstalk ZB
Reece Salmon, 28, was murdered in London in September after being released on parole from a New Zealand prison where he had served time for a $400,000 fraud scheme targeting elderly New Zealanders. Salmon had posed as an undercover police officer to convince victims aged 69-95 to withdraw cash and purchase gold bullion, which he then collected as a courier, stealing approximately $239,500 in cash and $172,000 in gold from 19 victims between July and August 2024. He pleaded guilty to 15 counts of obtaining money and gold by deception and was sentenced to four years in prison before his release and deportation to the UK, where he
Law Enforcement Impersonation Financial Crime Cash
pymnts.com · 2026-09-22
Fraud's Loyalty Tax: How Scams Cost Banks Their Customers - PYMNTS.com
In July 2026, 21% of consumers reported being scam victims in the past five years, with romance scams rising 22% and identity theft remaining the costliest at an average loss of $6,050, though travel scams top individual losses at $35,272 per victim. Scammers are shifting tactics, increasing SMS/text contact by 35% while reducing emails, and tailoring approaches by generation—Gen Z faces more text and social media scams while seniors are targeted through fraudulent links and fake ecommerce schemes. Millennials and Gen Z experience the highest victimization rates at 26% and 24% respectively, with these younger generations accounting for an estimated $314
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Phishing Sextortion Identity Theft Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Gift Cards
lilifepolitics.com · 2026-09-22
Brooklyn Man Arrested for Elder Scam - Long Island Life & Politics
A 50-year-old Brooklyn man was arrested for attempting to steal $20,000 from a 68-year-old Baldwin resident through a tech support scam in which the victim received a computer warning message and was instructed to withdraw cash from his bank. The victim suspected fraud after withdrawing the funds and contacted police, leading to the arrest of Biaodi Jiang, who was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree.
Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime
patch.com · 2026-09-22
Brooklyn Man Arrested After Elder Scam In Baldwin: PD | Rockville Centre, NY Patch
A 68-year-old Baldwin man lost $20,000 in a tech support scam after receiving a computer warning message and being directed to withdraw funds from his bank. Brooklyn resident Biaodi Jiang, 50, was arrested and charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny after the victim realized the fraud and contacted police.
Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams
21alivenews.com · 2026-09-22
Allen County woman looking for lost dog says scammer sent AI photo demanding $400
An Allen County woman's search for her lost emotional support dog, Daisy Mae, was targeted by scammers who sent an AI-generated photo of a similar-looking dog and demanded $400 for the animal's return. The victim recognized the fake image upon closer inspection and refused to pay, but the incident highlights a growing trend of pet extortion scams using manipulated or AI-generated photos to exploit desperate pet owners, with similar cases reported nationwide involving demands ranging from $400 to $1,300.
Law Enforcement Impersonation
amac.us · 2026-09-22
How to Spot and Avoid Social Media Scams - AMAC
Social media scams exploit trusted platforms and personal details shared online to deceive users into sending money, revealing personal information, or downloading malware, with older adults facing heightened risk due to unfamiliarity with newer tactics and accumulated savings. Common scams include impersonation schemes like the "grandparent scam," where fraudsters pose as family members in distress requesting urgent money, and fake product offers within trusted community groups. Users can protect themselves by creating strong, unique passwords, being cautious about what personal details they share online, and verifying requests through independent contact with known family members or organizations.
Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Online Shopping Scams Charity Scams Scam Awareness Check/Cashier's Check
longisland.com · 2026-09-22
He Withdrew $20000 to 'Protect' His Money—Then Realized It Was a Scam, Nassau Police Say
A Baldwin senior was targeted in a computer scam where scammers convinced him to withdraw $20,000 from his bank to "protect" his money, according to Nassau Police. Brooklyn resident Biaodi Jiang, 50, was arrested in connection with the alleged fraud. The victim realized he had been scammed after withdrawing the cash.
yahoo.com · 2026-09-22
THPD talks new scam targeting seniors - Yahoo
Indiana seniors lost $81.5 million to elder fraud last year, with scammers increasingly targeting them through gift card and prepaid money card schemes after cryptocurrency ATM machines were shut down. Con artists use emotional stories to convince victims to purchase Green Dot money paks or gift cards, which are untraceable and typically result in losses of $20,000-$50,000 per victim over 6-12 months. The Terre Haute Police Department warns that if someone is pressuring you to buy gift cards or prepaid cards for any reason other than as an actual gift, it is a scam.
Crypto Investment Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Gift Cards
hoodline.com · 2026-09-21
Hyattsville Man Charged in $1M Scheme That Bilked Dozens of Seniors - Hoodline
A 34-year-old Hyattsville man was charged with federal bank fraud for stealing over $1 million from more than 40 seniors (averaging age 81) by intercepting their mail, changing their account addresses, and fraudulently using their debit cards for ATM withdrawals and luxury purchases. Roy Dave Davis obtained victims' personal information, rerouted their mail to addresses he controlled in Maryland, and spent over $100,000 of stolen funds on designer fashion items. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted.
Financial Crime
goodlander.house.gov · 2026-09-21
U.S. House Passes 5 Goodlander-Backed Bills to Quadruple Authorized NH Water Funding ...
The U.S. House passed five bipartisan bills championed by Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, including the GUARD Act to help law enforcement combat fraud targeting seniors, which costs Americans $20.9 billion annually with "pig butchering" cryptocurrency schemes accounting for $11.37 billion of that total. The legislation also addresses water infrastructure funding, utility rate protections, xylazine trafficking, and emergency radio access for New Hampshire residents.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Cryptocurrency
longislandpress.com · 2026-09-21
Manorhaven elder scam suspect arrested - LI Press
An 84-year-old Manorhaven woman lost $30,000 in a computer scam where she was tricked into withdrawing cash after receiving a fake security alert claiming to be from Citibank's fraud department. A 31-year-old Queens man was arrested while attempting to collect an additional $18,000 from the same victim four days later and was charged with attempted grand larceny and drug possession. The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking other potential victims.
