▶ VIDEO
The Deshbhakt
· 2024-04-02
This video essay discusses political corruption allegations in India, focusing on how the BJP appears to avoid corruption charges while opposition parties face various scams and legal actions. The video then explains the 2G spectrum scam of 2008, where the Indian government allocated mobile spectrum to companies at artificially low prices through administrative allocation rather than auction, resulting in an estimated loss of 1.76 lakh crore to the national treasury—a controversy that contributed to the fall of the UPA government and led the Supreme Court to cancel 112 spectrum licenses in 2012.
**Note:** This is a political commentary/educational piece rather than a scam affecting individual elders, so it falls outside the typical scope of
▶ VIDEO
WREG News Channel 3
· 2024-04-09
Tennessee has reimbursed over $933,000 to SNAP benefit recipients whose EBT cards were fraudulently used through skimming, cloning, and phishing scams that drained thousands of accounts. Nearly 8,000 people submitted replacement requests since the state began accepting them in fall 2023, with approximately 78% of reviewed claims approved. The USDA reported over 162,000 fraudulent SNAP transactions nationally in fiscal year 2023 totaling $30 million, prompting calls for federal solutions including microchip technology and enhanced security measures on EBT cards.
▶ VIDEO
Eyewitness News ABC7NY
· 2024-07-29
**Social Security Scams Rise with New Account Access Option**
As the Social Security Administration launches a new way for people to access their accounts, scammers are exploiting the change using common tactics like phishing emails and threatening phone calls claiming Social Security numbers have been compromised or suspended. The SSA warns that legitimate access to Social Security is always free; any solicitation for payment, threats of arrest, account freezing, or demands for personal information are scam indicators and the agency will never contact citizens in this manner.
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NBC10 Boston
· 2024-11-01
During Medicare open enrollment season, scammers impersonate Medicare representatives and insurance agents to trick people into revealing personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking details, and Medicare ID numbers through unsolicited calls, texts, and phishing emails. The BBB has received frequent reports of these fraudulent schemes, which target millions of people seeking insurance plans and can result in identity theft or sale of personal data on the black market. Consumers should verify contacts by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, be wary of anyone offering limited-time enrollment offers, and avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited callers.
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FOX 2 St. Louis
· 2024-11-07
**Summary:**
Scammers target veterans by impersonating government representatives and fraudulently offering loan forgiveness, mortgage aid, or grants in exchange for upfront processing fees. Veterans and their spouses experience higher median losses to scams than average consumers, particularly through employment scams that exploit frequent military relocations. The BBB advises veterans to never pay upfront for loans or grants, never share personal information with unsolicited callers, and remember that the government communicates via mail only—never by phone, email, or social media.
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FOX4 News Kansas City
· 2024-12-20
During open enrollment season, scammers are targeting people with unsolicited robocalls and text messages offering free incentives like groceries or housing to enroll in health insurance, then requesting personal and financial information to "confirm eligibility." KC Care warns consumers to avoid these scams by only initiating enrollment themselves and working with licensed, trained insurance navigators rather than responding to unsolicited contacts, with free navigator services available through official channels like GetCovered.org (Kansas) and ShowMeCoverage.org (Missouri).
▶ VIDEO
WHNT News 19
· 2024-12-29
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and SNAP benefits theft scams have surged across Alabama, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources receiving thousands of reimbursement requests in November alone. A federal authorization that allowed replacement of stolen SNAP benefits expired on December 21, 2024, though the state indicated it would continue processing reimbursement affidavits for fraud incidents occurring on or before December 20th, leaving victims frustrated as new cases may no longer qualify for replacement funds.
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FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
· 2025-08-04
A Twin Cities woman fell victim to a sophisticated employment scam involving fake virtual interviews for a high-level executive position and forged company benefits documentation designed to collect her personal information and cash. The scam was remarkably elaborate, mimicking authentic company processes and going through multiple interview stages before the victim discovered the fraud and contacted the actual company being impersonated, which confirmed they were unaware of the scheme.
▶ VIDEO
WION
· 2025-09-04
An 80-year-old Japanese woman lost approximately $6,700 to a romance scam in which a fraudster posing as an astronaut stranded in space convinced her through social media chats that he needed funds for oxygen. Police identified this as part of a growing trend of romance scams targeting Japan's elderly and lonely population, with over 3,000 such scams reported in the first 11 months of 2024—more than double the 2023 total. Authorities have issued an advisory urging the public to report suspicious social media contacts demanding payment.
▶ VIDEO
NBC10 Philadelphia
· 2025-09-30
The National Cyber Security Alliance warns that scammers may impersonate government agencies like Social Security, Medicare, and SNAP through unsolicited texts, emails, or phone calls to solicit personal and financial information from victims. The government does not initiate contact to request such information, and people should hang up on suspicious calls and instead contact agencies directly or verify information through official channels.
ourtownny.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI and FTC reported that romance scams cost Americans $740 million to $1.3 billion in 2022, with 19,000 to 70,000 reported cases involving victims who were manipulated into sending money to online romantic partners they never met in person. Scammers use fake personas tailored to victims' preferences and employ various pretexts—including fake emergencies, investment opportunities, and shipping fees—to extract money, relying on anonymity and victims' emotional vulnerability to evade law enforcement. The FBI advises online daters to verify profiles, watch for isolation tactics and money requests, and cease communication immediately with suspicious contacts.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Joshua DeWitt, a 38-year-old Fayette County auto dealer, was sentenced to ten months in prison for conspiring with a co-conspirator to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds by filing false applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Paycheck Protection Program loans, sometimes on behalf of customers whom he told could use the funds to purchase vehicles from his dealership. DeWitt and his partner used the fraudulently obtained pandemic benefits totaling $60,022.50 to pay for vehicles, services, and personal expenses at their used car dealership, RC Auto.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
According to Experian's 2024 fraud report, AI-generated deepfakes, identity theft, and fake charity schemes are among the year's biggest scams targeting consumers and businesses, with nearly 70% of businesses reporting increased fraud losses and over half of consumers feeling more vulnerable to fraud than the previous year. The report identifies five major fraud threats: AI scams and deepfakes, weaker in-person bank identity verification, retail return fraud, synthetic identity fraud, and fake charitable campaigns—with deepfakes particularly empowering fraudsters to conduct more accessible and convincing attacks.
thefederalist.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have targeted Medicare's catheter benefit program in a massive fraud scheme, with beneficiary accounts billed for catheters rising ninefold from 50,000 to 450,000 in a single year, resulting in billions of dollars in fraudulent claims. Seniors reported being billed for catheters they never received or needed, yet despite complaints to Medicare from private entities, physicians, and state insurance offices dating back to July, the federal government failed to investigate or stop the fraud in a timely manner. The incident highlights systemic weaknesses in Medicare's fraud detection capabilities, particularly the program's reliance on private organizations to identify suspicious spending patterns rather than proactive government oversight.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office partnered with Winchester and Waltham Police Departments to host financial fraud awareness seminars for older adults, featuring presentations from federal prosecutors, the IRS, and U.S. Postal Service on common scams and protective measures. According to FBI data, victims over 60 experienced an 84% increase in losses from 2021 to 2022, totaling over $3 billion, with nearly 5,500 victims losing more than $100,000 each to schemes including tech support, romance, and sweepstakes scams.
fijitimes.com.fj
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with scammers creating fake online identities through social media to exploit victims emotionally and financially. Perpetrators gradually build trust with targets before requesting money under various pretexts (medical emergencies, travel costs, promised packages), and they commonly avoid video calls or in-person meetings. The scam affects people of all ages and backgrounds globally, with women reported as particularly vulnerable, though many cases remain underreported.
wesh.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting the confusion surrounding multiple medical bills from different providers following hospital visits, using counterfeit letterheads and logos to target victims with fraudulent invoices. Experts recommend verifying bills match insurance claims and explanation of benefits, obtaining prior authorizations and cost estimates upfront, and never paying bills without verification, as scammers often target small amounts to avoid detection and frequently operate offshore where prosecution is costly.
healthjournalism.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes—including grandparent scams, romance scams, and government impersonation scams—have become increasingly sophisticated through AI technology like deepfake videos and robocalls, making them difficult to distinguish from legitimate communications. In 2022 alone, approximately 88,000 people aged 60 and older lost $3.1 billion to fraud, with victims over 70 losing an average of nearly $42,000; scammers typically exploit emotions rather than intelligence, and experts advise victims and their families to watch for financial requests as the key indicator of fraud. The AARP Fraud Watch Network received nearly 100,000 calls last year from victims of all
gazettengr.com
· 2025-12-08
**Nigerian Romance/Sweepstakes Scam Targeting Elderly Americans**
Dotun Alonge, a 47-year-old Nigerian national living in Providence, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison as the fifth defendant convicted in a sophisticated fraud operation that defrauded elderly Americans across multiple states of over $1.7 million. The scam involved fabricated romantic relationships on social media and dating sites, fake sweepstakes winnings requiring upfront payments, and fraudulent rental property schemes to extract money from victims. Four other co-conspirators received sentences ranging from time served to 42 months, with joint restitution ordered at approximately
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This opinion piece from Which? highlights that fraud is the most common crime in England and Wales (40% of all crimes), with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics including fake celebrity endorsements, "recovery" scams targeting previous victims, advert cloaking, and recurring payment traps ("scamscriptions") that victims may not notice for months or years. The author advocates for a coordinated national response including appointing a dedicated fraud minister, strengthening the Online Safety Act, and requiring banks to reimburse victims of authorized push payment fraud, while consumers can protect themselves by staying informed about emerging scam tactics.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced a new Welfare Fraud Pretrial Diversion Program in March 2024, created jointly with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to allow first-time welfare fraud offenders to avoid criminal prosecution by paying full restitution instead. The program is available only to those with no prior welfare fraud convictions who defrauded the system for less than $10,000, allowing participants to repay stolen benefits on a negotiated payment plan while avoiding criminal convictions that could impact employment and housing prospects. The program received 31 cases within its first week of launch.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
National "Slam the Scam" Day highlights government imposter scams, the most prevalent consumer fraud type in 2023, which caused $2.7 billion in losses. Scammers impersonate Social Security officials via phone, text, and email to pressure victims into sending cash or gift cards by threatening arrest or promising benefit increases. Real government officials never threaten arrest for payment or request money transfers, and suspicious activity should be reported to the Social Security Administration or Federal Trade Commission.
blog.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration and its Office of Inspector General held their fifth annual "Slam the Scam" Day on March 7 to raise awareness about Social Security imposter scams, which remain among the most commonly reported government fraud schemes. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed caller IDs, fake documents, and threats of arrest to trick victims into sending cash, gift cards, or wire transfers or disclosing personal information. The agencies emphasized that Social Security will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or request credit card numbers, and urged the public to report scam attempts to oig.ssa.gov.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration warned of a 61.7 percent increase in reported scams between 2022 and 2023, with fraudsters using sophisticated tactics like impersonation, threats of benefit suspension, and demands for immediate payment to steal personal information and benefits from recipients. Scammers employ the "five P's" strategy (Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, Payment) and falsely claim to represent the SSA through fake letterhead, badge numbers, and social media imposter pages. Seniors aged 70-84 lost the highest average amounts ($14,459 per victim in Q3 2023), though those under 50 were statistically more likely to
midmichigannow.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan state health and insurance officials warned seniors about Medicare scams coinciding with the December 7 Open Enrollment deadline, where fraudsters impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information like Medicare ID numbers and Social Security numbers to make unauthorized plan changes. The agencies advised seniors never to share personal information with unsolicited callers, visitors, or online contacts, and to contact Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227 or Medicare.gov for legitimate coverage questions, noting that Medicare never calls or visits homes requesting personal information.
