Articles shown here are for public awareness and are by no means all inclusive. They are sourced from public records, searches, and information sent by our membership across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
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Good News
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Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday talks about defense against elder fraud, real estate scams
A focus on the topic of real estate fraud.
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Athens resident gets 18-month sentence for defrauding elderly in $500,000 bitcoin scheme
ATHENS – An Athens resident was sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution and a fine for illegally operating an unlicensed money transmitting business targeting elderly victims.
Colin Moore, 24, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, $65,450 in restitution and a $95,000 fine by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Thursday after Moore previously pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. There is no parole in the federal system.
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Colin Moore, 24, of Athens, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, $65,450 in restitution and a $95,000 fine by U.S. District Judge C. Ashley Royal on Thursday after Moore previously pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. There is no parole in the federal system.
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ATM Skimmer who deposited more than $180,000 in his personal accounts arrested.
Anchorage, AK
Federal authorities in Anchorage have arrested a longtime, international criminal who allegedly had a device to steal credit and debit card information in a process known as “skimming.” The charges say Marcus Catalin ROSU’s criminal activity spans the globe, from Australia to the United Kingdom, Michigan to Connecticut and, more recently, Southern California and Southcentral Alaska. Rosu, 39, holds a Romanian passport.
In Alaska federal court, Rosu faces one criminal count of “possession of counterfeit access device-making equipment,” which investigators found hidden in the ceiling tiles of his Anchorage hotel room. The charges also describe an investigation of fraudulent . . .
More: https://www.alaskapublic.org/
(210719)
In Alaska federal court, Rosu faces one criminal count of “possession of counterfeit access device-making equipment,” which investigators found hidden in the ceiling tiles of his Anchorage hotel room. The charges also describe an investigation of fraudulent . . .
More: https://www.alaskapublic.org/
(210719)
Arkansas man arrested for asphalt paving scam
Webster, LA
An Arkansas man was arrested in Webster Parish for an asphalt paving scam and faces charges in Bienville Parish. He is charged with false impersonation, cheating and swindling, failure to obtain a permit and three counts of theft of assets of the aged in Webster Parish. The Bienville Parish Sheriff's Office has warrants charging him with two counts each of residential contractor fraud and exploitation of the elderly and one count of unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling.
(210712)
(210712)
Grandparent scammed out of $14,000 in Family Member in Distress Scam/Money Mule Arrested
Edison, NJ
(In July)2021, victim received a phone call and was told her granddaughter had been involved in a motor vehicle accident. A male suspect told our victim she needed $18,800 in bail money to secure her release and ended up settling for $14,000. Surveillance was set up on the house during which time the suspect said he would be sending a bondsman to pick up the money from the victim. A short time later, the suspect knocked on the victim's door and was subsequently taken into custody.
Police charged 49-year-old Rachel DEMITRO with several counts, including burglary, grand theft, and violation of her probation for her role in distracting the victim. Demitro was arrested on 07/15/2021 after being part of a duo with a man, 58-year-old Bob ELY, who committed a similar distraction scam on an elderly couple in Margate.
Demitro distracted the homeowner by claiming she had to survey the property for future yard work by a neighbor. The homeowner later said he went back inside the home and found money stolen from his safe as well as a box of his wife's jewelry. Police are investigating a possible link to a similar case from May, where an elderly woman was victimized by men posing as tree trimmers.
(210719)
Police charged 49-year-old Rachel DEMITRO with several counts, including burglary, grand theft, and violation of her probation for her role in distracting the victim. Demitro was arrested on 07/15/2021 after being part of a duo with a man, 58-year-old Bob ELY, who committed a similar distraction scam on an elderly couple in Margate.
Demitro distracted the homeowner by claiming she had to survey the property for future yard work by a neighbor. The homeowner later said he went back inside the home and found money stolen from his safe as well as a box of his wife's jewelry. Police are investigating a possible link to a similar case from May, where an elderly woman was victimized by men posing as tree trimmers.
(210719)
International criminal sentenced to 2 1/2 years for U.S. Bank Fraud
ANCHORAGE – A Romanian national, who resided in California, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for bank fraud using a device to steal credit card information in a process known as skimming. He is also required to pay $57,713.53 in restitution to his known victims.
According to court documents, Marcus Rosu, 40, became the subject of a federal investigation in February 2020 when the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) intercepted a package containing hundreds of fraudulent bank cards containing customers’ card information. The cards were backtracked to more than 70 banking institutions in southern California and some were traced to fraudulent transactions . . .
Source: www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/longtime-international-criminal-sentenced-2-12-years-us-bank-fraud
According to court documents, Marcus Rosu, 40, became the subject of a federal investigation in February 2020 when the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) intercepted a package containing hundreds of fraudulent bank cards containing customers’ card information. The cards were backtracked to more than 70 banking institutions in southern California and some were traced to fraudulent transactions . . .
