A new federal report shows how scammers turn offers of refunds and account protection into demands for money. Here’s what older adults and families should know.
The caller says a company owes you a refund. Then the story changes: too much money was deposited, and you need to send the difference back.
In a California case highlighted in the Justice Department’s new elder justice report, no refund had been deposited. People were persuaded to send their own money.
Released October 28, the report describes nearly 350 criminal and civil enforcement actions involving conduct that targeted or disproportionately affected older adults. DOJ says those cases involved 712 defendants charged with stealing, or alleged to have stolen, approximately $4.84 billion from 711,353 victims.
For older adults and families in Los Angeles, the cases offer a practical warning: someone promising to fix an account problem may be creating one. Before sending money or giving access to a computer, stop and check with the real institution.
What the report’s numbers mean
The annual elder justice report covers DOJ activities from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Some of the fraud described occurred years earlier.
The $4.84 billion is the amount defendants were accused or alleged to have stolen in the reported cases. It isn’t a tally of all elder fraud nationwide, and it isn’t money recovered for victims. The figures also don’t establish that every defendant was convicted.
The report documents enforcement work. Its totals alone don’t show whether elder fraud increased or decreased.
How an offer of help becomes a demand for money
The California prosecution shows how the deception worked.
In May, a federal court in San Diego sentenced Zhao Wang to 151 months in prison for leading a $27 million fraud and money-laundering scheme targeting approximately 2,000 older victims nationwide.
According to prosecutors, calls, emails and computer pop-ups directed people to scam call centers. Some victims were persuaded to install software that let callers access their computers.
Callers offered a refund, pretended to send too much and instructed people to return the excess by wire transfer or mailed cash. There was no excess payment. Victims were sending their own funds.
Other schemes use a different explanation: someone claims your account is in danger and tells you to move money to protect it.
The federal Never EVER campaign identifies the line readers should recognize: “Your money isn’t safe. Move it to protect it.” Someone claiming to be from the government who gives that instruction is a scammer.
An urgent explanation can make it hard to pause. But you don’t have to resolve an unexpected account problem while a stranger keeps you on the phone.
Hang up and contact the bank, company or agency using a number you find independently. Don’t use the caller’s number, and don’t rely on caller ID. The FTC warns that scammers can fake it.
Parriva’s recent coverage of fake California health officials calling about prescriptions explains why that separate check matters even when a caller sounds official.
Reader guide: What to do if you already shared money or information
Contact the bank or payment company immediately. Explain what happened and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. The FTC’s response guide gives instructions for different payment methods, as well as steps to take after sharing personal information or computer access. Getting money back is not guaranteed.
Ask for help with reporting. The National Elder Fraud Hotline, 833-372-8311, provides free assistance with fraud involving people age 60 or older. Case managers help callers navigate reports and find other resources.
English, Spanish and other languages are available. Listed hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific time.
If you suspect financial abuse in Los Angeles County, call Adult Protective Services at 877-477-3646. The agency investigates financial exploitation and other mistreatment of older and dependent adults living in the community. That includes situations involving a caregiver or someone the person knows.
Be cautious about offers to recover the money. The FTC warns that scammers approach people who have already suffered losses and promise recovery in exchange for an upfront fee. Paying can lead to another loss.
You don’t need to figure out the entire scheme before seeking help. If money was sent, start with the institution that handled the payment. Then use a verified reporting channel to work through the next steps.