govexec.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece highlights warning signs of government imposter scams, particularly targeting Social Security beneficiaries and federal employees. The author shares a personal near-miss with a gift card scam impersonating a local NARFE president, then outlines four key red flags scammers use (impersonation, claiming problems/prizes, demanding immediate action, and requesting specific payment methods) and lists tactics Social Security will never employ, such as threatening arrest, demanding gift cards, or pressuring immediate payment. The article warns against a fraudulent phone number (888-353-9450) being used by scammers targeting federal employees and annuitants.
adirondackdailyenterprise.com
· 2025-12-08
Scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, are rising statewide through phone calls, social media, and online channels. Common scams include Social Security imposter schemes (threatening suspended benefits or arrest), gift card fraud (posing as government agencies), fake rental listings, and warrant payment demands, with scammers using fear, fake documents, and fraudulent letterhead to coerce victims into providing personal information or money. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity by hanging up and calling agencies directly, never sending gift cards or money to unknown callers, and reporting scams to relevant agencies like the SSA's Office of the Inspector General.
newbritainherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents at Middlewoods of Newington attended a scam awareness presentation led by local police officers to learn fraud prevention strategies. The event, organized by Chris Pisani of Fore Senior Benefits, focused on scams currently targeting seniors and provided residents with protective measures and information.
qns.com
· 2025-12-08
A Flushing man, Fei Liang, 39, was charged with scamming more than $600,000 from seniors across the country by impersonating Social Security Administration officials and bank representatives, convincing victims to wire money to accounts he controlled for "safekeeping." Following the charges, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and elected officials held community presentations at senior centers to educate older adults about common scams including government impersonation, sweepstakes schemes, tech support fraud, and the grandparent scam, emphasizing the importance of never sharing personal information with strangers and contacting authorities if contacted by potential fraudsters.
cibolacitizen.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General held the fifth annual "Slam the Scam" Day on March 7, 2024, to combat Social Security imposter scams that disproportionately target seniors and veterans. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs, fake documents, and threats of arrest to trick victims into sending cash, gift cards, or wire transfers by impersonating government officials, with veterans alone losing over $257 million to fraud in 2021. The SSA emphasized that legitimate contact never involves demands for immediate payment, threats, or requests for personal financial information, and urges the public to report suspicious activity to oig.ssa.gov
colorado.edu
· 2025-12-08
Employment scams targeting job seekers pose risks of identity theft and financial loss through unsolicited offers, fake interviews, social media impersonation, and requests for upfront payment. Red flags include vague job descriptions with grammatical errors, pressure to respond quickly, offers that seem too good to be true, and any request for money from applicants. Job seekers should verify opportunities through trusted platforms, research companies independently, trust their instincts, and contact Career Services or report suspicious activity to OIT if they encounter potential scams.
insider.govtech.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud cases increased 84% in 2022 with losses in the tens of billions of dollars, with pension systems particularly vulnerable as they digitize and store sensitive personal and financial information online. Advanced digital identity verification measures, including real-time cross-referencing of personal information against multiple data sources and verification of beneficiary death status, are essential to prevent fraudsters from diverting benefits and to ensure pension funds reach legitimate recipients. Implementing proactive identity verification technology can achieve high auto-approval rates for legitimate transactions while significantly reducing fraud and false positives in pension systems.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Social Security Scams and AI-Enabled Fraud**
Americans aged 60 and older reported $3.1 billion in scam losses in 2022, representing an 84% increase from the previous year, with 88,262 fraud complaints filed that year at an average loss of $35,101 per victim. Fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence to steal Social Security numbers and benefits by creating fake accounts, impersonating public figures through AI-generated videos, and manipulating personal records, with seniors particularly vulnerable due to accumulated savings and lower technological literacy. Experts advise verifying the legitimacy of Social Security communications and watching for AI-generation errors such
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors on Medicare are being targeted by "phantom billing" scams in which fraudulent health care providers and medical equipment companies submit unauthorized charges—such as urinary catheters—to Medicare accounts. Cases documented include Ann Midkiff of Indianapolis who was billed over $3,000 for catheters she never requested, and the scam has grown dramatically, with catheter charges jumping from affecting 40,000 patients in 2021 to over 450,000 by 2023. Experts recommend seniors regularly review their Medicare statements and immediately report suspicious charges by calling 1-800-MEDICARE, as such fraud costs the Medicare system approximately $60 billion annually.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Two retired Georgia law enforcement veterans with combined 75+ years of experience—Joe Gavalis and Dan Flynn—volunteer with the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force Foundation to combat elder fraud through training, education, and prevention work. They have facilitated over 60 law enforcement trainings and reached approximately 8,000 older adults with fraud prevention presentations covering common scams like credit card fraud, grandparent scams, and romance schemes. Their work addresses a critical gap, as Americans reported 2.6 million fraud incidents in 2023 with $10 billion in losses, with elder victims often experiencing catastrophic financial impact.
professionalpensions.com
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2020 and December 2023, fraudulent investment scams stole over £2 billion from UK investors, according to research by the Pensions Management Institute based on data from the City of London's Police National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. The research highlights the significant financial impact of investment fraud on UK investors during this four-year period.
moneyweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2020 and December 2023, investment scammers stole £2.6bn from nearly 100,000 people in the UK, averaging £13m per week and £26,773 per victim, according to research by the Pensions Management Institute. Boiler room fraud (fake stockbroker schemes) and Ponzi schemes were the most prevalent, accounting for £553m and £499m respectively, while 2023 was particularly severe with 26,740 people losing £527m to investment fraud.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scams targeting the 68 million American beneficiaries use five common tactics: impersonating SSA officials to steal personal information, falsely claiming benefits have been suspended, alleging overpayment and threatening legal action, promising automatic benefit increases that require activation, and offering fraudulent investment schemes to multiply benefits. The Social Security Administration advises recognizing scams by the four "P"s—scammers pretend to be official, present problems or prizes, pressure immediate action, and request specific payment methods—and remembers that SSA will never threaten arrest, demand personal information to activate benefits, or pressure immediate payment.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2020 and December 2023, investment fraud in the UK resulted in £2.6 billion stolen from 98,525 victims, with an average loss of £26,773 per person. Boiler Room fraud and Ponzi schemes were the most common types, accounting for £553 million and £499 million respectively, with 2023 marking the worst year at £527 million lost across 26,740 victims. The FCA advises people to be wary of unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and promises of unusually high returns as key warning signs of investment scams.
silive.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers have stolen tens of millions of dollars in SNAP benefits from EBT cardholders nationwide using card skimming devices placed on payment terminals and phishing scams. To protect themselves, users should inspect card readers for loose or mismatched faceplates, never share their PIN, and utilize the new ConnectEBT app feature that allows them to lock their cards when not in use. New York has approved nearly 12,000 stolen benefit claims and reimbursed over $6.1 million to victims through its benefit recovery program since August 2022.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between January 2020 and December 2023, investment fraud cost UK victims more than £2.6 billion across 98,525 cases, with an average loss of £26,773 per victim. Boiler Room fraud and Ponzi schemes were the most prevalent scams, stealing £553 million and £499 million respectively, with 2023 recording the highest number of victims (26,740) losing £527 million that year alone. The FCA recommends vigilance against red flags including unsolicited contact, pressure to act quickly, and promises of unusually high returns.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Pennsylvania is launching an educational campaign to combat Social Security fraud, which affected approximately 360,000 people through impersonation scams in 2021. The organization recommends protective measures including robocall-blocking applications, online account monitoring, and reporting suspicious activities to authorities, emphasizing that genuine unsolicited Social Security Administration contact is extremely rare. Victims of these scams face risks including identity theft, financial loss, and long-term challenges accessing credit and services.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security number impersonation scams are among the most common government impostor fraud, with criminals stealing over $100 million annually by pretending to be government officials and requesting personal or banking information. Scammers employ sophisticated tactics such as fake documents, fraudulent letterhead, and threatening calls claiming account suspension or benefit loss to pressure victims into disclosing sensitive data. The Federal Trade Commission recommends never trusting caller ID, never verifying personal information to unsolicited callers, and remembering that the SSA will never demand upfront payment via wire transfer, cash, or gift cards.
en.as.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior Medicare Patrol warns that Medicare scams are increasing, with fraudsters exploiting beneficiaries' failure to review account statements by charging for unrequested items like urinary catheters, diabetes supplies, and COVID-19 test kits. To protect themselves, Medicare beneficiaries should carefully review their monthly Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) or Explanations of Benefits (EOB), treat their Medicare card like a credit card, and report suspected fraud to the Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-877-808-2468 or 855-613-7080. Medicare will never contact beneficiaries unsolicited by phone to issue new cards or other services.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Sanda G. Frimpong, a 33-year-old former Army service member, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for running a romance scam in which he impersonated military officials, diplomats, and other personas to defraud victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars. One victim, a recently divorced woman, lost at least $100,000 to Frimpong's scheme using the alias "Tom Tanner." Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 and disproportionately target older adults and vulnerable populations, sometimes depleting life savings, retirement funds, and inheritances.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Army service member Sanda G. Frimpong, 33, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for operating a romance scam in which he impersonated military officials, diplomats, and other personas to defraud victims of hundreds of thousands of dollars, with at least one victim losing over $100,000 in cashier's checks. Frimpong was ordered to pay substantial restitution to his victims as part of a sentence that highlights the broader problem of romance scams, which cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 and often target vulnerable populations including elderly individuals and military veterans.
news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Sanda G. Frimpong, a 33-year-old Army service member stationed at Fort Bragg, was sentenced to over three years in federal prison for operating a romance scam in which he impersonated military officials, diplomats, and romantic interests to defraud victims. Frimpong used aliases and tricked at least one victim into sending $100,000 in cashier's checks following a recent divorce, and was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands in restitution. Romance scams cost American victims $1.3 billion in 2022, often targeting older adults and military veterans who lose retirement savings and life insurance to these schemes.
fayobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
Sanda G. Frimpong, a 33-year-old former U.S. Army specialist from Fort Bragg, was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for operating a romance scam and unemployment fraud scheme from 2019 to 2022 that defrauded thousands of vulnerable people, including elderly victims and military veterans. Frimpong and his conspirators impersonated romantic interests, diplomats, and military personnel to extract money from victims—including one person who lost $150,000—and laundered hundreds of thousands of dollars through bank accounts and contacts in Ghana, while also fraudulently obtaining over $100,000 in pandemic unemployment
pottsmerc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Association of Health Care Journalists reported that elder scams have become increasingly sophisticated through artificial intelligence, making them harder to distinguish from legitimate interactions. The AARP Fraud Watch Network received nearly 100,000 calls in 2023, and the National Council on Aging documented 88,000 fraud victims age 60+ in 2022 alone, losing $3.1 billion collectively. Common schemes include the grandparent scam (impersonation requesting wire transfers), romance scams (nearly 70,000 reported in 2022 with $1.3 billion in losses), government impersonation, tech support fraud, and voice recording scams, with
pensionsage.com
· 2025-12-08
A study by the Money and Pensions Service found that 71% of people using its Pension Guidance helpline felt more confident spotting and managing financial scams, with 83% feeling greater control over their finances. Among 833 service users in 2023/24, approximately £13.6 million was lost to financial crimes and scams (averaging £16,297 per person), with identity theft, bank account scams, and investment fraud being the most common types.