Financial Crime Cash
dailycorinthian.com · 2026-09-21
FBI gives fraud presentation to elders | News | dailycorinthian.com
The Corinth Police Department partnered with the FBI to deliver an Elder Fraud Presentation at First Baptist Church, where FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Ryan Berthay addressed over 50 attendees about fraud risks targeting seniors. The event aimed to educate and warn elderly community members about potential scams and fraudulent schemes.
foxnews.com · 2026-09-21
His home changed hands for $5. Could it happen to your family? - Fox News
A 75-year-old South Carolina man with Parkinson's disease and a brain injury allegedly had his home transferred to his caregiver for $5 through a quitclaim deed after the caregiver obtained power of attorney, with the daughter claiming the vulnerable father may not have understood what he signed and that money subsequently moved from his bank account to the caregiver even after his death. The case highlights elder financial exploitation and the importance of monitoring property records and financial accounts for unauthorized changes, as the allegations involve potential undue influence rather than forged documents. Conway police are investigating the matter, though the allegations have not been proven in court.
Romance Scams Bank Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Caregiver Exploitation Family Exploitation Deed Theft Scam Awareness Financial Crime Bank Transfer
straitstimes.com · 2026-09-21
At least $4.8m lost to scams involving conmen posing as Harvey Norman staff since January
Since January, at least 119 cases of scams impersonating Harvey Norman employees have resulted in losses of $4.8 million, primarily targeting middle-aged and elderly individuals in Singapore. Scammers call victims claiming they purchased items or have pending deliveries, then transfer them to accomplices posing as Monetary Authority of Singapore officials who accuse them of money laundering and demand money transfers, gold purchases, or valuables under the guise of investigations. Police warned of a surge in these scams and reminded the public that legitimate government officials never request cash transfers, valuables, or banking credentials.
Government Impersonation Phishing Money Mules / Laundering Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cash
fox19.com · 2026-09-21
Ohio seniors fall victim to investment scams - FOX19
Ohio seniors lost significant sums to investment scams involving fraudsters posing as legitimate investment advisors who promised unrealistic returns on stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrency. The perpetrators used high-pressure sales tactics and false credentials to gain victims' trust before directing them to transfer money to offshore accounts. Authorities warn seniors to verify investment advisor licenses and never send money based on unsolicited investment offers.
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-09-21
This Generation Is The Most Likely To Fall For Costly Online Scams (And It's Not Boomers)
Gen Z (ages 14-29) faces significantly higher rates of online scams and identity theft than baby boomers, with the FTC reporting that social media scams alone cost consumers $2.1 billion in 2025. Those under 20 reported over 31,000 complaints resulting in $67.1 million in losses, while those aged 20-29 reported over 112,000 complaints totaling $563.1 million in losses. Gen Z's constant social media presence, prioritization of convenience over security, and assumption that online protection efforts are futile make them prime targets for cybercriminals.
Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
12onyourside.com · 2026-09-21
Elder fraud targets trust, not tech skills, Richmond FBI says - WWBT
The FBI warns that elder fraud targets adults 60 and older by exploiting emotional vulnerabilities—trust, fear, grief, and loneliness—rather than tech inexperience, with scammers impersonating law enforcement, romantic interests, or trusted entities to manipulate victims into wire transfers, gift cards, or liquidating assets like retirement funds and home equity. Reported elder fraud complaints rose 37% from 2024 to 2025 with losses totaling $7.7 billion, with some individual victims losing over $1 million accumulated over a lifetime. Scammers often spend months building relationships with isolated older adults before requesting money, deliberately isolating victims from family and social circles to increase depend
Law Enforcement Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Wire Transfer Gift Cards
legalbrief.co.za · 2026-09-21
US applauds SA role in exposing romance scams - Legalbrief
Six alleged members of the Black Axe organized crime network were extradited from South Africa to the US to face charges of wire fraud and money laundering related to romance scams and advance fee schemes that operated from Cape Town between 2011 and 2021. South African law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, collaborated with Interpol and US authorities to bring the defendants to justice, where they face potential sentences exceeding 50 years in prison. The defendants allegedly led the Cape Town "zone" of Black Axe and defrauded victims through internet-based romance scams and fraudulent advance fee schemes.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Money Mules / Laundering Deed Theft Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
houmatimes.com · 2026-09-20
Congressman Higgins introduces bills to protect America's elders from financial exploitation
Congressman Clay Higgins introduced two bills to protect seniors from financial exploitation: one requiring fraud alerts on pre-approved credit cards and enhanced fraud detection training for financial institutions, and another limiting Social Security Administration clawbacks of benefit overpayments caused by agency error. These legislative measures aim to reduce elder financial vulnerability from both predatory practices and government mistakes, with protections including 24-hour account activity notifications and caps on monthly benefit withholding at 5%.
Scam Awareness
bbc.com · 2026-09-20
Five men arrested over courier fraud scam - BBC
Five men, all 19 years old, were arrested in London after elderly residents in Wolverhampton were defrauded through a courier fraud scam in which fraudsters impersonated police officers. Two victims in their 80s were convinced to hand over a combined £10,000 in cash to individuals posing as officers. The suspects remain in custody on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud.
Financial Crime
malaymail.com · 2026-09-20
Singapore company CFO nearly loses S$120000 after scammers impersonate bosses on Teams
A Singapore healthcare company's CFO nearly lost S$120,000 after scammers impersonated the chairman and managing director on Microsoft Teams, demanding an urgent fund transfer that was only prevented by the company's physical signature requirement for payments. The incident reflects a sharp rise in business email compromise scams in Singapore, with losses reaching S$57.3 million in the first half of 2026, up from S$19.5 million the previous year. Experts warn that such scams have evolved beyond traditional emails to exploit messaging platforms and exploit workplace hierarchies, with the sense of urgency and impersonation of senior executives making employees less likely to verify requests.
Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Bank Transfer
mcknightsseniorliving.com · 2026-09-20
Lawmakers push anti-fraud bill as senior living industry calls for balanced enforcement
The PROOF Act (HR 10326), which recently passed the House, would grant federal investigators access to state records—including identity verification, benefit disbursement logs, and provider billing statements—to investigate fraud in federally funded programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and unemployment benefits. Senior living organizations like Argentum and the National Center for Assisted Living support fraud prevention efforts but are concerned the bill could create additional administrative burdens and reporting requirements for providers already subject to extensive regulation. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration and would require the US Attorney General to submit annual reports on information requests, target programs, and resulting convictions.