Source: www.justice.gov/usao-ak/pr/longtime-international-criminal-sentenced-2-12-years-us-bank-fraud
Nigerian man arrested at JFK Airport for unemployment fraud
A Nigerian government official arrested in connection with Washington state’s $650 million unemployment fraud will remain in jail until his trial, a federal judge ruled . . .
Read more here: https://www.heraldsun.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article252379278.html#storylink=cpy
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/nigerian-national-indicted-conspiracy-wire-fraud-and-aggravated-identity-theft-fraud
(210629)
Read more here: https://www.heraldsun.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article252379278.html#storylink=cpy
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/nigerian-national-indicted-conspiracy-wire-fraud-and-aggravated-identity-theft-fraud
(210629)
ATM skimmers steal more than $250,000 from hundreds of bank accounts—one pleads guilty
Roanoke, VA
The trio from Romania went from one ATM to another across the Roanoke Valley and beyond, installing hidden cameras that captured the personal identification numbers of their victims as they punched them into the machines. At the same time, a skimming device that had been placed inside the ATM recorded the account information from the debit cards, which were then returned to unsuspecting bank customers who went about their business. After encoding the information onto counterfeit cards, the thieves returned to the ATMs and used the stolen PINs to withdraw cash — more than $250,000 from hundreds of personal banking accounts.
…in Roanoke’s federal court, Marius CATALUI, 39, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. He was returned to jail to await a sentencing scheduled for 01/07/2022. Federal prosecutors say Catalui, a second man and a woman traveled from Romania in late 2018 “solely to conduct ATM skimming activities.” The thefts involved nine banks in the Roanoke, Blacksburg, Martinsville, and Lynchburg areas.
(210621)
Source: www.roanoke.com/news
…in Roanoke’s federal court, Marius CATALUI, 39, pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. He was returned to jail to await a sentencing scheduled for 01/07/2022. Federal prosecutors say Catalui, a second man and a woman traveled from Romania in late 2018 “solely to conduct ATM skimming activities.” The thefts involved nine banks in the Roanoke, Blacksburg, Martinsville, and Lynchburg areas.
(210621)
Source: www.roanoke.com/news
Croton man pleads guilty to $9.5 Million elder fraud scam
Norman Newman, 73, of Croton on Hudson, pled guilty on April 23 to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Newman admitted to knowingly providing lists of potential victims to fraudulent mass-mailing schemes that tricked consumers into paying fees for falsely promised cash prizes and purportedly personalized “psychic” services.
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$100,000 worth of jewelry taken from a Buckhead couple’s home in tree trimming ruse. Suspects arrested.
Atlanta, GA
On 05/29/2021, about $100,000 worth of jewelry was taken from a Buckhead couple’s home recently after they were lured outside by burglars posing as tree trimmers. The suspects, 27-year-old Justin Luigi FRANK and 23-year-old Jacob MITCHELL, were each arrested in different cities on warrants out of Florida. Frank is in custody in New Orleans, while Mitchell is in custody in Houston. The investigation is ongoing and Atlanta police anticipate securing warrants for both men.\
Source: https://www.ajc.com/news/
(20210614)
Source: https://www.ajc.com/news/
(20210614)
Suspect arrested after defrauding homeowner out of $20,000 in Paving Scam
Los Gatos, CA
A group of men defrauded a homeowner out of $20,000 in a driveway paving scam. The suspect was identified by tracking the victim’s cashed checks. The effort also led to additional victims including one who lost $300,000 to the suspect who is a is a convicted felon. He was in possession of narcotics packaged for sale and a loaded firearm
(20210614)
(20210614)
Suspect arrested in Elder Financial Abuse case
Talbotton, GA
The GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) and Talbot County Sheriff’s Office arrested Melissa THOMPSON, 50, of Atlanta, GA, on one count of felony theft by deception, one count of theft by taking, one count of exploitation and intimidation of elderly person, five counts of identity fraud, and five counts of financial transaction card fraud.
The investigation revealed theft and fraud from the elder victim’s bank account from 2014 – 2019. Most of the alleged theft occurred after Thompson fraudulently created a monthly recurring auto-draft from the victim’s account to her account. The total amount of loss is estimated to be more than $29,000. This investigation is ongoing and will be turned over to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Source: https://valdostatoday.com/news-2/
(20210614)
The investigation revealed theft and fraud from the elder victim’s bank account from 2014 – 2019. Most of the alleged theft occurred after Thompson fraudulently created a monthly recurring auto-draft from the victim’s account to her account. The total amount of loss is estimated to be more than $29,000. This investigation is ongoing and will be turned over to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Source: https://valdostatoday.com/news-2/
(20210614)
Suspect in seal coating scam wanted by police.
Cleveland, TN
The Bradley County Sheriff wants to put a man behind bars after he scammed an elderly woman in Tennessee.