marca.com
· 2025-12-08
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission warned of a surge in phone scams targeting SNAP and TANF benefit recipients, where scammers spoof the Lone Star Card Help Desk's caller ID to trick victims into revealing their PIN, Social Security number, and date of birth under the false promise of new or increased benefits. HHSC emphasized that legitimate agency representatives never request sensitive information via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, and urged affected individuals to verify calls by hanging up and contacting the number on their Lone Star Card or reporting fraud to the OIG hotline.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Jackie Kirks, a 70-year-old in Long Beach, California, discovered that someone had used a card skimming device to steal over $4,000 from her SNAP food assistance account in December. Skimming schemes—where criminals install devices to read magnetic stripe data from payment cards at ATMs and stores—have surged since 2022 and disproportionately target welfare recipients because EBT cards use outdated magnetic stripe technology without the fraud protections and chip encryption standard on commercial credit and debit cards.
bridportnews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A Bridport husband and wife nearly fell victim to courier fraud after receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be their bank asking about their account details; they avoided losing money by being suspicious, contacting their bank directly, and alerting police. Dorset Police report this scam targets elderly and vulnerable people, with fraudsters posing as banks or police officers to convince victims to withdraw or transfer large sums of money for "safekeeping" due to alleged fraudulent activity on their accounts.
ca.movies.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A study of 644 older adults in the Chicago area found that 16.4% were vulnerable to government imposter scams, falling for a fictitious Social Security and Medicare benefits fraud attempt by providing personal information or Social Security numbers, while an additional 15.1% engaged but remained skeptical. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed that vulnerability to fraud affects many seniors regardless of cognitive status, though those with lower financial literacy and scam awareness were most susceptible. The findings underscore that elder fraud poses significant public health and economic threats, with victimization potentially leading to serious consequences including hospitalization and depression.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
Two Albany residents, Amber Diacetis (30) and Devin Zielinski (33), were arrested for allegedly stealing over $200,000 from an 86-year-old state pensioner by becoming his live-in caregiver and convincing him to let them manage his bills, which they failed to pay for four years while using the money for personal expenses. The victim's home went into foreclosure, his vehicle was repossessed, and he lived without utilities or plumbing while isolated and unaware of the theft. The case highlights a broader problem, as people over 60 experienced $3.4 billion in elder fraud losses in 2023, an 11%
insurancenewsnet.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 3-9) educates beneficiaries, caregivers, and families on how to prevent fraud that costs Medicare beneficiaries their medical identity, time, and stress. Common Medicare fraud schemes include charging for services not provided, misrepresenting diagnoses, and prescribing unnecessary tests, which can be prevented by opening and reading Medicare statements, reporting suspected fraud to the NY Senior Medicare Patrol (1-800-333-4374), and detecting unrecognized providers or services. The New York Senior Medicare Patrol provides free resources including My Health Care Trackers and certified counselors to help Medicare beneficiaries and their support networks protect against fraud, errors
sandhillsexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nebraska identified an impersonation scam using U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr's name, image, and title in fraudulent emails requesting payment from victims; several concerned citizens reported receiving the emails, but no financial losses occurred. The office advises recipients to avoid opening attachments or sharing personal information, and to report such emails to the FBI Tip Line and FTC Fraud Line, noting that the U.S. Attorney's Office only collects money for court-ordered restitution in criminal cases.
dav.org
· 2025-12-08
U.S. veterans reported $350 million in fraud losses in 2023, representing a $60 million increase from 2022, with over 74,000 fraud reports and a median loss of $577 per victim according to FTC data. The Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion (VSAFE) Act (H.R. 6452) was introduced to address this growing problem by establishing a dedicated scam and fraud evasion officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans identify, report, and prevent fraud. Veterans are twice as likely as the general population to fall victim to scams including identity theft, loans, and investment fraud, making this centralize
thecyberexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Malachi Mullings, 31, from Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering and conspiracy related to a fraud network that defrauded over $4.5 million from victims through business email compromise attacks, romance scams, and healthcare benefits fraud, including $310,000 diverted from a state Medicaid program and $260,000 from romance scam victims. Mullings was part of a 10-person conspiracy that caused more than $11.1 million in total losses by targeting Medicare, Medicaid programs, private health insurers, and vulnerable individuals. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023
wtkr.com
· 2025-12-08
In May, Newport News reported 511 cases of scammers attempting to steal SNAP benefits through fraudulent text messages directing recipients to click links and enter card information, leaving victims unable to access their food assistance funds. The Department of Human Services advised affected individuals to file claims at their local office, which take 7-10 days to process and restore missing benefits if approved.
afr.com
· 2025-12-08
James Charisiou, a former KPMG corporate finance advisor, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for orchestrating a $395 million fraud scheme targeting South Korean investors. Charisiou fraudulently solicited funds for a purported National Disability Insurance Scheme accommodation project by impersonating prominent Australian property executives including officials from Lendlease and Cbus Property. The elaborate scheme defrauded investors and shook Australia's property industry.
marketrealist.com
· 2025-12-08
Malachi Mullings, 31, from Sandy Springs, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for laundering over $4.5 million stolen through business email compromise (BEC) scams, romance fraud, and healthcare benefits fraud. Mullings opened approximately 20 shell company bank accounts between 2019 and 2021 to launder the proceeds, which he spent on luxury items including a Ferrari purchased with $260,000 fraudulently obtained from an elderly romance scam victim. His criminal network targeted businesses, healthcare programs, and vulnerable elderly individuals across the United States.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults, despite 88% using the internet, are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit fears and lack of technical knowledge to steal identities and money. The author, a 50-year finance professional, fell victim twice to tech support scams that tricked him into providing sensitive information including his Social Security number and credit card details. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints rose 14% recently with victims averaging losses of $33,915, and common scams targeting seniors include fake tech support calls, Medicare/health insurance fraud, internet pop-up viruses, and telemarketing schemes.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are targeting Australian Age Pension recipients with social media messages and online advertisements promising non-existent "bonus" payments of up to $1,800 from Centrelink, directing victims to fake websites designed to steal personal information. Services Australia warns seniors to only use official government websites and highlights multiple active scams affecting older Australians, including MyGov impersonation, Medicare fraud, fake disaster relief, COVID-19 schemes, and deepfake investment scams that have caused significant financial losses. The Australian government has allocated $67.5 million over four years to combat scamming, but individuals must remain vigilant about unsolicited messages and suspicious links.
indy100.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old pensioner lost his entire life savings of $715,000 in a romance scam after connecting with someone claiming to be a 37-year-old Chinese woman on LinkedIn. The scammer built an emotional relationship with the victim over months, using flattery and guilt-tripping messages to convince him to transfer his money, then disappeared once the transaction was complete. The victim reported the case to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
employeebenefits.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Research from WEALTH at work found that over one-third (34%) of people who lost money to scams in the past year fell victim to multiple scam types. The most common scams involved purchase fraud (27%), investment schemes (19%), impersonation of friends or family (18%), fake bank account compromise claims (18%), and tech support fraud (15%), with other prevalent schemes including romance scams, pension fraud, tax refund scams, and lottery scams.
moneymarketing.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Fraud affects one in 17 people in the UK and comprises 38% of all crime, according to an Anti-Money Laundering Professionals Forum. The article outlines seven increasingly sophisticated fraud types targeting victims: impersonation fraud (posing as banks or authorities), social media fraud (fake websites and phishing), cryptocurrency investment scams (promising false high returns), courier fraud (impersonating officials to extract money), romance fraud (building fake relationships to steal assets), investment fraud (promoting worthless overseas properties or shares), and payment diversion (using nearly-identical email addresses to redirect payments). Pension providers and authorities must work together to combat these scams through reporting and vigilance.
saga.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Four people over 50 are victims of fraud every minute in the UK, according to Age UK research, yet most cases go unreported due to stigma and shame surrounding fraud victimization. The article identifies common scams targeting older adults including QR code fraud (fake codes redirecting to fraudulent payment sites), ATM skimming (devices that capture card details and PINs), and card trapping, while emphasizing that fraud is a crime of manipulation by criminals rather than a reflection of victim vulnerability. Experts recommend checking for tampered codes, protecting PINs at ATMs, reporting suspicious activity, and learning to recognize warning signs across emails, social media, phone calls, and in-person interactions
fox61.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, in which fraudsters pose as IRS or other government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers pressure victims into immediate payments via gift cards or wire transfers by threatening arrest or promising false refunds, often using spoofed caller IDs and creating false urgency. The IRS recommends hanging up on unexpected calls, contacting IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 to verify communications, and remembering that the IRS initiates contact primarily through mail and never demands payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
federalnewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating federal agencies caused Americans to lose approximately $1.3 billion in the past year, with financial losses surging over sevenfold since 2019. Generative AI technology, particularly voice cloning, has made these impersonation scams more convincing and successful, with criminals posing as Medicare, IRS, law enforcement, and other federal officials to pressure victims into disclosing sensitive information or paying fraudulent fees. The article emphasizes that federal agencies need enhanced tools and tactics to combat these evolving threats, as these scams exploit public trust in government institutions.
boredpanda.com
· 2025-12-08
A Spanish woman lost approximately €700,000 ($750,000) to scammers posing as actor Keanu Reeves through an AI-generated fake profile that initially built trust through romantic messages on social media. Over multiple interactions, the imposter convinced the victim to make 16 money transfers under the pretense of funding a private jet, computer equipment for John Wick 5 scripts, and Bitcoin investments, forcing her to pawn possessions and borrow money from family. The scam combined romance fraud tactics with false investment promises, exploiting the victim's trust in the fabricated relationship.
azbigmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, with AARP estimates suggesting adults over 60 lose more than $28 billion annually to fraud. Older adults are targeted for their access to substantial savings, available time, and sometimes limited online safety knowledge, with common scams including gift card/refund schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency investment frauds. Protective measures include verifying communications, guarding personal information, remaining skeptical of unsolicited money requests, and maintaining open communication with trusted networks and caretakers.
tacomaweekly.com
· 2025-12-08
Since April 2022, Washington State's DSHS has tracked a surge in EBT card scams affecting 9,000 SNAP recipients, resulting in $5.5 million in total losses with an average loss of nearly $600 per household. To address this fraud, DSHS has processed over 8,000 claims and replaced $3 million in stolen benefits, while launching a multilingual education campaign translated into 15 languages to help immigrant and refugee communities recognize scam warning signs and protect their EBT card information.
