Reverse Mortgage Scams

floridabar.org · 2026-03-21

Business Law Section launches 'Be $.M.A.R.T.' initiative to help seniors avoid scams

Judge Lori Vaughan: 'As you can imagine, a big portion of our presentation is how to recognize and avoid financial scams; they’re everywhere now. I feel like every time we identify...

Romance Scams Tech Support Scams Grandparent Scams Charity Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Money Order / Western Union

washingtonjewishweek.com · 2026-03-05

SeniorResources: Scams AffectingSeniors- Washington Jewish Week

Everyone has been told not to share personal information with strangers or give money for a scenario that seems too good to be true. Yet during 2024, scammers stole $12.5 billion f...

Investment Fraud Inheritance Scams Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Benefits Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Gift Cards Payment App Check/Cashier's Check

9now.nine.com.au · 2026-02-19

Woman's warning after late ex-husband fell victim to $400000romance scam- 9Now

# Romance Scam Summary A man named Graham lost approximately $400,000 to romance scammers he met on dating apps, including taking out a $150,000 reverse mortgage before his death, according to his ex-wife Belinda's warning. The scammers, posing as women interested in dating him, exploited Graham's isolation due to health issues and depression to extract money through banks and gift cards over several years. Belinda is now speaking publicly to alert others that romance scammers are sophisticated operators who target vulnerable people online, and people should be cautious about requests for money from online dating matches, especially those they haven't met in person.

Romance Scams Gift Cards

blockclubchicago.org · 2026-02-03

Families Scammed By Convicted Mortgage Fraudsters Are Still Fighting For Their Homes

A Chicago contractor named Mark Diamond defrauded over 100 families, including an elderly woman with dementia, by tricking them into taking out reverse mortgages on their homes—leaving them with unexpected debt that forced families to sell their properties after the victims passed away. Diamond was sentenced to over 17 years in prison in January 2025 and ordered to pay $2.7 million in restitution, but many victims have already lost their family homes in court and are still fighting to recover their properties. Families should protect elderly relatives by having a trusted third party review any financial or legal agreements before signing, especially those involving home equity or debt.

Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer

aol.com · 2025-12-10

17 Scams SeniorsAre Facing Right Now

Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit their savings, home ownership, and relative unfamiliarity with technology to commit fraud. Common scams include unsolicited calls selling unnecessary products like medical-alert devices, lottery/prize schemes requiring upfront fees, and fake mobile health clinics that bill insurance and Medicare using stolen personal information. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls and emails, never pay upfront fees for prizes you've won, verify any medical services through official channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC.

Investment Fraud Inheritance Scams Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Medicare Fraud Prescription Scams Charity Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime

coastalbreezenews.com · 2025-12-08

Lunch with Friends (LWF) hosted over 100 seniors on June 18th at the Marco Lutheran Church. The guests were treated to a…

Lunch with Friends hosted over 100 seniors on June 18th at Marco Lutheran Church, where Lieutenant Joseph Belardo from the Marco Island Police Department presented on elder fraud prevention. Lt. Belardo warned that scammers stole $3.4-$6.1 billion from older Americans last year, with tech support scams, government impostor scams, and AI-powered voice cloning being among the most common threats; he advised seniors to be skeptical of unsolicited calls/texts/emails, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify requests by calling trusted phone numbers directly. The presentation also covered ransomware, malware, and deepfakes, with recommendations to update security software, use V

Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Check/Cashier's Check

amac.us · 2025-12-08

Below is a chart that lists scams, describes them in brief detail, and offers ways to identify and prevent them. Note th…

This educational resource presents a chart detailing common scams targeting consumers, including AI scams (deepfake impersonations), bank text scams (phishing for account information), billing/invoice scams (fake invoices demanding payment), brushing scams (unsolicited items to boost reviews), and charity scams. The guide identifies shared scammer tactics such as impersonation, creating urgency, and pressuring victims to share personal information, while offering specific identification and prevention strategies for each scam type. The material encourages sharing this information with friends and family as a primary defense against fraud.

Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Utility Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Kidnapping/Ransom Scams Medicare Fraud Online Shopping Scams Home Repair Scams Charity Scams Family Exploitation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Bank Transfer Check/Cashier's Check

einpresswire.com · 2025-12-08

Equity Access Group Spotlights Financial Tips for Seniors on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Equity Access Group highlights financial abuse risks to seniors on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), noting that older Americans lose an estimated $36.5 billion annually to financial scams and exploitation. The company emphasizes warning signs of financial abuse—including pressure to sign documents quickly, sudden involvement of new individuals in finances, and unexplained withdrawals—and implements protective measures such as mandatory HUD-approved counseling, staff training to identify manipulation, and personal follow-up with all reverse mortgage applicants to ensure borrower safety.

Caregiver Exploitation Family Exploitation General Elder Fraud

illinoisanswers.org · 2025-12-08

CHICAGO — LaShon Minter Williams is waiting for a letter that could arrive any day now — one that may force her to leave…

LaShon Minter Williams faces losing her family's Chicago home after her grandmother, Louise Minter, was defrauded into a reverse mortgage in 2012 by convicted scammer Mark Diamond, who promised home repairs that never materialized. Diamond, sentenced to over 17 years in prison in January, specifically targeted vulnerable senior homeowners on Chicago's South and West sides; the scheme depleted the home's equity, and now Williams must either pay off the loan or vacate the property she has lived in since age 2. Reverse mortgages, while potentially helpful for seniors needing income for repairs, can prevent wealth transfer to heirs and are difficult to pay off, particularly impacting

Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Home Repair Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Cash

fool.com · 2025-12-08

Given the value of real estate since COVID turned the housing industry on its head, it's no surprise that scammers want …

**Real Estate Scams Targeting Seniors (2025)** Scammers are exploiting rising home values to target homeowners over 60, with reported losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023 alone. Common schemes include deed theft and title fraud (using forged documents to claim ownership), wire transfer scams (impersonating title companies to demand money), manipulation by trusted individuals offering to buy properties at steep discounts, and contractor fraud. Seniors can protect themselves by placing assets in trusts, using powers of attorney with unanimous consent requirements for property sales, monitoring county deed records regularly, and verifying any claims about property or mortgage issues directly with their lender

Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Check/Cashier's Check

barchart.com · 2025-12-08

Given the value of real estate since COVID turned the housing industry on its head, it's no surprise that scammers want …

Real estate scams targeting seniors have surged as home values increased post-COVID, with Americans over 60 reporting losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023 according to FBI data. Common scams include deed theft and title fraud (where scammers forge signatures and file false deeds), wire transfer fraud (impersonating title companies to request emergency payments), and exploitation by trusted individuals offering to purchase homes at steep discounts. Protective measures include placing assets in trusts, using powers of attorney with unanimous agreement requirements for property sales, and periodically verifying property records with county recorders.

Robocalls / Phone Scams Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Check/Cashier's Check

nasdaq.com · 2025-12-08

Given the value of real estate since COVID turned the housing industry on its head, it's no surprise that scammers want …

Real estate scammers are increasingly targeting older Americans to steal home equity, with those over 60 reporting $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 according to FBI data. Common scams include deed theft and title fraud (using forged documents), wire transfer fraud impersonating title companies or escrow services, predatory offers from acquaintances to purchase homes at steep discounts, and contractor scams. Protective measures include regularly checking county deed records, verifying all property-related communications directly with mortgage companies, placing assets in trusts, and using powers of attorney that require unanimous consent for property sales.

