Financial Scams and Fraud Prevention

Montana State University grad student helps seniors guard against scams
Montana State University graduate student Connor Green turned a personal encounter with an AI scam into a mission to help seniors avoid fraud. Last summer, Green’s grandfather received a call from a scammer using AI to mimic Green’s voice, urgently requesting $15,000. Recognizing the deception tactic, Green quickly ended the call—an experience that later inspired […]
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Las Vegas woman accused of orchestrating deadly online romance scam against older men
A woman from Las Vegas, Aurora Phelps, is facing serious federal charges for allegedly running a romance scam that targeted older men through dating apps. Authorities say her scheme involved drugging victims to access their financial accounts, leading to multiple deaths and a series of fraud-related crimes. Phelps, 43, was arrested in Mexico in September […]

How scammers are using crypto ATMs to steal money and how to stay safe
Scams involving Bitcoin Teller Machines (BTMs) are becoming a serious issue as cryptocurrency transactions grow in popularity. These scams have cost people millions of dollars, with fraudsters taking advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Many victims are tricked into depositing large amounts of money into these machines, believing they are protecting their finances or resolving urgent issues. […]

Romance scams and financial fraud: what every senior should know
Financial scams are becoming a big worry for seniors as scammers keep finding new ways to trick people, especially those looking for love or financial safety. Among these scams, romance scams are some of the most harmful, often leaving victims both broke and heartbroken. By knowing how these scams work, spotting warning signs, and taking […]

Protecting seniors from financial scams and identity theft: Essential steps and strategies
Fraud and identity theft are significant concerns for everyone, but they pose an even greater threat to senior citizens. As digital scams become more sophisticated and prevalent, seniors often find themselves particularly vulnerable. From phone scams to online fraud, the risks are numerous. Many seniors are less familiar with modern digital threats, making them more […]

Burned twice: Scams plague California’s Wildfire victims and relief efforts
Wildfires have always been a challenge for California, but their growing frequency and severity have turned them into a breeding ground for scams and fraudulent activities. Each year, fires devastate large areas, displacing families and leaving communities struggling to rebuild. The recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, with damages projected to reach a quarter of […]

Protecting your finances during the holiday season
While the holiday season is often a time of joy, it also brings an increased risk of financial fraud. As people shop for gifts, travel, and enjoy the festive atmosphere, scams tend to proliferate. Seniors, in particular, are often targeted by fraudsters, but these scams can affect anyone. By staying vigilant and following a few simple […]

The dark side of the digital age: how seniors fall prey to scams
As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, it has undeniably transformed how society operates, bringing both positive changes and new challenges. One of the most significant issues facing the digital age is the growing number of scams targeting seniors, which have become increasingly sophisticated and damaging. Despite awareness campaigns and warnings, many older adults continue to […]

Temecula brothers sentenced for $2.1 million USPS insurance scam
Two brothers from Temecula, California, were sentenced in federal court after orchestrating a sophisticated scheme that defrauded the United States Postal Service (USPS) of over $2.1 million through fake insurance claims. Fareed Alam, aged 36, and Yousofzay Fahim Alam, aged 34, received a combined 27-month prison sentence and were ordered to pay $2,135,739 in restitution […]