The suspect went to her house, and said she needed work done to her driveway. The second suspect was outside putting a mixture on her driveway. The woman told the suspect she did not want the job done, but the man demanded money anyway. Authorities have identified the man as Tommy SHERLOCK.
Source: www.wrcbtv.com
(20210607)
The suspect went to her house, and said she needed work done to her driveway. The second suspect was outside putting a mixture on her driveway. The woman told the suspect she did not want the job done, but the man demanded money anyway. Authorities have identified the man as Tommy SHERLOCK.
Source: www.wrcbtv.com
(20210607)
$740,000 in checks stolen from churches. Suspects arrested.
Orlando, FL
Six “low-tech” thieves snagged $740,000 worth of donations out of church mailboxes – then used the money for cars, clothes and to wire cash back to their native Romania. Four of the thieves were arrested but two of the men are still on the loose. The men took more than 1,500 checks from 636 churches – 355 in the state of Florida alone. The six operated out of Orlando but traveled throughout the state and elsewhere, sometimes hitting as many as 85 churches in a day. They used aliases to deposit the donation checks into bank accounts, then withdrew the money at ATMs before the banks caught on. Now in custody are Ionut RADUCAN, 33, Marius DUMITRU, 28, Marius DUMITRU, 34, and Panait DUMITRU, 32. Suspects Catalin TRANDAFIR, 45, and Simona TRANDAFIR, 39, remain at large. They are all facing charges including conspiracy to commit racketeering, grand theft, and money laundering.
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Thou Shalt Not Steal” by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, started in December after officers with the Cape Coral Police Department found 24 churches in Lee County reported donation thefts. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (FL) and the Department of Homeland Security also aided the investigation.
Source: https://nypost.com/2021/
(20210531)
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Thou Shalt Not Steal” by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, started in December after officers with the Cape Coral Police Department found 24 churches in Lee County reported donation thefts. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (FL) and the Department of Homeland Security also aided the investigation.
Source: https://nypost.com/2021/
(20210531)
Unlicensed contractor from California arrested on a Crook County charge of theft by deception or fraud in home repair scams
Bend, OR
An unlicensed contractor from California was arrested in Bend on a Crook County charge of theft by deception or fraud … . In March, a sheriff’s detective began receiving information from several Deschutes and Crook County citizens regarding “Quesada Handyman Service” and Jacob I.C. QUESADA, 29, of Lodi, CA. Quesada was being paid for jobs such as residential and commercial flooring and deck installations and painting. Quesada often advertised his services on Facebook and would communicate with potential customers on that social media platform. Victims would meet in person and provide down payments to Quesada, but sometimes he would never return; other times, he began the work and stopped in mid-project, or the work was substandard.
Quesada was stopped on (in late May) 2021 in Bend for a traffic violation – no license plates or a valid temporary registration – and was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on the Crook County charge of first-degree theft by deception or fraud. He was released the next day after posting 10 percent of his $15,000 bail but has since been indicted on the charge.
Source: www.ktvz.com/top-stories/2021/05/27/
(2021-05-31)
Quesada was stopped on (in late May) 2021 in Bend for a traffic violation – no license plates or a valid temporary registration – and was lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on the Crook County charge of first-degree theft by deception or fraud. He was released the next day after posting 10 percent of his $15,000 bail but has since been indicted on the charge.
Source: www.ktvz.com/top-stories/2021/05/27/
(2021-05-31)
Howard County Police officers fix roof of elderly couple victimized in a roofing scam
Ellicott City, MD
Howard County PD officers traded their duty belts for tool belts after an elderly couple was scammed out of $33,000. An elderly woman and her blind husband were scammed out of $33,000 by a roofing contractor who was not licensed. The suspects left her with no shingles on her roof.
The patrol squad that covers their Ellicott City neighborhood decided to fix the roof themselves. The officers have some handy guys on the squad and her neighbor is an actual roofer and is going to oversee the project and make sure that it is done correctly.
With guidance from a neighborly roofing expert and donations of materials from The Home Depot, officers spent their off-duty time making the much-needed repairs.
Source: www.wjla.com/news/local/
(20210531)
The patrol squad that covers their Ellicott City neighborhood decided to fix the roof themselves. The officers have some handy guys on the squad and her neighbor is an actual roofer and is going to oversee the project and make sure that it is done correctly.
With guidance from a neighborly roofing expert and donations of materials from The Home Depot, officers spent their off-duty time making the much-needed repairs.
Source: www.wjla.com/news/local/
(20210531)
Call centers under investigation for Bunco in Family Member in Distress Scam
New York, NY
The NYPD together with Homeland Security Investigations and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is conducting a long-term investigation targeting fraud call centers in the Dominican Republic. Fraudsters collected money from multiple victims of bail scams, to include a 91-year-old female who passed away three weeks after the incident.
(20210524)
(20210524)
Grandchild needs money scam thwarted
Billerica, MA
In May 2021, a resident almost fell victim to a "grandchild needs money" scam. The resident reported receiving multiple calls earlier in the day from a male party identifying himself as "Michael.” Fortunately, the resident's son intervened, and the cash was not exchanged.