Robocalls / Phone Scams Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Check/Cashier's Check

aol.com · 2025-12-08

Seniors Beware: These Real Estate Scams Are Aimed at You

Real estate scammers are increasingly targeting seniors, with those over 60 reporting losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023 according to FBI data. Common scams include deed theft and title fraud (where scammers forge signatures and file false deeds), wire transfer fraud (impersonating title companies to solicit payments), and exploitation by trusted individuals who offer to purchase homes at steep discounts. Seniors can protect themselves by monitoring property records, verifying any financial requests directly with their lender, placing assets in trusts, and using powers of attorney that require unanimous consent before property sales.

Robocalls / Phone Scams Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Wire Transfer Check/Cashier's Check

shelterislandreporter.timesreview.com · 2025-12-08

Jenifer’s Shelter Island Journal: Seniors educated on scammers

On February 13, the Shelter Island Public Library hosted an educational Zoom presentation on senior scams led by Tom McCann of Senior Services of North America, covering common fraud schemes including phone scams, sweepstakes/lottery fraud, home improvement cons, and reverse mortgage scams. McCann emphasized that seniors are particularly vulnerable due to loneliness, increased home time, unfamiliarity with technology, and potential disabilities, and recommended protective measures such as recognizing red flags (urgency, requests for money, and offers that seem too good to be true), using the do-not-call list, monitoring credit reports, and enabling two-factor authentication.

Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Home Repair Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness

justice.gov · 2025-12-08

Related Content

Mark Steven Diamond, a Chicago businessman, was sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for defrauding more than 100 elderly homeowners through a reverse mortgage and home repair scheme in which he tricked them into obtaining reverse mortgage loans and pocketed the proceeds without performing promised repairs. Diamond was ordered to pay $2.7 million in restitution, and four co-conspirators involved in originating loans and facilitating the fraud also pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme.

Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer

philomathnews.com · 2025-12-08

However many reasons we have for loving our grandparents, scammers have a whole lot more. That’s why fraudsters and hack…

Seniors lose approximately $3 billion annually to scams, making them prime targets due to their savings, home ownership, good credit, and often lower digital literacy. The article identifies 10 common scams targeting older adults, including romance scams (fraudsters posing as romantic interests), funeral scams (exploiting grief over deceased spouses), grandparent scams (impersonating grandchildren in emergencies), phishing (fake emails from financial institutions), Medicare fraud, and tech support scams, among others. Prevention strategies include securing social media accounts, verifying contact information through reverse searches, and calling family members directly to confirm emergencies.

Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Grandparent Scams Medicare Fraud Prescription Scams Family Exploitation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Bank Transfer

ktvz.com · 2025-12-08

10 unscrupulous scams that target senior citizens

This educational article identifies 10 common scams targeting seniors, who lose approximately $3 billion annually to fraud. The scams include romance scams, funeral fraud, grandparent impersonation schemes, phishing emails, Medicare fraud, fake tech support, and others that exploit seniors' trust, limited digital literacy, and valuable assets like homes and savings. The article provides protective advice such as setting social media accounts to private, verifying caller identities through stored contact numbers, and being skeptical of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.

Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Grandparent Scams Medicare Fraud Prescription Scams Family Exploitation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Bank Transfer

finance.yahoo.com · 2025-12-08

In conjunction with National Senior Citizens Day on Wednesday, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer P…

New York's Department of Consumer Protection issued guidance for National Senior Citizens Day warning older adults about reverse mortgage scams, advising that fraudsters may impersonate legitimate lenders, pressure clients to sign contracts without full disclosure, and discourage consultation with financial advisers or family members. The bulletin emphasizes that legitimate reverse mortgage professionals encourage borrowers to seek multiple opinions and conduct thorough research, and notes that federal law requires mandatory counseling for FHA-backed mortgages to protect consumers.

General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime

dos.ny.gov · 2025-12-08

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to help older adults avoid financia…

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.

Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Phishing Benefits Fraud Caregiver Exploitation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency

housingwire.com · 2025-12-08

In conjunction with National Senior Citizens Day on Wednesday, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer P…

The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection released consumer awareness tips for National Senior Citizens Day warning older adults about reverse mortgage scams, where fraudsters pose as lenders to pressure seniors into signing poorly explained contracts without allowing them to consult trusted advisors or review documentation. Legitimate reverse mortgage professionals encourage clients to seek second opinions and comply with mandatory HUD counseling requirements, whereas scammers discourage outside consultation and rush borrowers into decisions. The advisory recommends seniors research multiple lenders independently and consult resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before pursuing any reverse mortgage.

General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime

fingerlakes1.com · 2025-12-08

As National Senior Citizens Day approaches on August 21, the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer P…

The New York State Department of Consumer Protection is warning seniors about financial scams ahead of National Senior Citizens Day, noting that older adults lost an estimated $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. The department recommends vigilance and education to combat common scams targeting seniors, including investment fraud, reverse mortgage scams, and government imposter schemes. Officials advise seniors to verify unexpected requests for personal information or money before responding.

Investment Fraud Government Impersonation General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness

cpr.org · 2025-12-08

Scammers are selling real estate that doesn't belong to them. They vanish with the money, leaving buyers with nothing. I…

Real estate scammers are fraudulently selling properties they do not own, targeting owners with out-of-state addresses and free-and-clear titles. Sasha Henderson of Parker nearly fell victim to such a scam when she and her husband attempted to purchase 10 acres in Elbert County, but the title company detected suspicious emails and contacted the actual owner out of state, preventing the fraudulent sale from closing. Real estate professionals advise that buyers should always obtain title insurance regardless of whether they are paying cash, and should be cautious of remote transactions, as title companies are better equipped to identify fraud than third-party monitoring services.

Government Impersonation Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness

kiplinger.com · 2025-12-08

Financial exploitation is a growing threat affecting investors of all ages and wallet sizes. With the rise of sophistica…

In 2023, over 101,000 people age 60 and older lost nearly $3.4 billion to financial exploitation, according to the FBI's Elder Fraud Report, with common scams including tech support fraud ($590 million in losses), investment fraud ($4.57 billion, up 38% year-over-year), power of attorney abuse, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and homeowner scams. AI-driven fraud is making scams increasingly sophisticated, with criminals creating convincing fake audio and video to deceive victims. Protection requires vigilance about warning signs such as unusual account activity and suspicious communications, along with education and open family dialogue about financial security.

Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Medicare Fraud Home Repair Scams Caregiver Exploitation Family Exploitation General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Check/Cashier's Check

therogersvillereview.com · 2025-12-08

Everyone needs safe and secure housing, a fact that con artists will take advantage of to swindle people out of their mo…

Housing scams specifically target seniors through fraudulent rental listings, phantom rentals, fake property management schemes, and reverse mortgage fraud that exploits homeowners over 62 seeking income from home equity. Key protective measures include verifying property listings through reputable websites, physically visiting properties before payment, researching property management company credentials, using traceable payment methods, and seeking independent financial advice before committing to any housing arrangement. Red flags include unusually low rental prices, demands for upfront payment before lease signing, pressure tactics, and reluctance to provide verifiable credentials or detailed agreements.

Home Repair Scams Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Wire Transfer

justice.gov · 2025-12-08

Related Content

Mark Steven Diamond, a 67-year-old Chicago businessman, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for orchestrating a reverse mortgage scheme that victimized at least 18 elderly homeowners (potentially 80 total victims). Diamond and co-conspirators deceived homeowners into obtaining reverse mortgage loans by misrepresenting documents as repair authorizations, then fraudulently kept the loan proceeds—approximately $929,000 confirmed and up to $6 million estimated in total losses—while failing to perform promised home repairs. Four co-conspirators, including loan originators and a title agency owner, have also pleaded guilty, with Diamond's sentencing scheduled for September 4, 2024.

Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer

housingwire.com · 2025-12-08

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is sounding the al…

Between June 2022 and June 2023, FinCEN reported over $27 billion in suspicious activity across 155,000 filings related to elder financial exploitation (EFE), with account takeovers being the most common typology and adult children perpetrating nearly 40% of documented cases. Perpetrators primarily used unsophisticated methods like compromised passwords and phishing emails to avoid in-person detection, while financial institutions also reported increases in tech support and romance scams targeting seniors. FinCEN emphasized the critical role of financial institutions in identifying, preventing, and reporting suspected EFE to protect older adults' financial security and well-being.

Romance Scams Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime

nbcnewyork.com · 2025-12-08

A "vibrant" 96-year-old widow preparing to bake cookies for her birthday was killed at her Montecito, California, home i…

A 96-year-old widow, Violet Evelyn Alberts, was murdered in her Montecito, California home in May 2022 as part of an alleged murder-for-hire plot connected to financial exploitation. Pauline Macareno, identified as the central figure, had manipulated Alberts starting in 2020 through forged documents and fraudulent reverse mortgage schemes to gain control of her valuable property, and was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud; three additional men were arrested on murder and conspiracy charges in connection with the case.

Financial Crime

thetimes.com · 2025-12-07

With her two mobile phones — one white and one black — Kylee Dennis leads a double life.

Kylee Dennis, a 55-year-old former Australian police officer, founded Two Face Investigations in 2023 after her own mother nearly fell victim to a romance scam, and now poses as "Samantha," a fake online persona, to identify and report romance scammers who target vulnerable adults. Romance scams have surged globally, with Australians losing A$23.6 million in 2024 and the UK reporting a 20 percent increase, with victims over 61 being particularly susceptible due to financial stability combined with loneliness and lower digital literacy. Notable cases include a 64-year-old retiree who lost $57

Romance Scams Inheritance Scams Benefits Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards

morningstar.com · 2025-12-07

EquityProtect’s Property Title Lock Foils Alleged Elder Fraud Scheme

A scammer attempted to defraud an elderly Ohio homeowner by convincing him to take out a reverse mortgage to steal his home equity, but the scheme was foiled when EquityProtect's Property Title Lock service detected the unauthorized loan application and notified the homeowner's daughter, who held Power of Attorney over the property. The incident highlights growing financial crimes against seniors, with the FBI reporting $4.88 billion in losses from 147,127 elder fraud complaints in 2024, a 46% increase from the previous year.

Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Caregiver Exploitation Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime

finance.yahoo.com · 2025-12-07

Scammer’s attempt to steal equity from senior homeowner thwarted by fraud prevention service

A scammer's attempt to fraudulently obtain a reverse mortgage on an elderly Ohio homeowner's property was prevented by EquityProtect's SmartPolicy fraud prevention technology, which flagged the unauthorized loan request and alerted the homeowner's daughter who held Power of Attorney. The incident illustrates growing financial crime targeting seniors, with the FBI reporting $4.88 billion in losses from 147,127 elder fraud complaints in 2024, a 46% increase in complaints year-over-year.

Tech Support Scams Caregiver Exploitation Deed Theft General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime

rollingout.com · 2025-12-07

Americans lose billions of dollars annually to sophisticated investment fraud schemes that have evolved dramatically in …

Americans lose billions annually to sophisticated investment fraud schemes that have evolved to exploit digital platforms and psychological manipulation, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting substantial increases in complaints related to romance scams and fake investment opportunities. Common fraud tactics include romance-based investment schemes, Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency fraud exploiting digital confusion, and fake financial advisor services targeting seniors, all of which use advanced technology, fake websites, testimonials, and social pressure to build false credibility. Recognizing warning signs—such as guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, difficulty withdrawing funds, and reluctance to provide detailed information—is essential for protecting against these increasingly sophisticated threats across all demographics.

Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Inheritance Scams Government Impersonation General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency

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