backendnews.net
· 2025-12-08
Online Alerto, a Facebook community page, serves as an educational resource to help users in Southeast Asia recognize and avoid romance scams through shared experiences and digital literacy guidance. The platform identifies common red flags in love scams—such as rapid declarations of love, requests for money, avoidance of in-person meetings, and attempts to isolate victims—along with manipulation tactics scammers use. Online Alerto recommends protective strategies including reverse image searches, video call verification, social media consistency checks, and use of dating app identity verification features to help users safely navigate online dating.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission charged two groups of defendants with operating nationwide unauthorized billing scams that defrauded consumers out of millions of dollars. The defendants advertised "free" CBD and Keto personal care products, then secretly enrolled consumers in unwanted continuity plans and repeatedly charged their bank accounts without consent, while also using shell companies to launder credit card payments. The complaint names six defendants and entities: Harshil Topiwala, Kirtan Patel, and their companies (Legion Media LLC, KP Commerce LLC, Pinnacle Payments LLC), as well as Manindra Garg and Sloan Health Products LLC, with charges including violations of the F
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, according to FBI IC3 data. Criminals obtained victims' personal information through data brokers and used it to perpetrate tech support scams (18,000 victims, $589.8 million lost), investment fraud (6,400 victims, $1.2 billion lost), and romance scams (6,700 victims, $356.9 million lost). The article advises seniors to use data removal services, place fraud alerts with credit agencies, and remain cautious of phishing
ibsintelligence.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered fraud is escalating rapidly, with deepfake fraud attempts jumping 3,000% year-over-year in 2023 as malicious actors exploit accessible generative AI tools to conduct sophisticated scams at scale. Key emerging threats include deepfakes targeting high-profile figures and biometric systems, increasingly convincing phishing and smishing attacks that exploit AI-generated authentic-appearing content, and social engineering schemes leveraging AI—all of which require businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and deploy AI-based defensive systems to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.
bernama.com
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia's elderly population faces significant digital literacy gaps, with only 3.4% of those aged 60+ using the internet in 2020, making them vulnerable to scams and unable to access essential services. Senior citizens lost RM552.5 million to internet fraud between 2021-2023, highlighting the urgent need for targeted digital literacy programs that teach password security, phishing identification, and safe online practices. Improving digital skills among older adults would reduce fraud victimization while enabling them to access healthcare, maintain social connections, and participate in modern society.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington residents lost $5.5 million in electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card reader scams over two years, affecting approximately 9,000 people who receive food assistance and other government benefits, with an average loss of nearly $600 per household. The scams involved thieves placing devices on card-reading machines to steal benefit information, with most fraudulent transactions occurring out of state through card cloning. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has reimbursed $3 million in stolen benefits and encourages affected residents to report losses within 30 days by calling the agency or visiting an office.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 31-year-old IT engineer in Pune lost Rs 96.57 lakh (approximately $11,600 USD) to an online share trading scam between April and May after clicking a social media link that added him to a messenger group promising 1,000% returns on stock investments. The fraudsters used a fake trading app showing inflated profits and requested repeated deposits, claiming additional funds were needed for withdrawals; when the victim tried to withdraw money, he realized the fraud and filed a complaint with police. This case is part of a surge in online share trading fraud cases reported in Pune over five months, with scammers targeting victims through social media advertisements and posing as employees of
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo proposed legislation that would impose jail sentences of three to six years and fines of at least P500,000 on scammers who target senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) through internet and telecommunications fraud. The bill aims to protect vulnerable populations who depend on pensions and savings and are frequently victimized by fraudsters and criminal syndicates. Tulfo cited numerous complaints from elderly and disabled victims whose life savings have been depleted through scams.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how artificial intelligence is being weaponized by scammers to create more sophisticated and convincing frauds. Scammers are using AI tools including deepfakes, voice cloning, and chatbots to personalize attacks, automate victim targeting, and make deceptive content more realistic and harder to detect. The article emphasizes that awareness of these emerging AI-powered scam tactics is essential for protecting oneself from increasingly advanced fraud schemes.
nerdwallet.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines key strategies for avoiding financial scams, noting that 54% of Americans have experienced scam attempts in the past two years, with 18% losing money (median loss of $325, though 32% lost $1,000 or more). Experts recommend four main protective measures: hanging up and contacting companies directly using verified numbers, enabling multifactor authentication and monitoring accounts weekly, familiarizing yourself with common scam types, and recognizing that anyone—regardless of education or income level—can fall victim to fraud.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by impersonation scammers who pose as the IRS, family members, or trusted businesses to steal money or personal information. The IRS warns taxpayers to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming money is owed, and to recognize red flags such as requests for payment via gift cards, threats of arrest, and pressure for immediate action—none of which the legitimate IRS employs. Scammers exploit age-related vulnerabilities and use technology like caller ID spoofing to gain credibility, making education about these tactics essential for protecting older adults.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
As of June 30, 2023, Zelle's operator Early Warning Services implemented new reimbursement rules for certain qualifying imposter scams following pressure from federal lawmakers; however, fraud victims report still being denied reimbursements. Amalia Speedone lost $3,452 after scammers impersonated Bank of America, tricked her into sending money via Zelle, and her bank initially refused to help, illustrating the ongoing vulnerability of the near-instantaneous and irreversible payment platform to social engineering attacks.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams are increasingly sophisticated and targeting vulnerable job seekers, particularly in tight labor markets like the U.K. which had 904,000 vacancies in May 2024. Experts warn job hunters to avoid offers with vague descriptions, too-good-to-be-true promises, suspicious website URLs, poor communication quality, unsolicited job offers through social media, and any listings requiring upfront payments.
harrowonline.org
· 2025-12-08
An elderly man was scammed at Northwick Park Hospital on July 3rd, 2024, when a fraudster posing as a parking attendant (wearing a hospital high-visibility jacket) convinced him to pay parking fees using a mobile card machine in his vehicle. The scammer obtained the victim's card details and stole his wallet, resulting in the loss of two debit cards, £80 in cash, and fraudulent transactions. Police advise the public to only pay official hospital parking machines or kiosks and to verify parking attendants' credentials before providing payment or personal information.
newsmirror.net
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lost over $3 billion to scams in 2023, with losses reaching $1.6 billion in just the first five months of 2024, representing a significant increase year-over-year. Older adults are particularly vulnerable targets because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings, and good credit, making them attractive to con artists. Common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (where scammers pose as romantic partners to extract money) and tech support scams (where fake pop-ups trick victims into calling numbers and granting remote computer access).
ctnewsjunkie.com
· 2025-12-08
**Not an Elder Fraud Summary**
This article does not contain information about elder fraud, scams targeting seniors, or elder abuse. It is an opinion piece advocating for minimal regulation of peer-to-peer payment platforms like Zelle, arguing that proposed Senate oversight would harm small businesses and community banks. While the piece mentions fraud investigations on these platforms, it does not describe specific scams, victims, or cases relevant to the Elderus database.
yourdailyjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Hamlet Senior Center hosted a fraud prevention symposium led by North Carolina Attorney General's Office investigator Luke Perrin to educate seniors on recognizing and avoiding scams. Perrin addressed common misconceptions—such as the false belief that only elderly people are targeted—and provided practical advice including how to identify suspicious emails and phone calls, the importance of using credit cards over debit cards for online purchases, and warnings about social media scams that use fake surveys to steal security question answers. The event drew a standing-room-only crowd, prompting the Senior Center Director to plan additional fraud prevention programs for the broader community.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Louisiana physician, Adrian Dexter Talbot, was convicted of illegally distributing over 1.8 million doses of Schedule II opioids and defrauding health care programs of more than $5.4 million. Talbot operated a clinic that dispensed prescriptions for cash without proper patient examinations, pre-signed prescriptions while working elsewhere, falsified patient records, and allowed individuals to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield for prescriptions written without medical necessity. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count and sentencing is scheduled for October 23.
disb.dc.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational resource from DISB (District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking) provides information on common scam types to help consumers protect themselves during financial transactions. The tracker includes detailed examples of advance fee scams, affinity scams by licensed professionals, and credit card phishing scams, with specific case narratives and protective strategies such as verifying information directly with legitimate agencies and being cautious of unsolicited financial offers.
dailydodge.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission received over 192,000 fraud reports from military consumers (active service members, veterans, retirees, and families), resulting in $477 million in total losses, with nearly one-third of reports involving actual financial loss. The most common scams targeting this population included imposter scams, online shopping fraud, investment schemes ($147 million from under 4,000 reports), identity theft (over 39,000 reports), housing scams, and fake government benefits schemes. Wisconsin officials emphasized that military consumers are disproportionately targeted by scammers and highlighted July as Military Consumer Protection Month to raise awareness.
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting vulnerabilities in EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards used for SNAP benefits by tampering with card readers to skim account information, targeting vulnerable government assistance recipients whose cards lack modern security features like EMV chips. The article provides protective measures including shopping at larger retailers with better security, safeguarding PIN information, inspecting card readers for tampering, using online shopping options, monitoring account balances regularly, and reporting suspected fraud to state authorities promptly.
nextgov.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched VSAFE.gov, a new website and call center platform designed to help veterans and their families identify, avoid, and report scams targeting benefits, identity theft, and education fraud. The initiative was spurred by a surge in predatory schemes targeting veterans following the 2022 PACT Act expansion of benefits and healthcare services, with lawmakers pressing the VA to strengthen its anti-fraud protections. The platform consolidates resources from multiple federal agencies including the FTC, FCC, and Social Security Administration to provide veterans with fraud prevention tools and reporting assistance.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a methodology and informational guide from Forbes Advisor explaining how they evaluate and rank credit cards, including their criteria for assessing over 400 cards across categories and their process for selecting top offers based on annual fees, rewards rates, welcome bonuses, and consumer protections. This content is financial product comparison material and falls outside the scope of Elderus, which focuses on fraud and elder abuse research.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about cryptocurrency scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, which exploit victims' unfamiliarity with digital currencies. Common scams include investment schemes promising high returns with zero risk, impersonation scams claiming account fraud or legal issues that can only be resolved via cryptocurrency transfer, and blackmail scams threatening to release compromising information unless paid in Bitcoin. The Attorney General advises Arizonans to verify caller information independently, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests, recognize that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment, protect personal information, consult trusted family members before financial decisions, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Willie D. Watts, 42, of Clarksville, was sentenced to eighteen months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining $125,753.90 in federal benefits from 2014 to 2021 by falsely claiming her three children lived with her and were eligible for Section 8 housing vouchers, SNAP, Social Security Survivors benefits, and Medicaid. Watts also concealed ownership of a house and rental income, and had previously committed nearly identical fraud in Kentucky (2011-2013), stealing over $30,000 before continuing the scheme in Indiana despite her Kentucky conviction.
iid.iowa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies six common scams targeting Iowa storm victims: FEMA impersonation scams, contractor fraud (storm chasers), fake charities, insurance claim scams, phishing communications, and identity theft. The article provides preventative measures for each scam type, including verifying credentials, obtaining multiple estimates, researching charities through watchdog organizations, contacting insurance companies directly, and freezing credit. Resources provided include the Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Insurance Division, and FEMA fraud hotline for reporting suspected fraud.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert about cryptocurrency scams targeting consumers through investment schemes, impersonation fraud, and blackmail extortion. Scammers use phone calls, emails, social media, and dating apps to pose as investment managers, government officials, or love interests to trick victims into buying and transferring cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends verifying caller information independently, remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, never sharing personal information with unknown callers, consulting trusted individuals before major financial decisions, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
communitycare.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational guide from Community Care Inform Adults outlines best practices for social workers protecting vulnerable adults from scams, which are recognized as financial abuse under the Care Act 2014. Key recommendations include treating scams as safeguarding concerns, working multi-agency with police and trading standards, acting quickly to prevent escalation, assessing mental capacity, and developing comprehensive risk assessment and protection plans in partnership with clients. The guide notes that 73% of UK adults have been targeted by scams, with 35% (19 million people) losing money, yet fewer than one-third report the crime to authorities.