(20210524)
(20210524)
Atlanta woman arrested in Talbot County elder exploitation case
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Talbot County Sheriff’s Office have arrested an Atlanta woman on multiple charges including identity fraud and exploitation of elder persons.
50-year-old Melissa Thompson is charged with the following:
50-year-old Melissa Thompson is charged with the following:
- One count of felony theft by deception
- One count of theft by taking
- One count of exploitation and intimidation of elder persons
- Five counts of identity fraud
- Five counts of financial transaction card fraud
EFCC arrests club owner and 14 others for alleged internet fraud pertaining to Advance Fee Fraud
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a club owner, Emeka Williams Kingsley, alongside 14 other suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos. They were arrested on April 15, 2021 at the Club, following credible intelligence gathered about their alleged involvement in computer-related fraud.
MORE: https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/298827/efcc-arrests-club-owner-14-others-for-alleged-internet-frau.html
MORE: https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/298827/efcc-arrests-club-owner-14-others-for-alleged-internet-frau.html
Bulgarian national sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for Martha’s Vineyard ATM scam.
Georgi Kanev, a 33-year-old Bulgarian national, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison Wednesday (5/26/2021) in connection with a 2013 ATM card skimming scam that resulted in the illegal withdrawal of hundreds of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting Martha’s Vineyard Bank (formerly Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank) customers.
MORE: https://www.mvtimes.com/2021/05/27/bulgarian-national-sentenced-marthas-vineyard-atm-scam
MORE: https://www.mvtimes.com/2021/05/27/bulgarian-national-sentenced-marthas-vineyard-atm-scam
Three charged in nationwide scheme to sell hundreds of thousands of fraudulent Texas paper tags
Three charged in nationwide scheme to sell hundreds of thousands of fraudulent Texas paper tags.
Authorities are searching for two men indicted for using fictitious car dealerships to issue nearly 600,000 automobile paper tags and selling them on the internet without selling any cars.
Authorities are searching for two men indicted for using fictitious car dealerships to issue nearly 600,000 automobile paper tags and selling them on the internet without selling any cars.
Mexican citizen charged with using disabled veteran’s Social Security number for benefits
A Mexican citizen was recently arrested in Warren County, Ohio on federal charges claiming he stole the identity of a disabled United States veteran.
MORE: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/mexican-citizen-charged-using-disabled-veteran-s-social-security-number-benefit
MORE: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdoh/pr/mexican-citizen-charged-using-disabled-veteran-s-social-security-number-benefit
Family member fleeced out of $454,000 in a Family Member in Distress Scam
New York, NY
A suspect is wanted in connection with a Family Member in Distress/bail scheme. The victim was coerced to send a total of $454,000 to locations in New York and Delaware.
(210725)
(210725)
Elderly woman scammed out of $17,000 in a driveway paving scam
Aberdeen, NJ
An elderly female hired two men to do work on her driveway and paid them $17,000. The name on their trucks was "Driveline Paving Corp." They did not complete the job and work that was done was not up to industry standards. The victim repeatedly tried contacting them with negative results.
(210712)
(210712)
Two women scammed out of $185,000 in a Social Security phone scam
Long Beach, CA
The victim sent three checks totaling $85,000 to a subject in Allentown, PA. The recipient said she was an additional victim of the same scam and lost over $100,000.
(210712)
(210712)
Woman deceived into paying over $560,000 in a Gold Bar Investment Scam.
Naperville, IL
Police are investigating a scam where the victim was deceived into paying over $560,000 to assist a woman he met on “arablounge.com” to ship gold bars to the United States.
The victim made multiple wire transfers to various banks, most of which are in Ghana.
(210712)
The victim made multiple wire transfers to various banks, most of which are in Ghana.
(210712)
Elderly victim cheated out of $40,000 in Sweepstakes Scam
Santa Barbara, CA
In late December of 2020, an elderly victim of a Sweepstakes Scam wired $40,000 to a JP Morgan Chase Bank account belonging to a Khadiel Kavanoy SMITH with an associated address in Margate, FL. The account was opened with a Jamaican passport. In the three days following the wire, the suspect withdrew approximately $24,000 from this account. Withdrawals were made from a Chase Bank branch in Lauderdale, FL.
(210712)
(210712)
Approximately $675,000 worth of jewelry stolen by Organized Theft Team
New York, NY
The suspects worked as a team to commit a larceny of a duffle bag containing jewelry worth approximately $675,000. Subjects are believed to be members of a South American Theft Group.