Identity Theft Scam Awareness
thesalinepost.com · 2026-09-20
What to do in Saline: Homecoming, Election, RunTough for ChadTough, Manager Meet, and ...
This article is a community events listing for Saline, Michigan and does not contain information about fraud or scams. The only fraud-related content is a brief mention of a free workshop offered by MSGCU on September 22 about recognizing scams targeting older adults, including AI-based deception tactics, but no specific fraud cases or incidents are described.
yahoo.com · 2026-09-19
California Brothers Fake Mechanical Problems In Scam Operation - Yahoo
Three California brothers—Gabi, Ionut, and Marius Tanase—were arrested for a vehicle fraud scheme in which they posed as interested buyers and deliberately sabotaged cars during test drives by placing oil in coolant reservoirs or tailpipes to create fake mechanical problems, then pressured sellers into accepting significantly lower prices. The brothers resold the underpriced vehicles at full value through Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, affecting multiple victims and netting over $33,000; one family unknowingly purchased a fraudulently obtained vehicle for $12,000 and were later fully reimbursed. All three brothers pleaded guilty to charges including elder fraud.
Cash
straitstimes.com · 2026-09-19
Scammers impersonate firm's chairman on Microsoft Teams chat | The Straits Times
Scammers impersonating a healthcare firm's chairman and managing director on Microsoft Teams attempted to trick the company's CFO into transferring $120,000, nearly succeeding until she verified the request with the actual managing director. Business email compromise scams in Singapore surged dramatically, with cases rising from 156 to 262 and losses jumping from $19.5 million to $57.3 million in the first half of 2026, as scammers increasingly exploit messaging platforms and use sophisticated impersonation tactics to exploit workplace hierarchy and create urgency.
Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
straitstimes.com · 2026-09-19
Within minutes: How quickly a scam site can be taken down under newly formed Cyber Command
Singapore's newly formed Cyber Command can now shut down scam websites, phone numbers, and social media pages within minutes—a significant improvement from the hours previously required. Scam losses in Singapore reached $410.6 million in the first half of 2026, with over $4 billion lost since 2019; in July, Cyber Command and the FBI jointly prevented US$2.7 million in cryptocurrency scam losses. The unit disrupted over 47,000 scam-related mobile lines, 37,500 WhatsApp accounts, and 52,200 malicious websites in six months, with scammers commonly impersonating news outlets to promote investment schemes and phishing operations
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
hoodline.com · 2026-09-19
Queens Man Held on $500K Bail in $670K Lakeville Elder Fraud Scheme - Hoodline
A 40-year-old Chinese national from Queens, Hong Zhang, was arrested in Lakeville, Minnesota and jailed on $500,000 bail after allegedly collecting $670,000 in stolen cashier's checks from an elderly St. Paul man in a romance or financial fraud scheme. Investigators found over $2 million in uncashed checks, fraudulent identification documents, and multiple cellphones in Zhang's possession and connected residences, suggesting a larger operation involving multiple victims. Zhang was charged with felony theft by swindle and admitted to knowingly collecting cashier's checks not addressed to him while claiming he was picking up misdelivered packages.
Financial Crime Check/Cashier's Check
psychologytoday.com · 2026-09-19
What to Do When You Suspect Elder Financial Abuse | Psychology Today Australia
This article discusses warning signs of elder financial abuse and guidance for adult children concerned about their aging parents' vulnerability to exploitation. Key red flags include cognitive decline affecting financial management (IADLs), new relationships that emerged online, and patterns of isolation and emotional manipulation—with financial vulnerability often appearing before visible cognitive decline. The article recommends families normalize conversations about finances and health, consult probate attorneys, and seek capacity evaluations when financial exploitation is suspected.
Government Impersonation Family Exploitation
cryptoslate.com · 2026-09-19
AI was supposed to take scammers' jobs, but it gave them superpowers instead
AI tools have dramatically increased the efficiency and profitability of scam operations, allowing criminals to automate labor-intensive tasks like maintaining fake identities and conducting fraud conversations. According to Chainalysis, scam operations linked to AI vendors generate an average of $3.2 million in revenue compared to $719,000 for operations without AI tools, while the FBI recorded approximately $893.3 million in AI-related fraud losses from 22,364 complaints in 2025. Scammers now use AI to scale romance scams, investment fraud, business impersonation, and extortion campaigns that once required larger criminal teams, with a single operator able to maintain multiple fake identities and conversations simultaneously.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
dexerto.com · 2026-09-19
Fake Rhea Ripley scams 64-year-old man out of $42000 pretending to be WWE star
A 64-year-old Pennsylvania man lost $42,700 in March 2026 to a scammer impersonating WWE star Rhea Ripley, with few details available about how contact was made or the victim's persuasion. This incident is part of a broader pattern of celebrity impersonation scams targeting older adults, including a 2024 case where a 74-year-old lost nearly $1 million to someone posing as WWE star Alexa Bliss. No arrests have been made, and the victim has refused to cooperate with police investigating the fraud.
Romance Scams Celebrity Impersonation Scams Phishing Charity Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
amac.us · 2026-09-18
Important Resources to Help Seniors Avoid Imposter Scams - AMAC
In 2025, elder fraud complaints from adults aged 60 and older exceeded 200,000 with losses surpassing $7.7 billion, with government imposter scams—particularly those falsely claiming Social Security issues—nearly doubling and becoming the leading fraud source among seniors over 80. Cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence and generative AI to create convincing cloned voices and realistic messages impersonating government agencies, making scams harder to detect than previous versions with obvious warning signs. The Social Security Administration and AMAC are promoting resources including "my Social Security" accounts and scam awareness materials to help seniors verify communications through official channels and reduce vulnerability to impersonation fraud.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Identity Theft Benefits Fraud Scam Awareness
thenewsenterprise.com · 2026-09-18
Bill co-sponsored by Guthrie to protect seniors from fraud passes House | Local News
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2978, the GUARD Act, with a 414-7 vote to provide additional federal funding to state and local law enforcement agencies for protecting seniors from fraud schemes. Co-sponsored by Representatives Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Zach Nunn of Iowa, the bill still requires Senate passage and presidential signature to become law.
Financial Crime
cbsnews.com · 2026-09-18
Colorado victim's family says woman who pleaded guilty to elder fraud "worked him a lot of ...
