Pritzker signs bills addressing financial exploitation, nursing home mental health evaluations

by Mike Miletich 

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed multiple bills into law Thursday to uplift vulnerable people across the state. Democrats and Republicans worked together to tackle financial exploitation of seniors and improve mental health evaluations in nursing homes.

One law will allow financial institutions to disclose suspicions of financial exploitation to trusted contacts, co-owners and beneficiaries of account holders. The measure also creates a Department on Aging online portal to receive reports of suspected financial exploitation and abuse.

"This bill permits a financial institution to place a transactional hold on an eligible adult's account if there exists reasonable suspicion that a transaction or disbursement from the account may involve financial exploitation of an eligible adult," said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood). 

A separate law will allow courts to issue temporary restraining orders in cases involving abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

"There are an alarming number of accounts of scams and financial abuse targeting older adults," said Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). "This will ensure that we have more tools and can act more quickly to protect older adults regarding their safety and financial security."

The state is also taking steps to improve nursing home mental health evaluations. Gov. JB Pritzker approved a bill calling on the Illinois Department of Human Services or a designee to visit any person admitted to a nursing home with a diagnosis of serious mental illness within 60 days of admission.

"Prompt DHS visits will be required after a significant change in a physical or mental condition," said Rep. Nicolle Grasse (D-Arlington Heights). "This has the support of the Illinois Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, AARP and DHS."

This law also requires DHS to ensure there are no conflicts of interest among employees administering pre-admission screenings. Sponsors hope this change will give families confidence residents are evaluated fairly.

A separate bill signed Thursday will ensure children who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf blind have equitable access to early literacy development. The law creates a language needs assessment program informed by deaf educators, early childhood experts and Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission members. 

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Pritzker signs bills addressing financial exploitation, nursing home mental health evaluations 

AI voice calls and fixed incomes put older adults at risk for financial scams, researchers say

Florida State University researchers say education is key to stopping financial exploitation of older Americans

By Caresse Jackman

(InvestigateTV) — Financial scams targeting older adults are evolving, and researchers say the combination of traditional fraud tactics and new technology — including AI-generated voice calls — is making them harder to detect.

Julie Brancale, an assistant professor at Florida State University, and Dean Thomas Blomberg study the causes and consequences of financial exploitation against older adults.

“We try to take all of our research and translate that into policy and practice recommendations that can make a meaningful difference and try to help stop this growing social problem,” Brancale said.

Brancale said fraudsters often look for specific vulnerabilities among older adults.

“Older adults, they have accumulated wealth throughout their life,” Brancale said. “A lot of them are retiring and living off of a fixed income. And couple that with just age-related changes that older adults are experiencing — an increase in the frequency of health conditions, perhaps a mild cognitive decline.”

Blomberg said the rise of artificial intelligence has added new dimensions to an already persistent problem.

“AI is introducing all these new dimensions,” he said. “And it’s a constant barrage and many feel overwhelmed and a level of helplessness.”

Blomberg added education is one of the most important tools for combating financial fraud against older adults.

“I think one of the biggest things that we are doing and trying to do is education,” Blomberg said. “And if you talk to victims, they will tell you, we need more education.”

Blomberg and Brancale said it is also important to teach students about elder abuse and financial fraud at the higher education level.

“We want our graduates to be change makers, positive change makers,” Blomberg said. “And so they’ve got to be scientifically trained, but they also have to have the knowledge on how to implement and how to work with people to make the world a better place.”

Experts say one of the main red flags in financial scams is urgency. If someone demands that money be sent immediately, experts recommend stopping, slowing down and speaking with a trusted person before taking any action. 

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AI voice calls and fixed incomes put older adults at risk for financial scams, researchers say 

Son charged with financial exploitation of elderly mother in Layton

by Sorina Trauntvein

LAYTON, Utah (ABC4) — A Layton man is accused of using his power of attorney to take money from his mother’s benefits for his own financial gain instead of paying her care facility bills. She has since passed away.

Chad Rylie Clark, 55, has been charged with one count of intentional or knowing financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult exceeding $5,000, a second-degree felony.

According to court documents, in September or October 2025, Clark was granted power of attorney (POA) for his mother. She had been living in a care facility with her husband for roughly two years, though her husband did not require care.