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection released fraud prevention guidance for older adults, noting that financial exploitation is the most prevalent form of elder abuse. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crime Report, adults aged 60 and older lost at least $3.4 billion annually to fraud, with investment scams accounting for over $1 billion of those losses—a 38% increase from 2022. The agency advises seniors to recognize red flags in investment and reverse mortgage scams, conduct independent research before committing funds, and avoid unsolicited financial contacts.
odt.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
Bryce Gray, a 74-year-old retired engineer in New Zealand, lost $22,500 in June to a NZ Post phishing scam while selling a bedside clock on Facebook Marketplace. A scammer posing as a buyer provided a fraudulent link claiming to be from NZ Post, and when Gray clicked it, scammers gained access to his banking credentials and made two large unauthorized withdrawals. After 10 weeks of dealing with fraud recovery, his bank (BNZ) initially recovered $3,000 and later provided a full reimbursement through a goodwill payment.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment fraud targeting older adults is growing significantly, driven by emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence that make scams increasingly sophisticated and convincing. According to Kathy Stokes, AARP's director of fraud prevention, Americans lost a record $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023, with crypto-related schemes and AI-enabled fraud posing particular threats to financial security. Stokes emphasizes the importance of education and awareness as key protective measures for older adults vulnerable to these evolving fraud schemes.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational podcast features AARP's Kathy Stokes discussing how to protect oneself from investment fraud, with particular focus on growing threats from cryptocurrency-related scams and the use of artificial intelligence by fraudsters. The piece emphasizes identifying warning signs of investment fraud and provides resources including AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) and guidance on recognizing common scam tactics targeting investors of all ages, though older adults face heightened risk.
decripto.org
· 2025-12-08
Lise Frappier, a 62-year-old Ottawa resident on disability benefits, lost nearly $70,000 to a romance scam and subsequent recovery scams between 2022 and 2024. A scammer posing as a U.S. Army worker gained her trust via Facebook and manipulated her into sending money through gift cards and Bitcoin; after the initial fraud ended, a second scammer exploited her desperation by offering fake recovery services and extracting an additional $20,000+ before disappearing. The case illustrates a broader trend in Canada where romance scams caused over $59 million in losses in 2022 alone, with vulnerable seniors particularly targeted,
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Penny Mashburn signed up for magazine subscriptions thinking she was supporting a school fundraiser, but the scam led to years of telemarketer harassment and charges that escalated from $39 to $199 per subscription across multiple companies, ultimately costing her much of her savings. Penny and her sister Nancy's investigation into the fraud helped expose a 20-year conspiracy that defrauded over 150,000 victims nationwide of millions of dollars, ultimately leading them to testify in federal court to help shut down the operation.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
More than $500,000 was stolen from North Carolina's Food and Nutrition Services program in late August and early September 2024 through phishing scams and credit card fraud targeting EBT cards, with over $2.7 million reported stolen through similar schemes since October 2022. The theft particularly impacts vulnerable families with children and seniors who depend on these benefits for grocery purchases. Authorities recommend FNS participants check balances frequently, use strong PINs, monitor accounts for suspicious activity, and contact their local county social services to request replacement benefits if compromised.
witl.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan residents are being warned about three Amazon Prime Day scams: fake text messages impersonating Amazon to steal personal information, phishing messages falsely claiming Prime membership cancellation requiring payment, and account suspension scams using fraudulent links to compromise account access. Experts advise verifying any Amazon communications directly through the official app or website and never sharing personal details via unsolicited texts or calls.
globalsecuritymag.fr
· 2025-12-08
The 2024 NICE Actimize Fraud Insights Report reveals a significant shift in fraud tactics, with fraudsters increasingly targeting investment and romance scams while moving away from account takeover fraud toward authorized fraud schemes. Investment and romance scams pose heightened consumer risk, while authorized fraud and domestic wire fraud continue to rise globally, though attempted fraud increased 6% in volume but decreased 26% in value. The report, based on analysis of billions of transactions, highlights the need for sophisticated fraud prevention technologies, particularly for web-based P2P transactions which show fraud rates 5 times higher than mobile-based transactions.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC reported $10 billion in total consumer fraud losses (up $1 billion from 2022), with older adults losing $3.4 billion according to FBI data, driven primarily by imposter scams, investment fraud (up 400% since 2021), and tech support scams despite scam types remaining largely consistent with previous years. The Senate Special Committee on Aging released its ninth annual fraud book highlighting that common scams targeting seniors include imposter, sweepstakes, lottery, cryptocurrency, and AI-enabled schemes, with tech support scams causing nearly $590 million in losses and investment scams topping $1.2 billion. Between June
couriernews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Russellville Police Department warns that elderly individuals are increasingly targeted for financial crimes, with an estimated 37 percent of telemarketing fraud victims being seniors. The article attributes this trend to the growing aging population and seniors' accumulated resources, while advising elders to report crimes, remember that "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," and contact local police before committing to suspicious offers.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Moira Stuart, a 75-year-old BBC News presenter, fell victim to a sophisticated phone scam where fraudsters impersonated her bank and instructed her to transfer money to catch an alleged "inside job" at her branch. A vigilant bank cashier prevented her from losing thousands of pounds by questioning the transaction and alerting the bank's anti-fraud team. Stuart publicly shared her experience to combat the shame surrounding fraud victimization and to raise awareness, noting that nearly three million instances of bank fraud costing £1.2 billion were recorded the previous year, with authorized fraud victims losing an average of nearly £2,000.
thecourierexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 50 seniors attended a Scam Jam educational seminar in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, presented by state and local officials to teach fraud prevention and recognition of common scams targeting elders. Presenters highlighted increasingly sophisticated scams including voice cloning via AI, fake tech support calls requesting gift card payments, and impersonation schemes, emphasizing that victims should contact police immediately when suspicious and never provide personal information or payment via non-traditional means like gift cards. A recent local case was cited where timely police contact prevented a $30,000 loss to a potential victim.
businesstoday.in
· 2025-12-08
India's digital transformation has increased online scam targeting, with cybercriminals particularly exploiting elderly pensioners through impersonation schemes. The Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) warned that fraudsters are impersonating government officials and contacting pensioners via WhatsApp, email, and SMS, falsely claiming pension payments will be stopped unless they complete forms and share personal information like PPO numbers and bank details. Authorities advise pensioners to verify communications directly with relevant agencies, resist artificial urgency tactics, and report suspicious activity to prevent financial fraud.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old woman from Chennai lost ₹1 crore in a FedEx scam involving impersonation by fraudsters posing as police/CBI officers who falsely accused her of illegal activities and instructed her to transfer funds for verification. Between January and August, Chennai's cybercrime unit registered over 250 cases including 45 FedEx scams and 80 online trading frauds, predominantly affecting high net-worth elderly individuals, prompting authorities to launch awareness campaigns through SMS, awareness camps, and partnerships with pensioners' and residents' associations.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Abilash Kurien, Vice President of International Cargo Airline Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for his role in a decade-long fraud scheme that defrauded the company of more than $32 million in revenue. Kurien personally received over $7 million in kickbacks from vendors in exchange for ensuring they received favorable business arrangements, and was ordered to forfeit $7.2 million and pay $23 million in restitution. The scheme involved at least 10 senior executives and employees at Polar and its vendors and operated from 2009 through July 2021.
futurescot.com
· 2025-12-08
Research in Scotland revealed that 400,000 older people have been targeted by online scams, prompting the Cyber and Fraud Centre to relaunch a safety guide addressing cryptocurrency scams, fake calls/emails, and text message fraud. The Cyber and Fraud Hub has handled approximately £250,000 in cryptocurrency fraud cases across all age groups while preventing around £60,000 from reaching scammers, with older adults identified as particularly vulnerable due to lower technology familiarity and greater trust in unsolicited contacts. The guide recommends that seniors remain cautious of unexpected communications, protect personal information, be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true, and discuss finances with trusted individuals.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Tonya Denise Brown, a 48-year-old licensed practical nurse at Tangipahoa Parish Jail, was indicted on nine federal counts in September 2024 for defrauding vulnerable populations. Her schemes included soliciting money under false promises of assistance with criminal cases and disaster benefits (targeting hurricane victims), misusing a notary's identity to defraud FEMA rental assistance and HUD's Restore Louisiana programs, and illegally selling controlled substances including oxycodone online. Additionally, she was charged with making false statements to the FBI and lying to a judge, with potential sentences ranging from 5 to 30 years depending on the charges.
metro.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Co-operative Bank experienced a widespread outage of its mobile app and online banking services beginning around 1:30pm, preventing customers from accessing their accounts and prompting complaints on social media; the bank apologized and stated it was working to resolve the issue. The article also covers unrelated banking news including proposed government measures to extend fraud investigation time for suspicious transactions to 72 hours to better protect consumers from scams like romance fraud.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two individuals—Darryl Lamont Young and Aqeelah Ngiesha Williams—were indicted for defrauding seriously ill veterans between December 2021 and April 2023. Young, calling from correctional facilities, posed as a VA employee to obtain personal and banking information from patients at medical facilities, which he and Williams then used to steal approximately $8,000 from over 60 victims across more than 30 facilities through 130 fraudulent transactions. Both defendants face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, carrying potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
timesnownews.com
· 2025-12-08
Pensioners are increasingly targeted by scammers impersonating Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) officials who send fraudulent WhatsApp messages and fake forms, threatening to suspend pension payments if recipients do not comply. To protect themselves, pensioners should verify the authenticity of any government communications and remember that legitimate government offices do not request personal details through informal channels like WhatsApp.
newsbytesapp.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in India are impersonating Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) officials and targeting pensioners through WhatsApp, sending fake forms and threatening to halt pension payments to extract sensitive information including bank account details and Pension Payment Order numbers. Pensioners can protect themselves by remembering that government agencies never request such personal information via WhatsApp or phone calls, and should verify any suspicious communications by contacting official agencies directly using verified contact numbers. Reporting these scams to authorities is critical to prevent further victimization of vulnerable senior citizens.
fox10tv.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old man from Georgia was arrested for financially exploiting an elderly Fairhope woman who lost over $100,000 after he gained access to her banking information, installed malicious software on her devices, and used fear tactics to pressure her into payments following a vehicle purchase. The case highlights how seniors are vulnerable to various online scams including tech support fraud, Medicare schemes, and grandparent scams, particularly during Medicare's open enrollment period. Resources like the Senior Medicare Patrol and Better Business Bureau can help verify legitimacy of communications and prevent elder fraud.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Maureen Gunn, 66, from East Lothian, Scotland, lost approximately £50,000 in a romance scam involving a fake UN Navy captain she met on Facebook, then stole nearly £15,000 from her 89-year-old mother's bank account to continue funding the scam. As her mother's primary carer with power of attorney, Gunn made unauthorized withdrawals and transfers over three years before family members discovered the theft and contacted police. She pleaded guilty to embezzlement and received a three-year supervision order, 140 hours of community service, and was ordered to repay £14,521.60 at £150
kgun9.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare open enrollment (October 15 - December 7), seniors face increased scam threats including fraudulent calls claiming to be from Medicare offering new cards and misleading mail marketing unnecessary items like braces and testing kits. Scammers who obtain a beneficiary's Medicare number can alter coverage and access benefits, costing Medicare billions annually, so seniors are advised to guard their Medicare numbers as carefully as Social Security numbers and report suspicious communications. The Pima Council on Aging offers free, bi-monthly Medicare counseling and workshops to help beneficiaries navigate coverage options and identify fraud.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), scammers target seniors with fraudulent schemes involving impersonation of Medicare representatives, unsolicited calls, pressure to enroll in prescription drug plans, requests for personal information like Medicare and Social Security numbers, and offers of illegal gifts. New York's Senior Medicare Patrol warns that Medicare never cold calls beneficiaries and enrollment in Part D prescription plans is voluntary, with seniors having the entire enrollment period to decide. Seniors who suspect compromise of their personal information or unauthorized enrollment can contact the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-333-4374 to report fraud.