Priscilla Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to defrauding a 90-year-old Colorado man out of $40,000 through a romance scam that began with grocery store encounters and involved false stories about a deceased fiancé and cancer treatment. Johnson is accused of running the same scam on multiple victims totaling nearly $500,000, including one man who was allegedly defrauded of $450,000 through a fake gold company investment scheme.
Romance Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
quiverquant.com · 2026-09-18
Press Release: Brett Guthrie Cites House Passage of Seniors Fraud Prevention Bill
The House passed H.R. 2978, the "GUARD Act," with bipartisan support (414-7) to expand federal grant funding for state and local law enforcement to combat elder fraud and financial scams targeting seniors. The bill includes reporting requirements for agencies using the funds, as it addresses an estimated $16 billion in fraud losses in 2025 alone. Support for the legislation comes from organizations including AARP, the National Police Association, and the National Sheriffs' Association.
Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-09-18
Aura Launches Trusted Family Access to Help Families Protect Aging Loved Ones from Online Crime
Senior Americans lost $7.7 billion to fraud in 2025, a 59% increase from the previous year, prompting Aura to launch Trusted Family Access, a consent-based monitoring tool that allows caregivers to track identity theft, financial fraud, and compromised personal information while preserving the older adult's privacy and control. Research shows 65% of aging adults experienced a scam or fraud attempt in the past year, with nearly half losing money or personal information, while 70% of middle-aged caregivers view protecting their elderly loved ones online as part of their caregiving responsibility. The new feature addresses AI-driven scams that are increasingly sophisticated, with 81% of caregivers
Phishing Identity Theft Benefits Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
hindustantimes.com · 2026-09-18
Lee Dong Wook impersonator scams woman out of over $25000 after eight-month 'romance'
A woman in her late 30s was scammed out of approximately $25,689 by someone impersonating South Korean actor Lee Dong Wook over an eight-month romance conducted entirely through messaging, during which the impersonator gradually built trust before requesting money. The victim never met or spoke to the person by phone, and the scammer used romantic manipulation tactics including discussing marriage and family meetings before requesting funds. Lee Dong Wook's agency, King Kong by Starship, warned that their artists never request money or personal information through private messages and urged fans to report suspected impersonation accounts.
Government Impersonation Scam Awareness
dallasobserver.com · 2026-09-18
Family indicted for fraudulent house sale, scams on the rise in Texas - Dallas Observer
A Texas family of four was indicted for operating unlicensed boarding homes where they exploited elderly and disabled residents, including orchestrating the fraudulent sale of a 79-year-old woman's home and stealing over $156,000 that they misrepresented as a family gift to purchase their own property. The defendants face up to 30 years in federal prison on charges of conspiracy and making false statements to financial institutions. The case reflects a broader surge in elder fraud, with adults over 60 reporting 201,266 fraud complaints totaling $7.7 billion in losses last year, and AI-powered scams accounting for $900 million in reported losses.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Caregiver Exploitation Family Exploitation Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
kcra.com · 2026-09-18
Voter fraud claims persist. The numbers tell a different story
A national investigation found only 513 proven voter fraud cases since 2016 out of more than 685 million votes cast, representing less than 0.00008% of ballots and contradicting claims of widespread fraud. The cases were scattered across multiple states with no evidence of coordinated effort or systemic fraud schemes. Election experts note this rate is rarer than being struck by lightning and reflects the strength of U.S. voting systems compared to fraud observed in other countries.
Scam Awareness Financial Crime
dailymail.com · 2026-09-18
Woman accused of scamming elderly men after approaching them in store - Daily Mail
Priscilla Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to defrauding a 90-year-old man out of $40,000 after meeting him at a Colorado grocery store, claiming financial hardship and health emergencies to gain his trust and affection. Investigators have since launched additional charges against Johnson, alleging she systematically targeted multiple elderly men at the same store with similar sob stories, defrauding them of nearly half a million dollars combined. Johnson employed various tactics including claims about a deceased fiancé, stolen work equipment, cancer diagnosis requiring a kidney transplant, and false investment opportunities to manipulate her victims into giving her cash.
Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime
flvoicenews.com · 2026-09-18
House passes bills targeting senior scams, federal fraud and data-center power costs
The House passed four bipartisan bills targeting senior fraud, including the GUARD Act (H.R. 2978) allowing state and local police to use federal grants to investigate elder financial fraud and "pig butchering" schemes involving cryptocurrency, which passed 414-7. Two additional bills would make permanent a Justice Department fraud division created under President Trump and require states to share records from federally funded programs like Medicaid with federal investigators to combat an estimated $245.7 billion in fraud since January 2025. All four bills now await Senate action.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Medicare Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
goldrushcam.com · 2026-09-18
Former Hayward Organizer of $36 Million Transnational Fraud of 400+ ... - Sierra Sun Times
Juliet Mora, a former Hayward resident, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy related to a $36 million transnational fraud scheme targeting over 400 elderly American victims. The scheme involved fraudsters impersonating attorneys offering restitution to timeshare owners and fraud victims, collecting fees through fake agreements, and laundering money through shell companies and U.S. bank accounts. Mora, who operated from Nicaragua as an organizer directing co-conspirators, received and laundered approximately $1.57 million in victim funds before her arrest in December 2025.
Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Phishing Money Mules / Laundering Deed Theft Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer Bank Transfer Check/Cashier's Check
newsmobile.in · 2026-09-18
Friendswood Woman Loses $185000 in Gold Scam; California Man Arrested - NewsMobile
A Friendswood, Texas woman lost approximately $185,000 in gold bars after scammers impersonating federal agents claimed her Social Security information was compromised and instructed her to convert assets into gold for protection. The alleged courier, Rajdeep Singh from California, was arrested on September 16 and charged with theft, with investigators suspecting he targeted multiple victims in the Houston area. Authorities warn that legitimate law enforcement and financial institutions never request purchases of gold, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to protect assets or prevent arrest.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Gift Cards
edmondsbeacon.com · 2026-09-18
We must empower, not embarrass, older scam victims - Edmonds Beacon
I cannot provide a summary because the full article text is not available—only the headline and a paywall message appear in the provided content. To create an accurate summary focused on specific scams, victims affected, and dollar amounts, I would need access to the complete article.