In September or October 2025, Clark’s mother was moved to a different room, and her husband moved out. Soon after, Clark allegedly began exercising his POA to receive benefits from her pension and take $9,500 out of an account she shared with her husband and moved it to a joint account between himself and his mother.

By the end of 2025, documents say Clark was “the recipient of all the reported finances of” his mother. Around that same time, her bills were only being paid partially to the care facility where she was living.

Clark allegedly led the facility to believe that he didn’t have access to all of her funds, and her husband should be covering the unpaid amount that was due. However, according to court documents, he had received a total of $58,991.93 from his mother’s benefits.

Of that amount, only around $26,783 had been paid out, leaving roughly $32,206 for Clark. His mother’s care facility showed that it was behind on payments for a total amount of $22,500

At some point during 2025, Clark reportedly took $10,000 of that and split it with his brother, directly violating his POA, which stated, “an agent that is not the spouse is not allowed to benefit from the finances or property unless specifically given authority to paraphrase.”

 Clark’s mother passed away in January 2026, documents say.

“Due to Chad [Clark] being in charge of the funds and using them for personal gain rather than paying for the care of [his mother] as the money was supposed to be used, charges are being filed,” court documents read.

Clark is not being arrested, but a summons is being issued for him to appear at any upcoming court hearings. The case was investigated by the Davis County Sheriff’s and Attorney’s Offices. 

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Son charged with financial exploitation of elderly mother in Layton 

Ohio AG announces new partnerships to combat elder abuse, financial exploitation

by The Guardian

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost on Monday announced two new partnerships aimed at increasing awareness of elder abuse and stopping financial exploitation before it harms older residents.

The Ohio Bankers League and the Ohio Health Care Association are joining the Attorney General’s Office as part of a statewide campaign to educate Ohioans about warning signs of elder abuse and how to prevent it. The effort builds on a partnership announced last fall with the Ohio Pharmacists Association.

“Elder abuse doesn’t always leave bruises,” Yost said. “Sometimes it looks like unusual withdrawals or a sudden change in financial behavior. Our financial institutions are a first line of defense.”

Under the new partnerships, the organizations will participate in training to identify signs and symptoms of elder abuse and financial exploitation. The groups will also distribute educational materials and use their websites and member networks to expand outreach and encourage reporting.

“When you’re dealing with an epidemic, you need a big army,” Yost said at a press conference with representatives of the trade associations. “These partnerships are critical.”

As scams targeting older adults grow more sophisticated, financial institutions are often positioned to spot potential red flags, including suspicious withdrawals, unusual check-writing patterns and sudden wire transfers. Through coordination with law enforcement and improved reporting, banks can help prevent financial losses.

“On behalf of the Ohio Bankers League and Ohio’s community banks, I want to thank Attorney General Yost and his team for inviting us to be a partner in this critically important effort to combat elder financial fraud,” said Mike Adelman, president and CEO of the Ohio Bankers League, which represents more than 170 FDIC-insured financial institutions. “This partnership matters, and it sends a powerful message to Ohioans that government and local banks are standing together to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Health-care providers, including assisted-living communities, home care and hospice providers, and skilled nursing facilities, also may be in a position to identify signs of physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

“For every Ohio Health Care Association member, the safety, well-being and compassionate care of residents, especially in their most vulnerable moments, are our highest priorities,” said Scott Wiley, CEO of the Ohio Health Care Association, which represents more than 1,300 providers statewide. “Every Ohioan entrusted to our care deserves to feel safe, respected, seen and valued.”

According to the Attorney General’s Office, reported elder abuse in Ohio has increased 400% over the past seven years. Estimates indicate that one in 10 Ohioans age 60 or older experience abuse, though only one in five cases is reported.

Sara Kilpatrick, executive director and CEO of the Ohio Pharmacists Association, said her organization is working with the Attorney General’s Office to distribute educational materials, including information printed on prescription bags and window-ledge cards for pharmacies.

“Too many older Ohioans suffer in silence,” she said. “Pharmacists are in a unique position to help protect and support these vulnerable neighbors.”