dungogchronicle.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Margaret Noy fell victim to a phishing scam after clicking on a fraudulent email impersonating Centrelink and providing her account details, resulting in a $1,600 fraudulent application and unauthorized bank account change within an hour. Services Australia reported a sharp rise in government impersonation scams, with 10,060 unique scams observed in 2023-24 compared to 3,936 the previous year, and calls to their scams helpline increased from 18,412 to 22,451. The agency recommends using strong security measures such as passpasses, Digital ID, and two-factor authentication to protect accounts.
advantagenews.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare open enrollment season, scam artists target seniors through unsolicited emails, texts, and calls impersonating government agencies to steal personal information for identity theft or fraudulent medical billing. The Better Business Bureau advises seniors to be cautious of such contacts and directs them to bbb.org for resources on avoiding and reporting healthcare scams.
upi.com
· 2025-12-08
Following hurricanes Helene and Milton, federal agencies and NGOs warn of a surge in disaster-related fraud targeting victims during rebuilding efforts. Common scams include fraudulent contractors requesting upfront payments, fake charities soliciting donations, and scammers claiming to help secure FEMA funding for fees, with an estimated $9.3 billion lost annually to post-disaster fraud. Experts recommend homeowners verify contractors are licensed and bonded, review all insurance documents before signing agreements, avoid pressure tactics, and never sign blank contracts to protect themselves from fraudsters.
corporate-adviser.com
· 2025-12-08
Research from WEALTH at Work found that 13% of UK adults fell victim to pension scams in the past year, part of a total 6.2 million people affected by financial fraud overall, with victims losing an average of £1,000. Pension scams typically involved fake promises of guaranteed returns or early access to pensions, while other prevalent scams included purchase scams (27%), investment scams (19%), romance scams (14%), and tax refund scams (10%). The research emphasizes that fraudsters use professional-looking materials and multiple contact methods to appear legitimate, and recommends that people verify company registration with the Financial Conduct Authority, never rush financial decisions, and follow the
ktvz.com
· 2025-12-08
The Oregon Department of Human Services' Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is offering free help during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 29 - December 7, 2025) to assist beneficiaries in comparing and changing plans, understanding new 2025 Medicare benefits like lower drug cost maximums ($2,000) and expanded coverage for weight loss drugs and mental health services, and detecting Medicare scams. SHIBA certified counselors provide assistance via phone (800-722-4134), virtual, and in-person appointments and can help report common scams that target seniors seeking free medical equipment or genetic testing by attempting to obtain Medicare numbers for billing fraud.
wbbjtv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns of increased healthcare scams during Medicare and Affordable Care Act open enrollment periods (October 15-December 7 and November 1-January 15, respectively). Scammers pose as government officials or healthcare advocates and contact consumers via unsolicited phone calls, emails, or in-person visits requesting personal information like Social Security numbers and medical IDs in exchange for gifts or better deals. Consumers should verify contact legitimacy by checking official websites ending in ".gov," remembering that legitimate navigators never charge for assistance, and hanging up on unexpected calls.
tribuneindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Four residents of Sirsa lost a combined Rs 25 lakh to various online scams: a government employee transferred Rs 5.84 lakh after being promised easy money on Telegram, a dermatologist lost Rs 1.9 lakh to a fake Army officer posing as a medical contractor, a cement store owner was defrauded of Rs 15.23 lakh through a fraudulent stock trading app, and another man lost Rs 2.31 lakh in a fake job scam. Police have launched investigations into all four cases.
thedickinsonpress.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP warns of a significant rise in Medicare fraud during the 2024 open enrollment period (October 15 - December 7), with the FTC reporting a 30% increase in scams during this time. Fraudsters impersonate insurance representatives and Medicare officials via unsolicited calls, phishing emails, and fake websites to steal personal information, with older adults losing approximately $121 million to such schemes in 2021 alone. AARP recommends protecting yourself by verifying identities directly with Medicare, never sharing personal information unsolicited, and reporting suspicious activity to the AARP Fraud Watch Network or FTC.
geaugamapleleaf.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers impersonate Medicare representatives during the October 15-December 7 open enrollment period, using unsolicited calls and texts to trick consumers into divulging personal information like Social Security numbers under the guise of offering better coverage or threatening service discontinuation. One Westlake woman received a fraudulent call from someone claiming to be with Medicare who had partial personal information, but she recognized the scam and reported it. The BBB recommends avoiding unsolicited contacts, never sharing Medicare or Social Security information with unknown callers, using only official websites like Medicare.gov for enrollment, and reporting suspected fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE.
cupe.ca
· 2025-12-08
Canada's Public Pension Investment Board lost over $500 million on investments in Orpea, a major European for-profit long-term care company that collapsed amid allegations of systemic elder abuse, financial mismanagement, fraud, and embezzlement by executives (including a former CEO and CFO who were jailed). Despite holding two board seats, the CPPIB failed to prevent or address the criminal conduct affecting vulnerable residents and ultimately impacting the retirement savings of 22 million Canadian workers. The report and subsequent recommendations advocate for prohibiting pension funds from investing in for-profit long-term care and returning such facilities to public sector control.
yourmoney.com
· 2025-12-08
UK Finance's Half Year Fraud Report 2024 revealed a 16% rise in fraud cases compared to 2023, though total losses decreased 1.5% to approximately £1.5 billion. Authorized push payment (APP) fraud cases dropped 16% to 97,344 with losses falling 11% to £213.7 million, while romance scams, investment scams, and impersonation scams also declined; however, unauthorized fraud on cards, cheques, and remote banking surged 19% to 1.5 million cases totaling £358 million. Only 59% of fraud losses were returned to victims, though banks prevented £710.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is a promotional piece about digital identity solutions for elderly care, not a scam or fraud incident. It discusses how AI-powered identity verification systems can help protect seniors from identity theft and fraud while improving access to healthcare and financial services, and highlights successful implementations of such technologies in elderly care settings.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A text message scam is targeting vulnerable UK residents by impersonating the "UK Government Living Allowance Office" and falsely claiming recipients can receive a winter heating subsidy, with fraudulent links directing victims to fake government websites designed to steal personal information. The scam exploits recent government cuts to Winter Fuel Payments that reduced eligible recipients from 11.4 million to 1.5 million pensioners, creating confusion and urgency that scammers weaponize to pressure victims into acting quickly. Security experts advise recipients to verify messages independently and avoid clicking unsolicited links, especially those claiming to be from government bodies.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An Australian couple lost $1,000 from their Centrelink payments after scammers impersonating a charity deceived them into providing sensitive information including their driver's license and myGov details. The National Anti-Scam Centre warns that criminals are increasingly targeting financially vulnerable Australians by posing as legitimate charities and government assistance programs to steal personal information and divert payments. People should independently verify organizations offering financial assistance and never share personal identifying information through social media or unsolicited contacts.
inews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Hundreds of pensioners lost their life savings to pension scammers in recent years, with 559 reported cases in the last year resulting in £17.75 million in losses and an average loss of £46,959 per victim. Pension scams take various forms—including fake pension reviews, unauthorized early withdrawals, and fraudulent transfer schemes—and have proliferated through social media and online advertising, exacerbated by economic uncertainty and the cost-of-living crisis. Experts argue the UK's pension fraud reporting system is inadequate and call for greater preventative measures and bank protections for vulnerable older customers.
consumervoice.uk
· 2025-12-08
Citizens Advice research found that approximately 9 million people in the UK (18% of the population) fell victim to financial scams in the past year, with over three-quarters of victims exposed through social media. The most common scams included fake debt advice (3 million affected), friend-in-need scams (2.5 million), pension scams (2.5 million), investment scams (2.5 million), and parking QR code fraud (2.5 million), with one cryptocurrency trading scam victim losing his savings, home, and health after being pressured into a fake trading platform.
wpxi.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare open enrollment, seniors are targeted by scammers through unsolicited phone calls, texts, and phishing links seeking their Medicare numbers, which are as sensitive as Social Security numbers. Common tactics include offering lower plan prices, requesting payment for plan selection help, or promising free gifts in exchange for personal information. The Better Business Bureau advises seniors to hang up on unsolicited callers, verify requests directly with legitimate companies like Healthcare.gov or Medicare, and watch for red flags such as pressure to act immediately or offers that seem too good to be true.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-08
The Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police warned of an impersonation scam targeting pensioners, in which fraudsters pose as government officials to extract bank details and personal information through phone calls, QR codes, and WhatsApp screen-sharing requests. Between January and October 2024, approximately 28 complaints were reported to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, with victims experiencing unauthorized debits from their accounts after providing sensitive financial information. Senior citizens relying on pensions are particularly vulnerable to this scam, facing both significant financial losses and emotional distress.
uniindia.com
· 2025-12-08
Tamil Nadu police issued a warning about a pension scam targeting senior citizens, in which fraudsters impersonate government officials and trick pensioners into sharing bank details or scanning QR codes under the pretense of facilitating pension benefits like old age or widow pensions. Between January and October 2024, approximately 28 complaints were filed regarding this scam, resulting in financial losses when money is debited from victims' accounts instead of pension payments being received. Police advised pensioners to verify caller identities, avoid sharing personal information over the phone, never scan QR codes from unknown sources, and report suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
BBC Scam Safe Week is a multi-platform educational initiative launching programs across television, radio, and online to help the public recognize and avoid scams, which have become increasingly prevalent during the cost-of-living crisis. Expert contributors highlight that "pig butchering" romance-to-investment scams are currently the most profitable fraud scheme, with victims losing tens of thousands of pounds or more, and emphasize that people of all ages—particularly 16-34 year-olds—are vulnerable targets. The campaign stresses that self-education is essential since authorities can only convict 0.1% of fraud cases, and that scamming has become a sophisticated criminal enterprise rather than isolated incidents.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting seniors during Medicare open enrollment (deadline December 7) by calling or texting them to help choose plans, then requesting personal information including Medicare ID numbers. The Better Business Bureau warns seniors to never share Medicare IDs, only work with trusted professionals, and remember that Medicare never initiates contact—seniors must reach out to Medicare themselves.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scams target retirees by impersonating government agencies to steal personal information or demand immediate payment under threat of legal action or benefit suspension. Common tactics include creating false urgency, requesting payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and demanding secrecy. Victims should hang up immediately, file reports with the Office of the Inspector General and Social Security Administration (800-269-0271), and contact the three major credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on their accounts.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Baby boomers are increasingly returning to work in various capacities rather than fully retiring, creating demand for financial services tailored to gig work and consulting income. Simultaneously, elder financial fraud has become a critical issue, with Americans over 60 losing over $38 billion in 2023 to financial exploitation—triple the 2022 amount—with tech support scams being the most common type reported. Adult children are increasingly taking on responsibility for managing aging parents' finances, with 80% of consumers interested in digital tools that provide fraud alerts, spending controls, and financial monitoring, representing a potential $2 billion annual revenue opportunity for financial institutions offering Senior Financial Management services.