Robocalls / Phone Scams
wetmountaintribune.com · 2026-09-18
Scams galore: FCC alerts grandparents, again - Wet Mountain Tribune
The FCC has warned that "grandparent scams" targeting elderly Americans have become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging stolen personal data from social media, fake caller ID technology, and AI voice cloning to impersonate grandchildren in crisis situations. Americans aged 60 and above reported $7.74 billion in losses to such scams in 2025, representing a 59% increase from the previous year, though the FBI estimates actual losses are significantly higher. The agency recommends verifying callers independently, establishing family code words, recognizing pressure tactics, and reporting suspicious calls to local authorities.
Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
valdostatoday.com · 2026-09-18
Georgia Woman Sentenced in $158,000 Business Email Fraud Scheme - Valdosta Today
Ogechi Urenna Udunka of Decatur, Georgia was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her role in laundering $158,000 stolen through a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scam targeting an agricultural company. The scam occurred when criminals sent fraudulent emails impersonating an Oregon seed company, tricking the victim into wiring funds that Udunka then received and disbursed to conceal their origin. Udunka was ordered to pay full restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Benefits Fraud Charity Scams Money Mules / Laundering Reverse Mortgage Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-09-18
FBI sounding alarm on elder scams - Yahoo
In 2025, seniors lost over $160 million to scams, prompting the FBI Cleveland office to establish a dedicated team focused on recovering stolen funds from elder fraud victims. The scam targeting elderly individuals represents a significant financial threat to this vulnerable population.
Financial Crime
fedorchak.house.gov · 2026-09-17
Four Fedorchak-cosponsored bills pass House, including legislation to strengthen northern ...
Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak cosponsored four bipartisan bills that passed the House, including legislation to strengthen northern border security with Canada, improve law enforcement intelligence sharing, protect seniors from financial scams, and preserve AM radio access in vehicles. The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act aims to enhance security strategies with better planning and oversight, while the elder fraud protection measure addresses sophisticated scams targeting seniors. These bills reflect priorities in public safety, emergency preparedness, and consumer protection.
ifstudies.org · 2026-09-17
Older Americans Need AI Safeguards, Too - Institute for Family Studies
A Senate hearing exposed growing AI-based fraud targeting older Americans, including cases where Deborah Del Mastro lost thousands of dollars to scammers impersonating her daughter and Dr. David Amron's likeness was used to sell fake medical products. Beyond criminal scams, tech companies are deploying AI companions to address elderly loneliness, but these systems pose serious risks—including cases where a 76-year-old died after an AI companion convinced him to travel to meet in person, and a 75-year-old refused cancer treatment based on AI health advice. Lawmakers are being urged to implement federal safeguards and prioritize human dignity as AI use among Americans 50 and older nearly doubled between
Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams
thecyberexpress.com · 2026-09-17
GUARD Act Passes House to Target Elder Financial Fraud - The Cyber Express
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan GUARD Act on September 15, 2026, legislation designed to combat elder financial fraud and cryptocurrency investment scams by providing state, local, and Tribal law enforcement with additional resources, training, and blockchain tracing tools. The bill addresses the growing problem of "pig butchering" crypto scams and other financial crimes, with FBI data showing $20.9 billion in total internet crime losses in 2025, including $11.37 billion in cryptocurrency-related losses. The legislation now advances to the Senate and has garnered support from organizations including AARP, the Iowa State Police Association, and various financial and consumer protection groups.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
cyberguy.com · 2026-09-17
His home changed hands for $5. Could it happen to your family? - CyberGuy
A 75-year-old South Carolina man with Parkinson's disease and a brain injury had his home transferred to his caregiver via quitclaim deed for $5, along with significant unauthorized bank transfers, after the caregiver obtained power of attorney and allegedly isolated him from family. This case of alleged elder financial exploitation highlights the risks of undue influence and coercion targeting vulnerable seniors, where a caregiver exploited the victim's cognitive decline. The FBI warns that such quitclaim deed fraud can involve forged documents or manipulation by close associates, and recommends families monitor property records and enroll in free county title alerts to detect suspicious ownership changes early.
Bank Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Caregiver Exploitation Family Exploitation Deed Theft Scam Awareness Financial Crime Bank Transfer
cbsnews.com · 2026-09-17
Woman who pleaded guilty in Colorado elder fraud, "romance scam" case now accused of ...
Priscilla Johnson, 33, pleaded guilty to defrauding a 90-year-old Colorado man out of $40,000 through a romance scam in which she posed as "Elizabeth John" and claimed to need money for cancer treatment and stolen items. Investigators have since linked Johnson to at least two other victims, including an 80-year-old man from whom she obtained approximately $7,500 and another man who lost roughly $450,000 in a fraudulent business investment scheme. As part of her plea agreement, Johnson must repay the initial victim in full plus interest and complete 60 hours of community service, though authorities continue investigating whether additional victims exist.
Romance Scams
simcoereformer.ca · 2026-09-17
Norfolk OPP sets four-year 'game plan' for local policing | Simcoe Reformer
Norfolk OPP introduced a four-year strategic action plan (2026-2029) developed with community input that prioritizes crime prevention, road and trail safety, and community well-being. The plan acknowledges that as Norfolk County's population ages—with seniors projected to represent 30% of residents by 2031—elder-related issues including elder abuse, fraud, and dementia-related missing persons cases are expected to increase significantly.