(210712)
(210712)
74-year-old woman scammed out of more than $17,000 in a Family Member in Distress Scam
Staten Island, NY
(In July) 2021, … an individual called a 74-year-old woman at her home in the vicinity of Bement Avenue and East Raleigh Avenue. The individual allegedly told the victim that her grandson was arrested and that $8,500 in cash was needed to help him post bail. An individual arrived at the 74-year-old woman’s home at about 12:54 p.m. that same day and picked up the victim’s money. The next day at about 8 AM, an individual again called the victim and said that more money was needed to help pay for medical bills that stemmed from her grandson’s arrest. An individual returned to the woman’s home and picked up another $9,023 in cash. Police described the man sought for questioning in connection with the incident as being Hispanic and about 20 to 30 years old.
Source: www.silive.com/crime-safety/2021/
(210719)
Source: www.silive.com/crime-safety/2021/
(210719)
Psychic scams on social media
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - BBB is warning the public of social media scammers in the psychic services industry.
BBB Scam Tracker says they have received reports from people who have paid for psychic services such as astrology or tarot readings but never received what they paid for.
Customers often book and pay for a session with a content creator online. However, when the time comes for the session, the psychic is unreachable.
Complaints about no-show psychics are the most common version of the scam, according to BBB. Consumers also reported seeing fake reviews online or being pressured into paying for additional services.
“She gets you to come back by saying she will do healing meditation to get rid of the evil spirits,” the report said. “She pressures you that you need to give her cash/money to ‘cleanse’ the evil spirits or to use for the meditation.”
How to avoid social media psychic scams . . .
MORE: https://www.wifr.com/2021/06/21/bbb-warns-scam-psychics-social-media/
BBB Scam Tracker says they have received reports from people who have paid for psychic services such as astrology or tarot readings but never received what they paid for.
Customers often book and pay for a session with a content creator online. However, when the time comes for the session, the psychic is unreachable.
Complaints about no-show psychics are the most common version of the scam, according to BBB. Consumers also reported seeing fake reviews online or being pressured into paying for additional services.
“She gets you to come back by saying she will do healing meditation to get rid of the evil spirits,” the report said. “She pressures you that you need to give her cash/money to ‘cleanse’ the evil spirits or to use for the meditation.”
How to avoid social media psychic scams . . .
MORE: https://www.wifr.com/2021/06/21/bbb-warns-scam-psychics-social-media/
Elderly Woman scammed out of $25,000 in Parking Lot Scam
Bossier City, LA
Police in Bossier City are asking for help identifying two people caught on security cameras outside a local business trying to scam elderly people into giving them large amounts of money, succeeding in convincing at least one victim to withdraw $25,000 from her bank account.
Police have released photos from that security footage and describe the alleged scammers as a middle-aged white male wearing a dark-colored blazer jacket, white buttoned-up dress shirt, red tie, and slacks carrying a black bag and a middle-aged black female who was wearing a red sleeveless shirt and blue jeans.
The suspects were seen on 06/10/2021 approaching elderly citizens in the parking lot of the Sam’s Super Store off Beene Blvd., trying to scam them into giving them money. Police say the white male who was captured on surveillance video working with the black female stood by the entrance of the business while the black female approached the victim, but later joined them in the parking lot and rode with them to withdraw the money from the bank.
Source: www.arklatexhomepage.com
(210628)
Elder Internet Financial Fraud Complaints Increase 55% Between 2019 & 2020
During 2020, about 13.3% of complaints (105,301 complaints) of internet financial fraud received by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) were submitted by individuals age 60 and older, an increase . . .
MORE: https://openminds.com/market-intelligence/news/the-fbi-received-105301-elder-financial-fraud-complaints-in-2020-with-losses-over-966-million/
(210626)
MORE: https://openminds.com/market-intelligence/news/the-fbi-received-105301-elder-financial-fraud-complaints-in-2020-with-losses-over-966-million/
(210626)
FBI says pandemic fueled large increase in online scams targeting people older than 60
Scammers stole more than $1 billion from elderly people last year as technology and internet use dramatically increased in that population because of . . .
FOR MORE: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/crime/2021/06/16/fbi-report-shows-increase-elderly-population-being-targeted-scammers/7705430002
(210626)
FOR MORE: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/crime/2021/06/16/fbi-report-shows-increase-elderly-population-being-targeted-scammers/7705430002
(210626)
Elderly man lost $124,000 in Amazon scam. Here are 10 ways to keep it from happening to you
In the last few weeks, two residents from Greater Cleveland have been ripped off for thousands of dollars by con-artists claiming to be from Amazon. In one case, an elderly man lost more than $100,000 . . .
FOR MORE: https://connpirg.org/blogs/blog/usp/man-lost-124000-amazon-scam-here-are-10-ways-keep-it-happening-you
(210626)
FOR MORE: https://connpirg.org/blogs/blog/usp/man-lost-124000-amazon-scam-here-are-10-ways-keep-it-happening-you
(210626)
Elderly victim out $100,000 in psychic fraud swindle
Los Angeles, CA
The suspect, who operates psychic reading business, is wanted by the Los Angeles Police Department. A warrant for her arrest has been issued with bail set at $300,000.