live5news.com
· 2025-12-08
Electronic benefit fraud targeting South Carolina's SNAP program has surged dramatically, with reported cases increasing from 302 in August to 1,962 in October, affecting thousands of low-income households who depend on food assistance. North Charleston resident Rawshawn Clark lost $632 in benefits to unauthorized charges, and victims face challenges reclaiming stolen funds and accessing alternative resources while waiting for replacement benefits. The South Carolina Department of Social Services recommends SNAP users download the official Connect EBT app, change their PIN regularly, monitor charges closely, and report fraud within 30 days to the toll-free line (1-800-554-5268) to recover stolen benefits.
spotlightpa.org
· 2025-12-08
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers impersonate Medicare officials and insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Medicare and its private insurance partners (like Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna) will not initiate contact by phone, and recipients should hang up on unsolicited callers asking for personal information and instead call back directly through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers should help seniors start their coverage selection early to avoid deadline pressure, verify information through reputable sources like medicare.gov, and remain cautious of phishing emails, texts, and robocalls.
mcall.com
· 2025-12-08
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and other sensitive information. Experts advise that legitimate Medicare and private insurance companies rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited, and recommend hanging up on suspicious callers, avoiding automated calls, and verifying contacts directly through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers should help seniors enroll early to avoid deadline pressure that makes them vulnerable to fraud.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers impersonate Medicare officials and insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to steal Social Security numbers and sensitive information from older adults. According to the National Council on Aging, legitimate Medicare and private insurance companies rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited—communications typically come by mail—so recipients should hang up on unexpected callers asking for personal information and instead call back through official toll-free numbers. Caregivers and older adults can protect themselves by starting enrollment early to avoid deadline pressure, verifying contacts through Medicare.gov or state health insurance assistance programs, and trusting their instincts when interactions seem suspicious.
gantnews.com
· 2025-12-08
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls and texts to pressure older adults into disclosing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. The National Council on Aging advises that legitimate Medicare programs do not make unsolicited calls and warns against providing personal information over the phone; instead, recipients should hang up and call back directly through official toll-free numbers, and caregivers should help seniors plan coverage early to avoid deadline pressure.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and Medicare numbers from beneficiaries through unsolicited calls and high-pressure tactics, sometimes fraudulently claiming extra benefits for early enrollment or offering unnecessary services. AARP Pennsylvania advises beneficiaries to review Medicare statements carefully, reject unsolicited offers, and verify that legitimate contact comes only after they initiate calls to Medicare, with scams reportable to law enforcement or AARP's fraud hotline at 1-877-908-3360.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare open enrollment season, seniors become vulnerable to scams impersonating Medicare, where fraudsters use stolen Medicare numbers to order unauthorized products and services or harvest personal information. Experts advise seniors to be suspicious of unsolicited contact about Medicare plans, review benefit statements for fraudulent charges, and pause before providing personal information or making payments, especially when feeling pressured near enrollment deadlines. Resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network offer free support for scam victims to identify fraud and recover compromised identities.
ketv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers are sending phishing emails directing travelers to fake TSA PreCheck websites to steal enrollment and renewal fees. Travelers can avoid this scam by remembering that first-time TSA PreCheck applications require in-person payment at a TSA enrollment center, while renewals are only conducted online at the official site tsa.gov/precheck.
ag.state.mn.us
· 2025-12-08
Attorney General Keith Ellison warned Minnesota veterans about "claim shark" scams operating before Veterans Day, in which unauthorized individuals and companies illegally charge veterans large fees or a percentage of benefit increases to assist with VA benefit claims they falsely promise to expedite or guarantee. Claim sharks use aggressive advertising, deceptive contracts, and high-pressure tactics while impersonating authorized representatives, and veterans can protect themselves by using only VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Organization representatives who offer free assistance and by never sharing login credentials or signing contracts outside official VA representation forms.
mynbc15.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau is warning seniors about two prevalent scams: holiday shopping scams involving fraudulent package delivery texts (which should never be clicked) and Medicare enrollment scams where criminals steal seniors' Medicare numbers and make fraudulent claims. The BBB advises seniors to verify package issues directly with retailers and monitor Medicare statements for unauthorized services or equipment, and is hosting an educational event in Baldwin County to help prevent victimization.
bleepingcomputer.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting British senior residents with phishing text messages falsely claiming winter heating allowance and cost-of-living support payments, directing them to fake GOV.UK websites that harvest personal and payment information. The campaign exploits recent UK government cuts to Winter Fuel Payments and uses approximately 597 unique domains disguised with lookalike GOV.UK addresses, with the phishing sites strategically designed to display only on mobile devices. The UK Police Regional Organised Crime Unit has warned pensioners to be vigilant against these fraudulent messages impersonating government departments.
lokmattimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are demanding that election candidates address their key concerns, including improved healthcare services, timely pension disbursements, enhanced security measures, and digital literacy programs to protect against online fraud and cybercrime. The elderly are also advocating for better recreational spaces, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and dedicated senior citizen facilities, noting that candidates have largely overlooked their needs in favor of youth-focused policies.
businesstoday.in
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake scams use AI to create hyper-realistic fake videos, audio, and images to defraud individuals and financial institutions, with approximately 3% of KYC fraud cases already involving deepfakes. Fraudsters exploit emotional manipulation by impersonating loved ones in distress calls requesting money or by creating fake identities to bypass security checks. To protect yourself, verify unexpected requests by contacting the person directly, watch for audio-video lag in video calls, request official email follow-ups from known domains, limit personal information on social media, and use deepfake detection tools.
wesa.fm
· 2025-12-08
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company representatives via phone calls, texts, and emails to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Medicare and most private insurers will not initiate unsolicited phone contact; instead, beneficiaries should expect written letters and can verify communications by calling official toll-free numbers directly. Older adults and caregivers should avoid providing personal information to unexpected callers, be wary of robocalls, start enrollment early to reduce deadline pressure, and consult reputable sources like Medicare.gov or state health insurance assistance programs.
mcknightsseniorliving.com
· 2025-12-08
From July 2023 to June 2024, the Department of Justice pursued over 300 enforcement actions against 700+ defendants who stole nearly $700 million from 225,000 elder fraud victims, while recovering $31 million and providing services to 230,000+ older adults. Investment scams caused the highest losses at $1.2 billion, followed by tech support scams ($590 million), business email compromise ($382 million), romance scams ($357 million), and government impersonation scams ($180 million), with the DOJ's National Elder Fraud Hotline receiving over 50,000 calls in the past year.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, cyberscammers stole $477 million from veterans, military personnel, and their spouses—a $63 million increase from 2022—affecting 30,948 military members, according to FTC data. Common scams targeting this population include romance scams (the most prevalent, costing over $40 million in 2020), veterans' benefit scams offering fraudulent benefit increases, phishing emails impersonating government agencies or the IRS, and rental property scams. The article provides details on these five major scam types and advises military members to be cautious of unsolicited offers and suspicious communications requesting personal information or upfront
northwichguardian.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Facebook accounts for two-thirds of purchase fraud losses in the UK, with research from TSB revealing the platform was responsible for 67% of purchase fraud cases by volume in 2024. Common scams include fake pet sales, non-existent electronics, concert and sports tickets, and cloned websites, with £42 million lost to purchase fraud in the first half of 2024 alone—averaging 375 cases daily. TSB recommends consumers use reputable websites, meet sellers in person before purchasing, and pay by card for maximum consumer protection, particularly during high-shopping periods like Black Friday and Christmas.
ag.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning residents about health insurance scams during the 2024-2025 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which runs through January 31, 2025 (with December 15 deadline for January 1 coverage). Common scams include fraudsters threatening cancellation of Medicaid or coverage unless payment is provided, phishing scams offering gift cards to "update" accounts, and charging fees to enroll in marketplace insurance, none of which legitimate government agencies do. The Attorney General advises New Yorkers to use only official channels like NY State of Health (1-855-355-5777) for free enrollment assistance
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-08
Veterans are frequently targeted by scammers using schemes such as VA loan refinancing scams, pension poaching, romance scams, and fake veteran charity frauds. The article provides protective measures including: never sharing personal information or sending money to unknown parties, resisting pressure to act quickly, consulting trusted contacts before responding to offers, verifying charities through organizations like the Better Business Bureau, and obtaining benefit information directly from state veterans' affairs agencies.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-08
A 74-year-old woman in Hyderabad lost ₹37.9 lakh in retirement savings to a fake money laundering account scam, while a 63-year-old man lost ₹50 lakh to a WhatsApp stock trading fraud—part of a rising trend of sophisticated cyber crimes targeting India's elderly population. Research and expert analysis reveal that older adults are particularly vulnerable because they often underestimate their cognitive decline, experience reduced cognitive flexibility and increased impulsivity, and may be unaware of these changes, while scammers deliberately target lonely seniors and exploit emotional manipulation and false profit promises. India's estimated 3.8 million people living with dem
syracuse.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
New York State Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning about health insurance scams targeting residents during open enrollment periods, which spike as New Yorkers seek coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace (open through January 31, 2025). Scammers use fear tactics threatening cancellation of Medicaid or other coverage unless payment is provided, phishing schemes offering gift cards to update accounts, and false claims that fees are required to enroll in state health programs—tactics that legitimate government agencies never employ. New Yorkers are advised to use only official channels like NY State of Health website or 1-855-355-5777 to enroll and to report suspected fraud to the Attorney
wgnsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare open enrollment season (October 15 – December 7, 2025), scammers pose as Medicare representatives to target seniors in Rutherford County, Tennessee, using fake calls, phishing attempts, and impersonation schemes to steal personal information and financial details. Common tactics include requesting Medicare numbers or credit cards under the guise of "updating" information, falsely claiming Part D coverage is mandatory, and using scare tactics about benefit cancellation. Seniors should never provide personal information to unsolicited callers and instead verify directly with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or use legitimate resources like Medicare.gov or Tennessee's SHIP program for enrollment assistance.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Pennsylvania SNAP recipients received fraudulent text messages claiming their EBT cards were deactivated and requesting they call a provided number to reactivate them, according to a warning from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The scam aimed to steal personal and financial information through identity theft, as the DHS confirmed it never requests such information via text message. Residents who receive suspicious texts about benefits should report them to the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-347-8477.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Identity theft and fraud affect Americans at alarming rates, with the FTC estimating true losses at $137 billion in 2022 despite only $9 billion being officially reported, prompting AARP to urge stronger consumer protections before Capitol Hill lawmakers. Veterans face particular vulnerability, with one in three targeted by scammers who impersonated the VA or pitched fraudulent investments, resulting in $477 million in reported losses in 2023. The article provides practical prevention advice for common scams including holiday shopping fraud, solar panel schemes, and veteran-targeted impersonation scams, recommending consumers type website addresses directly, verify offers through trusted sources, and research companies before providing personal information or
fox13memphis.com
· 2025-12-08
An educational meeting was held in Memphis where the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs taught seniors about common scams targeting older adults. Key advice included being skeptical of unsolicited calls, never sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers, and hanging up on suspicious contacts. The top scams affecting seniors include government imposter calls (especially during Medicare enrollment), fake tech support, sweepstakes scams, and grandchild-in-distress schemes, with scammers exploiting emotional manipulation and targeting older adults for their typically greater assets.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by falsely claiming beneficiaries need to provide Medicare, Social Security, or bank account numbers for new cards or medical equipment claims. Medicare never unexpectedly contacts beneficiaries by phone, email, text, or social media to request personal information, sell coverage, or collect payment for cards. Beneficiaries should hang up on suspicious calls, verify directly with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, and report scams to the same number or their local Senior Medicare Patrol.