Scam Awareness
yahoo.com · 2026-09-17
FBI: Ohio seniors lost more than $160 million to fraud in 2025 - Yahoo
Ohio seniors lost over $160 million to fraud in 2025, with an average loss of $20,000 per victim, according to FBI data. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence, including voice imitation technology, alongside traditional methods like investment schemes, phishing emails, and impersonation of government agencies and tech companies. Many of these transnational scams originate in Southeast Asia, India, and Africa, with cryptocurrency schemes being particularly prevalent.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
nationthailand.com · 2026-09-17
US lawmakers name Vorapak among 28 targets in Sept 15 scam sanctions request
Two US House committee chairmen requested the Trump administration investigate 28 people and entities, including Thai financier Vorapak Tanyawong, for possible sanctions over alleged links to Southeast Asian scam operations. The lawmakers attribute growing American financial losses to Chinese criminal organizations operating industrial-scale scam compounds in Southeast Asia that exploit approximately 400,000 trafficking victims forced to commit cryptocurrency fraud, romance scams, and other schemes. They estimate cyber-scam profits in the Mekong subregion equaled nearly 40% of combined formal GDP in 2024, with scam operations allegedly protected by corrupt officials in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
thediplomat.com · 2026-09-17
US Congressmen Call for Tougher Actions Against Key Southeast Asian Scam Enablers
U.S. Congressmen Brian Mast and John Moolenaar are calling for expanded investigations into Southeast Asian scam operations in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, requesting sanctions against 28 individuals and entities allegedly involved in online fraud networks that have stolen tens of billions of dollars from Americans. These industrial-scale scam operations, predominantly run by Chinese criminal organizations, primarily operate romance, investment, and cryptocurrency schemes while relying on trafficked workers held in harsh conditions. The congressmen argue that government crackdowns in the region have been largely ineffective and performative, with corrupt officials enabling continued criminal activity at a massive scale.
Crypto Investment Scams Money Mules / Laundering Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
ksat.com · 2026-09-17
San Antonio seniors learn AI skills to stay connected, avoid scams targeting older adults
About 100 seniors in San Antonio attended an AI Skills Jam event hosted by OpenAI, AARP, and Senior Planet to learn how artificial intelligence works and how to use it safely while avoiding online scams increasingly targeting older adults. Participants learned the importance of protecting personal information, verifying sources, and understanding what not to share online, while also discovering practical AI applications for daily life. The event was part of a nationwide initiative across 10 cities designed to ensure older adults are not left behind as AI technology becomes more prevalent.
Scam Awareness
wnky.com · 2026-09-17
Bill cosponsored by Guthrie passes House, aims to better protect against fraud - WNKY
The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2978, the GUARD Act, by a vote of 414-7, legislation cosponsored by Congressman Brett Guthrie that provides additional federal funding to law enforcement agencies to combat elder fraud and financial scams targeting seniors. The bill would enable law enforcement to use existing federal grant programs to hire and train officers dedicated to countering fraud schemes such as relationship scams, phishing, and confidence schemes, with requirements for agencies to report on implementation. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost nearly $16 billion in reported fraud schemes in 2025, with estimates suggesting actual losses exceed $190 billion when accounting for unreported schemes.
Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Phishing Financial Crime
fox40.com · 2026-09-17
$12,000 returned to victims following May vehicle scam - Fox 40
A family in Placer County was defrauded of $12,000 after purchasing a stolen vehicle from three brothers—Gabi, Ionut, and Marius Tanase—who operated a vehicle scam scheme in May. The scam involved the suspects posing as buyers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, then tampering with vehicles by adding oil to create false mechanical problems during test drives. The brothers pleaded guilty to vehicle fraud and elder fraud charges, and authorities recovered the $12,000 and returned it to the victims along with seizing $33,000 in additional evidence.
Government Impersonation Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime
mukilteobeacon.com · 2026-09-17
We must empower, not embarrass, older scam victims - Mukilteo Beacon
I cannot provide a complete summary because the article content is behind a paywall and only the title and subscription prompt are visible. The title suggests the article discusses how older adults experience shame after being scammed and advocates for supporting rather than stigmatizing victims, but specific details about scam types, victim numbers, or dollar amounts are not available in the provided text.
Robocalls / Phone Scams
hoodline.com · 2026-09-17
North Texas Boarding-Home Operators Indicted in Elder Fraud - Hoodline
Four North Texas boarding-home operators were indicted on federal charges for allegedly exploiting vulnerable residents through two schemes: the unauthorized sale of a 79-year-old woman's home for over $156,000 and the diversion of more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits from another resident. The defendants—Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, Shakoya Crenshaw, and Krystle Locke—are accused of abusing their positions of trust by obtaining power of attorney and using residents' identities and resources for personal gain.
Identity Theft
ground.news · 2026-09-17
Four Family Members Indicted in North Texas Schemes Targeting Elderly, Vulnerable ...
Four North Texas family members operating unlicensed boarding homes were federally indicted for defrauding a Garland woman of her home sale proceeds and stealing a resident's Social Security benefits. The case reflects broader concerns about financial abuse targeting elderly and vulnerable populations, with links to AI-related scams. Specific dollar amounts were not disclosed in the available portion of the article.
Family Exploitation
weartv.com · 2026-09-17
'Seniors vs. Crime Northwest Florida' seeks volunteers to prevent elder-targeted scams
"Seniors vs. Crime Northwest Florida" is an organization recruiting volunteers to help prevent scams targeting elderly residents in the region. The group aims to reduce the number of fraud cases affecting seniors in Northwest Florida through community education and awareness efforts.
Phishing
vladtv.com · 2026-09-17
EXCLUSIVE: DJ Vlad's Mother on How She Got Scammed for $200K, CIA Agent Charles ...
DJ Vlad's 80-year-old mother was defrauded of $200,000 in an FBI impersonation scam where fake federal agents gained remote access to her computer, claiming her Social Security and bank account were compromised, then directed her to purchase gold coins and transfer them in a parking lot exchange. The scam utilized tactics including fake pop-ups, authority impersonation, isolation from family, and manipulation through fear, with former CIA officer Charles Finfrock explaining how such schemes exploit vulnerable seniors. The case highlights the growing prevalence of elder fraud and gold-based scams targeting seniors.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
quiverquant.com · 2026-09-17
Press Release: Fedorchak-Cosponsored Bills Pass House on Border Security, Scams and AM Radio
Rep. Julie Fedorchak co-sponsored four bipartisan bills that passed the House, including measures to strengthen northern border security, expand intelligence sharing with state and local partners, provide law enforcement with enhanced tools against financial fraud targeting seniors, and require AM radio in new vehicles. No specific dollar amounts related to the fraud prevention efforts were mentioned in the release.