(210621)
(210621)
92-year-old man scammed out of $4,000 in a driveway sealcoating scam
Lyndhurst, NJ
A 92-year-old Lyndhurst man fell victim to a familiar scam, losing $4,000 to a pair of thieves who claimed that they had repaired his driveway. Two Massachusetts men, David STANDISH of Haverhill, and Thomas STANLEY of Danvers were arrested by Lyndhurst PD with help from their colleagues in North Arlington. Standish and Stanley approached a 6th Street resident who'd arrange to have his driveway resurfaced by a reputable local company and told him they were "ready to begin work. Stanley, who identified himself as "Marion JOHNSON," charged the elderly victim $4,000. The victim's daughter contacted the original business that was hired and discovered the scam.
Det. Billy Kapp secured home surveillance photos and "other pertinent information" that, combined with tips from social media and other sources, helped identify the suspects.
Source: www.dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/mahwah/news/
(210621)
Det. Billy Kapp secured home surveillance photos and "other pertinent information" that, combined with tips from social media and other sources, helped identify the suspects.
Source: www.dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/mahwah/news/
(210621)
Woman scammed out of $50,000 in a Family Member in Distress scam.
Glastonbury, CT
She turned over $21,000 in cash after she believed she was bonding her brother out of jail. She was later in contact with people who said they were “lawyer,” a “Judge,” and a “bondsman.” The victim and her family provided an additional $29,000 prior to being informed of the scam.
(210621)
(210621)
$80,000 lost to a Pigeon Drop scam.
Waldorf, MD
In a Pigeon Drop scam. the suspects showed the victim a bag which appeared to contain a large amount of money and convinced the victim to drive to numerous Wells Fargo Banks where approximately $80,000 was withdrawn. The victim gave the money to the suspects to invest.
(210621)
(210621)
91-year-old woman scammed out of $18,000 in a grandparent scam.
Cumberland, RI
A 91-year-old female victim received a telephone call from a man calling himself “Skip” stating he had been in an accident and was arrested. Another person on the call identified himself as an attorney $18,000 cash was needed for bail.
(210621)
(210621)
Elder assets at risk as parents age
As parents age, they become more susceptible to losing the assets they worked so hard for all these years. Elder assets are at risk.
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Approximately 7.86 million cases of elder fraud occur in the U.S. each year resulting in $148 Billion in losses
More than 334,000 scams and financial abuse cases targeting the elderly are reported to authorities every year, and most experts agree that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our estimates show $6.3 billion in damages are reported to authorities, but the real figure likely dwarfs that amount when factoring in unreported elder fraud.
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Gutter Cleaning Scam
Cleveland, OH
A 92-year-old woman in Cleveland believes she may have been scammed after a man did some gutter cleaning for her. The victim said a man called her … saying he noticed her house needed the gutters cleaned. She agreed to have the work done for $145. He came by … to do it and charged her $950. After much negotiating, the victim agreed to pay $500.
Source: www.wrcbtv.com/story/44049498/
(20210614)
Source: www.wrcbtv.com/story/44049498/
(20210614)
Homeowner scammed out of $18,000 in a roofing scam. Under investigation.
Glen Rock, NJ
(20210614)
Suspect tries to scam Connecticut homeowner out of $24,000 to pave the driveway. Settles for $8,000.
The suspect knocked on a resident’s door and told them that he just finished a job nearby and had left over materials and could give him a discount on the job. The resident agreed and he demanded $24,000 when he was done. The resident did not have that much money and they eventually settled for $8,000. The resident later found out that the other neighbor was scammed as well.
The suspect is not a registered contractor in Connecticut and subject to arrest.
(20210607)
The suspect is not a registered contractor in Connecticut and subject to arrest.
(20210607)
Fraudsters attempt to sell a fake gold bar for $25,000 to 75-year-old
South San Francisco CA
A 75-year-old female was approached while shopping at Costco. One of the suspects made up a story that she needed money for medical care. The other suspect displayed a fake gold bar and asked the victim if she would buy the bar which he claimed was worth $25,000. Falling for the scam, the victim drove them to Wells Fargo Bank and withdrew $700 from the ATM while one of the suspects stood with her. The victim exchanged a total of $800 for the fake gold bar and realized later that she was the victim of a scam. Video surveillance obtained from Costco revealed a third suspect in the Costco parking lot.
(20210607)
(20210607)
Elderly woman victimized in a sealcoating scam with Criminal Coercion
Wayne, NJ
An elderly victim reported that she received a phone call from an individual who "advised” that he would come by and leave an estimate. The following week, two young males, approximately 20 years old, told the victim that the job would cost approximately $200. Once the job was completed, the individuals told her the job cost $2,000. The victim told them she would only pay what was agreed upon and they left.
The next day, they returned and asked for $800. When the victim told them she would give $200, they told her if she did not pay, they would place a lien on her residence. Also, one of the suspects told her that if she did not pay, he would remove the sealing. The victim told them to get off her property. The suspect took out a red gas can and poured it on her driveway and then drove off.