southeastiowaunion.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** "Senior Citizens Targeted by Technology Scams: How to Identify and Protect Against Fraud" by Beth Swift, Washington Evening Journal
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by technology scams including impersonation fraud, prize/sweepstakes schemes, tech support scams, charity fraud, and IRS threats, with older adults disproportionately victimized because they typically have savings and good credit. The article identifies key warning signs—unsolicited contact, artificial urgency, requests for money or personal information, unrealistic offers, and poor communication quality—and advises seniors to verify caller identity independently, never share sensitive information, consult trusted contacts before responding to requests
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare's open enrollment period, seniors become vulnerable to scammers who exploit the need for personal information by impersonating Medicare officials, offering fraudulent card replacements, and promoting fake supplemental coverage plans. A 2023 data breach of 900,000+ Medicare beneficiaries' information from contractor Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation highlighted the risks, though Medicare has since implemented protective measures like the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier to replace Social Security numbers on cards. To protect themselves, seniors should shield government ID numbers, access Medicare.gov directly rather than through suspicious links, and be wary of unsolicited calls or visits claiming to represent Medicare.
al.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare's open enrollment period (through Dec. 7), the Federal Trade Commission warns of scammers impersonating Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by requesting Medicare numbers, bank account details, or credit card information under false pretenses such as issuing new cards or processing fake medical equipment claims. Seniors should never share personal information with unsolicited callers claiming to be from Medicare, verify suspicious calls by hanging up and dialing Medicare's official number (1-800-633-4227), and treat Medicare numbers with the same protection as credit cards.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
As Medicare's December 7 enrollment deadline approaches, scammers pose as Medicare officials or insurance company employees via phone calls and text messages to trick older adults into disclosing Social Security numbers and sensitive information. Experts advise that legitimate Medicare programs and private insurers rarely contact beneficiaries by phone unsolicited, and recommend hanging up on suspicious callers, avoiding robocalls, and contacting insurers directly through official toll-free numbers to verify requests. Caregivers should help elderly relatives enroll early to avoid deadline pressure, which makes people more vulnerable to scams.
dicksoncountysource.com
· 2025-12-08
During Medicare's Open Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7), scammers impersonate Medicare representatives to steal personal information and money by falsely claiming they need Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, or bank account details for new cards or fake medical equipment claims. Medicare never unexpectedly contacts beneficiaries to request personal information, sell coverage, or charge for cards, and consumers should hang up suspicious calls and verify by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or report scams to that same number.
ucf.edu
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole over $1.6 billion from victims in the first five months of 2024—a 20% increase from 2023—though actual numbers are higher due to underreporting. Researcher Nichole Lighthall at UCF's Adult Development and Decision Lab found that while most older adults recognize scams as a problem, they feel disempowered to prevent them, and scams range from minor losses of $50 to financially catastrophic amounts. Lighthall's research aims to empower seniors with knowledge and solutions, noting that modern scammers use increasingly relentless tactics like impersonation texts, robo-calls, and social engineering because
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Australians A$201 million last year, with scammers using fake identities and emotional manipulation through dating platforms and social media to exploit victims. People with acquired brain injuries are particularly vulnerable, with over half of surveyed clinicians reporting clients affected by romance scams, as cognitive difficulties make it harder to recognize red flags and complex manipulation tactics. Sharing experiences from survivors with brain injuries can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and help prevent future scams.
bizzbuzz.news
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Australians $201 million annually and involve scammers creating fake identities to build trust through love bombing and manipulation before requesting money for investments, travel, or emergencies. People with acquired brain injuries are particularly vulnerable to these scams, with over half of surveyed clinicians reporting clients affected, because they struggle to recognize red flags and assess complex social situations. While romance scams cause significant financial loss, the emotional trauma—including shame and difficulty accepting the relationship was fake—can be equally or more damaging, though sharing survivor experiences can reduce stigma and help prevent future victimization.
kfyrtv.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content because the text provided appears to be only a website navigation menu and header structure from a local news station (KFYR-TV), not the actual article content about Medicare enrollment scams.
To summarize the article for the Elderus database, please provide the full body text of the "ND Today - Medicare Enrollment Scams" article that is referenced in the title dated November 29, 2024.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Harold Richardson, 75, from Kent, lost £4,000 in a Microsoft impersonation phone scam in which fraudsters convinced him to grant remote access to his computer, allowing them to steal personal information and banking details. Though he eventually recovered most of the money, the process was lengthy and caused significant stress. The article notes that phone scams are widespread in Britain, with adults aged 35-55 actually losing the largest average amounts (£1,826), and recommends using the "Stop, Check, and Call Back" method to verify unexpected callers before sharing any personal information.
cachevalleydaily.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud or abuse. Governor Spencer Cox's proposed 2026 Utah state budget includes the WISE Initiative, which would eliminate the state tax on Social Security benefits for over 150,000 seniors and make targeted investments in senior services including home-based care, food access, and fraud prevention protections. The article focuses on general budget recommendations and senior support policies rather than reporting on specific fraud incidents or elder abuse cases.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article by Brian Greenberg, CIO/CTO of RHR International, discusses the prevalence of fake profiles and online scams in the digital age, noting that in 2022 Americans lost $1.3 billion to romance scams alone and $8.8 billion to overall online fraud, with bots comprising over 47% of internet traffic. Greenberg advocates for online platforms to offer free verified accounts to combat these threats by increasing user trust, protecting vulnerable populations like teenagers and elderly adults, and reducing the spread of misinformation. The proposal emphasizes that free verification would enhance platform safety and reputation while ensuring all users can protect themselves regardless of financial status.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Malaysian victims lost a combined RM5.4 million to love scams and phone fraud between October 2017 and November 2024. A 67-year-old accountant from Sabah lost RM2.2 million to a Facebook romance scam over seven years, while a 57-year-old woman lost RM2.47 million after a scammer posing as customs officials claimed her online boyfriend had been arrested, and a 61-year-old government pensioner lost RM804,903 to a phone scam impersonating utility and bank officials. All three cases are being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code, with
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
A group of elderly residents in Pietermaritzburg were defrauded of their pension and savings money after paying for a holiday tour that never materialized; the tour operator who collected the funds disappeared and became unreachable, leaving the seniors stranded and waiting for a bus that never arrived.
atg.wa.gov
· 2025-12-08
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that Metropolitan Commercial Bank will pay $10 million to the state as part of a fraud recovery initiative that has collected over $52 million from financial institutions that accepted stolen COVID-19 pandemic unemployment funds. Criminals stole more than $15 million from Washington's unemployment fund in 2020 using fake identities and MovoCash, a fintech company sponsored by Metropolitan, which failed to implement adequate anti-fraud and money-laundering safeguards. This marks the second phase of Ferguson's investigation—the first to pursue fintech companies through state consumer protection laws—following an initial phase that recovered $42 million from 26 financial institutions through asset forfeiture.
bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in Bengaluru are circulating fake links to a counterfeit PM Kisan Yojana app on social media platforms, targeting vulnerable farmers and others who download the malicious APK file, which grants hackers unauthorized access to phones and sensitive financial data. While APK and OTP-related cybercrimes declined from 1,860 cases in 2022 to 893 in 2024, police warn of this resurgent threat, citing a case where a traveler lost ₹87,125 after being tricked into downloading an APK and granting screen mirroring access. Authorities urge citizens to verify app authenticity through official
thinkadvisor.com
· 2025-12-08
This content appears to be a table of contents or FAQ index page rather than an article with substantive information. It does not contain actual details about the "senior deduction" or other tax topics—only question titles and links. A summary cannot be provided without the actual article content explaining what the senior deduction is, who qualifies, eligibility requirements, or any scam/fraud-related information relevant to the Elderus database.
thinkadvisor.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a meaningful summary of this content. The text appears to be a navigation menu or FAQ index rather than an actual article explaining the "senior deduction." It lists only question titles and "Get Answer" links without providing the substantive information needed to summarize what the deduction is, how it works, or its requirements.
To create an accurate summary for the Elderus database, please provide the full article text with the actual explanatory content about the senior deduction.
qns.com
· 2025-12-08
Twenty-four elderly residents of B'nai B'rith Queens Apartments fell victim to an EBT skimming scam in December that depleted their food benefits, leaving them unable to purchase groceries before the holidays. Queens Council Member Sandra Ung partnered with the Met Council nonprofit to deliver 54 boxes of food and winter supplies to the affected seniors, with additional boxes distributed to other community members impacted by similar benefits theft. The scam involved thieves placing devices on store card readers in Downtown Flushing to steal EBT card information, prompting Ung's office to work with local police to identify hotspots and alert affected businesses.
co.lincoln.or.us
· 2025-12-08
This educational tip sheet warns that scams increase at the start of the year through emails, texts, and phone calls, often impersonating legitimate agencies and threatening immediate payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or money orders. The advice emphasizes verifying agency legitimacy through independent contact information lookup, bookmarking official websites, avoiding suspicious links, and remembering that legitimate agencies will not request passwords or demand payment through non-traditional methods. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office specifically clarifies it does not contact people about jury duty or solicit payments by phone or unconventional payment types.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans aged 60 and over filed over 101,000 internet crime complaints resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion, with fraud remaining significantly underreported. AARP's hearing center provides practical defense strategies, emphasizing that scam vulnerability is universal regardless of intelligence or education level, and recommends adopting practices such as radical skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, pausing when pressured emotionally, being wary of requests for secrecy, monitoring accounts regularly, and educating oneself about fraud threats.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Two retired government employees in Mumbai fell victim to separate digital arrest scams in November. A 68-year-old retired banker lost Rs 1.2 crore after being threatened with false allegations of money laundering and terrorism, while a 74-year-old retired Income Tax officer was defrauded of Rs 25 lakh through fake letters from the I-T department and RBI claiming involvement in a money laundering case. Both victims were isolated through video calls and threatened with arrest before liquidating their savings, though the second victim eventually recognized inconsistencies in the fraudulent documents and reported the scam to police.
newportnewstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a weather forecast combined with general consumer fraud prevention guidance from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. While it contains useful scam awareness information (recognizing common scam tactics, verification methods, and what legitimate agencies will not do), it does not describe a specific fraud incident, victim demographics, financial losses, or outcomes relevant to an elder fraud research database.
**Note:** If you have an article specifically about elder fraud or scams targeting older adults, please submit that for summarization.
cgsentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article warns that scams occur year-round through emails, texts, and phone calls, often impersonating legitimate agencies and using threats of penalties or emotional manipulation to extract personal information and payments via gift cards, bitcoin, or money orders. The article advises verifying agency legitimacy by independently looking up contact information, bookmarking official websites, and never sharing passwords or clicking links from suspicious communications. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office specifically clarifies it will not contact residents about jury duty, request phone payments, or accept non-traditional payment methods.