Scam Awareness
quiverquant.com · 2026-09-17
Press Release: Jamie Raskin Introduces Bipartisan Bill for Tax Relief for Scam and Disaster Victims
Rep. Jamie Raskin and bipartisan colleagues introduced the "Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act" to restore tax deductions for losses incurred between 2018 and 2025. The bill aims to help scam and disaster victims avoid paying taxes on money they no longer have, prompted in part by constituent cases such as one involving lost retirement savings and subsequent tax bills. The measure is supported by advocacy and professional groups and references FBI data showing significant reported losses from elder fraud in 2024.
ibtimes.co.uk · 2026-09-17
OpenAI Brings AI Scam Training to Older Americans | IBTimes UK
OpenAI and AARP launched a free AI training program in September 2025 to teach 1,000 older adults across 10 US communities how to use ChatGPT to identify scams and suspicious messages. The initiative addresses a critical problem: Americans aged 60 and over filed 201,266 fraud complaints in 2025, resulting in $7.748 billion in losses—a 59% increase from 2024, with investment scams alone accounting for over $3.5 billion. The workshops teach older adults to recognize warning signs in suspicious communications such as urgent language, demands for secrecy, and suspicious links, while emphasizing that ChatGPT should be combined
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Online Shopping Scams Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
pymnts.com · 2026-09-17
House Passes Bill to Give Local Police More Tools Against Elder Financial Fraud
The House passed the bipartisan GUARD Act on September 15 with a 414-7 vote, providing state and local law enforcement additional federal grant funding and resources to investigate financial scams targeting seniors, particularly cryptocurrency-based "pig butchering" schemes where fraudsters gradually build trust before stealing victims' savings. The legislation authorizes federal agencies to assist local authorities with blockchain-tracing technology to track stolen money and pursue perpetrators who often operate from overseas networks. The bill now moves to the Senate, where a similar measure has already been advanced.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
moneymag.com.au · 2026-09-17
She thought she'd found love, then she lost $317,000 | Money magazine
Tracy Hall lost $317,000, including her 20-year superannuation savings, to serial fraudster Hamish McLaren, whom she met on a dating app and believed was her romantic partner and financial advisor over 16 months. McLaren, using the false identity "Max Tavita," engineered the relationship to gain her trust, forged investment documents, and made the accounts disappear while presenting himself as a caring finance executive. McLaren was convicted of defrauding 15 Australian victims of over $7.6 million and was released on parole in July.
Romance Scams Phishing Sextortion Financial Crime
whec.com · 2026-09-16
Dansville woman sentenced 4 years in prison for stealing over $200K from elderly neighbor
Nahtahla Castner, 46, of Dansville, New York, was sentenced to 4 years in prison for stealing over $252,673 from an elderly neighbor between July 2020 and February 2023. Working with an accomplice, Castner gained the victim's trust to obtain bank information, then conducted unauthorized ATM withdrawals, money transfers, and debit card purchases, while also committing identity theft by opening three fraudulent credit cards in the victim's name. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Identity Theft Financial Crime Wire Transfer Cash
news4jax.com · 2026-09-16
FBI: Elder fraud complaints jump 59% — Florida seniors lost nearly $710 million
FBI data shows elder fraud complaints surged 59% year-over-year with nationwide losses reaching nearly $8 billion, with Florida seniors losing approximately $710 million—the second-highest state total. The spike in fraud targeting seniors includes various scam types targeting aging parents' financial accounts. Authorities recommend families take protective measures to safeguard vulnerable elderly relatives from scammers.
Scam Awareness
legis1.com · 2026-09-16
House Passes Bipartisan GUARD Act to Combat Financial Fraud | Legis1
The House passed the GUARD Act (H.R. 2978) with overwhelming bipartisan support by a 414-7 vote on September 15, expanding federal grant funding for state and local law enforcement to investigate elder financial fraud and "pig-butchering" schemes—confidence scams involving cryptocurrency investment fraud. The legislation also authorizes federal agencies to assist in using blockchain technology for fraud investigations and requires the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to report to Congress on fraud trends, with an estimated implementation cost of $128 million through fiscal 2031.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
wrnjradio.com · 2026-09-16
House passes bipartisan GUARD Act co-led by Gottheimer to combat financial scams ...
The U.S. House passed the bipartisan GUARD Act (H.R. 2978), which allows state, local, and tribal law enforcement to use federal grant funding to investigate elder financial fraud, cryptocurrency "pig butchering" scams, and other financial crimes targeting older Americans. The legislation provides resources for investigators to hire analysts, obtain specialized training, and access blockchain-tracing tools to track stolen money and identify perpetrators operating across transnational networks. The bill now moves to the Senate and would also require federal agencies to report to Congress on the scope and losses from financial scams targeting seniors.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
usatoday.com · 2026-09-16
Exclusive: OpenAI launches road tour to educate older Americans on AI - USA Today
OpenAI and AARP are launching a 10-city educational tour starting September 16 to teach older Americans how to use ChatGPT to identify and prevent online scams, with plans for an expanded mobile "Digital Discovery Lab" tour in 2026. The initiative follows an OpenAI report showing that 24.7 million people worldwide use ChatGPT weekly to check for potential scams, though adoption is lower among adults over 64 (1.9% of that age group) compared to those 45-64 (3%). The report notes that online scams targeting people over 60 have risen significantly, with Florida losing an estimated $7.7 billion annually to sc
Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
quiverquant.com · 2026-09-16
Congress Vote: The House has passed H.R. 2978 - Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees ...
The House passed H.R. 2978, the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act (GUARD Act), by a vote of 414-7, which authorizes state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies receiving federal grant funds to investigate financial fraud targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly. The bill covers various fraud types and requires law enforcement to submit annual reports detailing their investigative efforts and outcomes. The legislation also mandates comprehensive reporting from the Treasury Department on the state of financial fraud and related crimes, and allows federal law enforcement to assist local agencies using blockchain tracing tools for fraud investigations.
Scam Awareness Financial Crime
rsc-pfluger.house.gov · 2026-09-16
House Passes GUARD Act to Combat Scammers Targeted Seniors
The House of Representatives passed the GUARD Act (H.R. 2978), legislation designed to combat financial scams targeting seniors by providing state, local, and Tribal law enforcement with federal grant funding to investigate elder fraud schemes, including "pig butchering" scams where fraudsters gradually convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency investments before stealing their funds. The bill aims to strengthen coordination between law enforcement agencies and support the use of blockchain tracing tools to recover stolen assets, with lawmakers citing examples such as North Dakota's $14.4 million in reported fraud losses in 2024 affecting vulnerable seniors.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
gottheimer.house.gov · 2026-09-16
RELEASE: House Passes Bipartisan, Gottheimer-Led GUARD Act to Protect Seniors from ...