(20210531)
The next day, they returned and asked for $800. When the victim told them she would give $200, they told her if she did not pay, they would place a lien on her residence. Also, one of the suspects told her that if she did not pay, he would remove the sealing. The victim told them to get off her property. The suspect took out a red gas can and poured it on her driveway and then drove off.
(20210531)
Elderly victims scammed out of $18,000 in a roofing scam
Glen Rock, NJ
In late May 2021, suspects approached elderly victims and applied "rubberized asphalt" to the entire roof. This tar like coating is all over the roof, gutters and siding causing thousands of dollars of damage. After spending approximately 45 minutes covering the roof with tar, the suspects pressured the victims into paying $18,000 using two $9,000 checks. A "contract" was filled out in crayon complete with horrific misspellings and showed the name of the business as "Discount Roofing" with a nonexistent address in Union, NJ.
(20210531)
(20210531)
Elderly woman scammed out of $9,000 in a Driveway Sealcoating Scam
Hamden, CT
An individual approached an elderly woman in her driveway and told her he could fix her driveway with driveway sealer. The suspects and sprayed something from a tank in the bed of the pickup, applied a second coat and requested payment of $12,000 for 80 gallons of sealer, but accepted a check for $9,000.
(20210531)
(20210531)
77-year-old woman scammed out of $40,000 when a notice flashed on her computer screen in a Computer Notice Scam
Knoxville, TN
A 77-year-old woman was scammed out of $40,000 when a notice flashed on her computer screen announcing that there was a problem with her bank account. There was a phone number on the notice which she immediately called to check her account. She was told to withdraw money due to fraudulent activity. … The scammers told her to buy Target, Best Buy, and Nike gift cards which she did at her local Kroger and Publix. She was also told employees were checking on her to make sure she was okay. She now has only $300 in her bank account and is hoping the bank can help her get her money back by canceling the gift cards.
Source: www.wvlt.tv/2021/05/29/
(20210531)
Source: www.wvlt.tv/2021/05/29/
(20210531)
88-year-old male victim of Fake Gold Jewelry Sales Scam by Force
Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Regional Police Service said that an 88-year-old male had two rings which were wedding rings from his late wife aggressively pulled off his ring finger.
(20210531)
(20210531)
Elderly couple scammed out of more than $140,000 in Publishers Clearing House scam
Troy, MI
An elderly couple living in Troy has been scammed out of more than $140,000 in a matter of weeks. The victims received a phone call from a man claiming to be “Otis PeterBank” with Publishers Clearing House. He told them they won over $2.5 million. To receive the money, the scammer said they had to Prepay the taxes on it. Over the span of three weeks, the couple wired nearly $144,000. The scammer asked for payments to be made via gift card. The suspect had them going back and forth from the UPS store where they were receiving faxes, where they were signing affidavits for the winnings. The US Attorney’s Office and DHS is involved in the investigation.
Source: www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2021/05/27/
(20210531)
Source: www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2021/05/27/
(20210531)
Hillsdale woman lost $9,000 in a “grandparent scam”
Hillsdale, NJ
A Hillsdale woman lost $9,000 in a “grandparent scam” to a Paterson thief who was identified and arrested by borough detectives. Elvis GUZMAN-SILIA, 44, was nailed following a two-month investigation. The victim told police a caller convinced her that her grandnephew had been arrested following a traffic accident and that she had to pony up $9,000 to bail him out. A courier posing as a bail bonds worker then came to the victim’s house and collected the cash. Guzman-Silia was identified, arrested, and charged on charges of conspiracy to commit theft and trafficking in personal identification before being released pending a hearing.
Source: www.dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/pascackvalley/news/
(20210531)
Source: www.dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/pascackvalley/news/
(20210531)
91-year-old scammed out of $9,600 in a Family Member in Distress Scam
Tewksbury, MA
In May 2021, a 91-year-old received a phone call from a someone posing as his grandson, Michael, who said that he is in the Manchester (NH) jail and stated that his attorney would be calling him regarding bail payment. The alleged attorney stated that Michael needs $30,000 to make bail. The amount was reduced to $12,000 and then subsequently settled on $9,600. The victim was told that a bondsman would collect the payment. However, the victim would not provide his address. There was no further contact from the scammer.
(20210524)
(20210524)
Elder scammed out of cash in a Family Member in Distress Scam
Swampscott, MA
On 05/19/2021, Swampscott PD took a report from an elderly resident who reported that she was the victim of several telephone calls reporting that her grandson was arrested and needed bail. A series of continuous “bail requests” by an alleged attorney resulted in several pickups of cash.