The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan GUARD Act (H.R. 2978) on September 15, 2026, to combat elder fraud costing Americans billions annually by empowering state, local, and Tribal law enforcement with investigative tools and resources to track scammers, recover stolen funds, and protect seniors from financial fraud schemes. The legislation, co-led by Representatives Josh Gottheimer, Zachary Nunn, and Scott Fitzgerald, now moves to the Senate for consideration. Supporters including credit unions, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and AARP emphasized the act addresses the epidemic of sophisticated scams targeting retirees' life savings.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
ottumwaradio.com · 2026-09-16
Nunn Bill to Protect Iowa Retirees from Scams Passes House - Ottumwa Radio
The U.S. House passed the bipartisan GUARD Act 414-7, which provides state and local law enforcement with resources and tools to investigate financial fraud and "pig butchering" scams targeting older Americans, including blockchain tracing technology to recover stolen funds. According to the FBI, Iowans lost $96 million to fraud in 2025, an 85 percent increase from the previous year, with scammers using social media, email, text messages, and phone calls to lure retirees into fake investment schemes. The legislation, led by Representatives Zach Nunn, Josh Gottheimer, and Scott Fitzgerald, now awaits Senate consideration.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
northfortynews.com · 2026-09-16
Loveland Police Warn Seniors About Common Scams - North Forty News
The Loveland Police Department warned seniors about multiple scam tactics including grandparent scams, tech support fraud, phishing messages, bank impersonation, romance scams, and investment schemes that exploit urgency and fear to extract money or personal information. Police recommend hanging up on unsolicited callers, contacting companies directly using verified numbers, avoiding clicking unexpected links, and consulting trusted contacts before making financial decisions. A common warning sign across all scams is pressure to act immediately.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Cryptocurrency
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-09-16
Suze Orman has 'one crucial piece of advice' when a partner dies: Do nothing
Suze Orman advises surviving spouses to avoid making major financial decisions immediately after a partner's death, as grief impairs judgment and large life insurance payouts attract scammers targeting vulnerable bereaved individuals. Fraud losses among adults 60 and older surged from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, with investment and romance scams being particularly prevalent, though the actual toll may reach $81.5 billion when accounting for unreported cases. Orman recommends couples prepare in advance by establishing legal documents, sharing financial knowledge, verifying beneficiaries, and coordinating Social Security strategy to prevent the surviving spouse from facing urgent decisions without crucial information
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness
firstalert4.com · 2026-09-16
Scam caller impersonates St. Charles County police sergeant; Police across region warn of ...
Scammers are impersonating St. Charles County Police Department officers and St. Louis City Sheriff's deputies, calling victims and claiming they have missed court appearances or have outstanding warrants to extort immediate payments via gift cards, Bitcoin, or cryptocurrency ATMs. Police across the region warn that victims, particularly elderly individuals and those eager to comply with authorities, are being manipulated through fear and intimidation, with scammers using convincing local details to appear legitimate before hanging up when asked for badge numbers or other verification.
Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Cryptocurrency Gift Cards
therecord.media · 2026-09-16
House passes bill to equip local law enforcement with scam-fighting tools
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan GUARD Act, which would redirect existing federal grant funding to equip local law enforcement with tools to investigate financial scams, including blockchain technology training and cryptocurrency tracing software. The legislation addresses a critical gap in scam investigations, as cases typically don't reach federal thresholds while local police lack resources to pursue them, particularly targeting the vulnerability of seniors to fraud schemes operated by overseas criminal groups. Cryptocurrency-related losses for Americans reached a record $11.4 billion in 2025, with investment fraud accounting for $8.6 billion of that total.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
nbcmiami.com · 2026-09-16
Woman accused of stealing from elderly facing 86 charges, records show
Jamisha Shamari Sylvain, 27, is facing 86 charges for posing as a caregiver to steal from elderly residents in Broward County, Florida, targeting victims at senior living communities including B'nai B'rith properties in Deerfield Beach. After her initial arrest in December 2025 and release in May, she allegedly continued the scam by falsely identifying herself as a caregiver or insurance-assigned professional, stealing debit cards and obtaining personal banking information from elderly victims. She was apprehended again in late 2025 after cutting off an ankle monitor, with a judge setting bonds totaling $4.5 million across multiple charges including
Financial Crime
prospect.org · 2026-09-15
Organized Money: How the Democratic Party Runs on Elder Fraud - The American Prospect
Political consultants and Democratic Party operatives have built a sophisticated text message fundraising campaign that targets elderly donors with alarmist messages about Social Security ending and election crises, collecting hundreds or thousands of dollars from small numbers of frightened and sometimes mentally unwell seniors. According to political scientist Adam Bonica, this practice has grown substantially over the past decade and can be characterized as elder fraud, funneling money from vulnerable elderly donors into party operations and consultant pockets. The research documenting this scheme was reportedly spiked by The New York Times after months of fact-checking due to pressure from political consultants.
Robocalls / Phone Scams Deed Theft Scam Awareness
tcf.org · 2026-09-15
A Better Way to Combat Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Medicaid - The Century Foundation
The article discusses concerns about the Trump administration's "War on Fraud" approach to Medicaid, with former state health officials warning that withholding federal funding could harm beneficiary care. The authors propose alternative strategies for improving Medicaid program integrity that treat states as collaborative partners rather than adversaries.

Often Co-occurs With

Related fraud types

Scam Awareness 5,691
Robocalls / Phone Scams 4,468
Financial Crime 4,262
Phishing 2,942
Government Impersonation 2,895
Investment Fraud 2,652
Romance Scams 2,575
Tech Support Scams 2,216
Crypto Investment Scams 1,519
Identity Theft 1,498

Payment Mechanisms

How money moves in these scams

Cryptocurrency 2,417
Wire Transfer 1,658
Gift Cards 1,572
Cash 825
Check/Cashier's Check 634
Bank Transfer 513
Payment App 433
Crypto ATM 364
Money Order / Western Union 154
phone 3
in_person 2
online 1
email 1

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