(20210524)
(20210524)
Elderly couple scammed out more than $56,000 in Family Member in Distress Scam
Concord, MA
The victim received a call from someone they believed was their grandson who said he had been in a terrible car accident due to him texting and driving and was arrested because he rear-ended the car in front of him and the occupants were seriously injured. The grandson’s “attorney” told the victim that the charges were serious, but the judge would allow him bail for $17,500 cash. After withdrawing the cash, a courier picked up the $17,500 in cash. The victim was then told that the judge needed an additional $38,700 for their grandson to be released and would be guaranteed his money back along with the release of his grandson if he obtained at least $12,000 up front. Again, victim returned to bank and withdrew $12,000 which a courier picked up. The victim received yet another call for another. $28,000. The cash was withdrawn, and another driver arrived to pick up the money. The victim later spoke to his grandson who was never in an accident and victim realized this was a fraud.
(20210524)
(20210524)
86-year-old resident scammed out of $16,000 in cash in Family Member in Distress Scam
Middleton, MA
In May 2021, an 86-year-old resident was scammed out of $16,000 in cash when someone pretended to be her granddaughter and said she was involved in a serious motor vehicle crash and was in jail. An alleged attorney representing the other driver involved in the crash called the victim. A middle eastern male received the money in an envelope.
(20210524)
(20210524)
Elder fraud complaints top $966 million in losses for older adults according to the FBI
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in 2020 received 105,301 complaints from victims aged 60 or more years, with total losses exceeding $966 million.
That statistic was part of recently released 2020 Internet Crime Report by the IC3, which indicated that, overall, the agency received a record number of complaints last year. The IC3 reported receiving a total of 791,790 complaints in 2020 — a 69% increase from 2019 — for a reported loss of $4.2 billion.
MORE: www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/home/news/elder-fraud-complaints-top-966-million-in-losses-for-older-adults-fbi/
That statistic was part of recently released 2020 Internet Crime Report by the IC3, which indicated that, overall, the agency received a record number of complaints last year. The IC3 reported receiving a total of 791,790 complaints in 2020 — a 69% increase from 2019 — for a reported loss of $4.2 billion.
MORE: www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/home/news/elder-fraud-complaints-top-966-million-in-losses-for-older-adults-fbi/
Government imposters pose as FEMA and trick grieving family members.
A new United States federal program is helping to pay funeral expenses of people who died from COVID-19. Unfortunately, scammers are using this as a chance to steal personal information from bereaved family members the Better Business Bureau announced.
More: https://kvoa.com/news/2021/06/04/bbb-scam-alert-government-imposters-pose-as-fema-and-trick-grieving-family-members/
More: https://kvoa.com/news/2021/06/04/bbb-scam-alert-government-imposters-pose-as-fema-and-trick-grieving-family-members/
Cryptocurrency scams rose 1,000 percent in the past year and cost consumers at least $80 million, FTC says.
Uber-rich people have touted the speculative investment, making others feel like fools if they don’t get in on the game. Tesla mogul Elon Musk has been a champion of cryptocurrency, although he backed off bitcoin mining recently, citing environmental concerns.
Scammers know that many people suffer from “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out. This is the kryptonite for unsophisticated investors.
The FTC said many victims reported being lured to sophisticated websites offering an opportunity to invest in cryptocurrencies. People set up accounts using real cryptocurrencies, which would of course be stolen. The sites use fake testimonials and cryptocurrency jargon to appear credible or show that their investments were growing. However, when people tried to withdraw the nonexistent profits, they were told to send even more cryptocurrency, Fletcher said.
Even the tried and true romance scam has evolved to include cryptocurrency. But instead of getting lovestruck individuals to fork over cash, scammers sweet-talk them into cryptocurrency investments. The FTC said about 20 percent of the money reported lost through romance scams since October 2020 was sent in cryptocurrency.
Crooks are also using the Social Security number con to collect cryptocurrency. People are told their Social Security number will be “suspended” because of criminal activity. Or they are threatened with arrest. To clear up the issue, victims are told they have to pay a fee in cryptocurrency.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/05/18/ftc-cryptocurrency-scams/
Scammers know that many people suffer from “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out. This is the kryptonite for unsophisticated investors.
The FTC said many victims reported being lured to sophisticated websites offering an opportunity to invest in cryptocurrencies. People set up accounts using real cryptocurrencies, which would of course be stolen. The sites use fake testimonials and cryptocurrency jargon to appear credible or show that their investments were growing. However, when people tried to withdraw the nonexistent profits, they were told to send even more cryptocurrency, Fletcher said.
Even the tried and true romance scam has evolved to include cryptocurrency. But instead of getting lovestruck individuals to fork over cash, scammers sweet-talk them into cryptocurrency investments. The FTC said about 20 percent of the money reported lost through romance scams since October 2020 was sent in cryptocurrency.
Crooks are also using the Social Security number con to collect cryptocurrency. People are told their Social Security number will be “suspended” because of criminal activity. Or they are threatened with arrest. To clear up the issue, victims are told they have to pay a fee in cryptocurrency.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/05/18/ftc-cryptocurrency-scams/