Since October, the Attorney General’s Office has expanded its awareness campaign urging Ohioans to learn the warning signs of elder abuse and financial exploitation and report suspected cases. A central component is a video titled What’s Done in the Dark, shared by the office’s Elder Justice Unit and partner agencies.

The state’s Elder Abuse Commission recently released its biennial report outlining prevention efforts, training initiatives and coordination among agencies focused on protecting older adults.

Officials encourage Ohioans who suspect elder abuse, neglect or financial exploitation to contact local law enforcement or their county Adult Protective Services office. 

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Ohio AG announces new partnerships to combat elder abuse, financial exploitation 

Lancaster County man charged with stealing $85,000+ from elderly parents: police

Story by Madison Montag

Police in Lancaster County this week charged a 67-year-old man after he funneled more than $85,000 from his parents’ bank account to pay for bills, liquor and hotel rooms, according to a police report.

Howard S. Smith, of Lititz, on Wednesday was charged with the financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person, a first-degree felony, and access device fraud, a third-degree felony.

In December 2024, a family member contacted Ephrata Police about Smith stealing money from his parents. Between April and December 2024, withdrawals totaling $85,277.20 were taken from the elderly couple’s bank account, police said.

Investigators later learned Smith was given the power of attorney over his parents’ bank account in October or November 2024.

Bank statements showed several unusual payments on the couple’s account, including PayPal, a Capital One credit card, First Premier Bank, several restaurants, a car dealership, liquor stores and various hotels.

Detectives submitted search warrants to PayPal, Capital One and First Premier. Those searches showed Smith was making payments to himself and paying his bills from his parents’ bank account, police said.

Smith also used his parents’ money to pay for hotels and a vehicle, police said.

As of Thursday evening, Smith has an active warrant for his arrest.

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Lancaster County man charged with stealing $85,000+ from elderly parents: police 

How to Prevent Aging Parents and Relatives From Making Financial Mistakes

Getting family members to listen to you when you think they are headed down a dangerous financial path can be difficult. But there are preventive steps you can take.

In 2024, Rianka Dorsainvil’s mother came to her with a check that looked legitimate. It turned out to be part of a common check fraud scam.Credit...Jason Andrew for The New York Times

By Paulette Perhach

Jilenne Gunther’s uncle noticed her 91-year-old grandfather never seemed to have as much cash as he should in his wallet. A banker with access to the cash dye packs used to catch bank robbers, her uncle put one in a wallet in their home. When the money went missing, a trusted home care worker had the dye on her coat.

The experience inspired Ms. Gunther to dedicate her life to protecting elders from financial fraud, and she is now the director of the BankSafe Initiative at AARP.

Americans over 70 control $53 trillion in wealth, and they are the prime targets for scams. Their adult children are often the first people to notice when something seems amiss, but when elders are the victims of misdeeds, family dynamics can make it difficult to change their behavior. Experts say it takes empathy, due diligence and sometimes outside help.

It’s not just money that’s at stake, Ms. Gunther added: Financial exploitation can cause anxiety, depression, a higher risk of heart attacks and even suicide.

Ms. Gunther said older adults might require the help of grown children and trusted friends to see their financial lives more clearly.

“There’s a relationship between age and financially unsound decision-making,” Ms. Gunther said. “It follows this U-curve. Younger people and older people are more prone to making mistakes.”

A Range of Dangers

One of the most insidious situations can involve someone’s trusting a relative who doesn’t have his or her best interest at heart. Or it could be as simple as an investment that’s not appropriate for the elder’s stage of life, Ms. Gunther said.

“They know this is high-risk, but might not be disclosing that,” she said. “And so it’s really important to really slow down and think about things.”

Cybercrime against elders is skyrocketing. In 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received nearly 150,000 complaints of cyber-enabled fraud against people 60 or older, with almost $5 billion in losses, according to the agency’s annual report. The victims lost an average of $83,000.

Scams can come from investment opportunities, impostors pretending to be the Internal Revenue Service or an online romance.

When you hear something that sounds off, you might react in the moment without thinking, but that would be a mistake, Ms. Gunther said. You want to lead with empathy.

“Coming right out and saying something like, ‘You’ve been scammed’ or ‘This is a horrible decision’ — those are things that are not going to open up the conversation,” she said. “So before writing off their decision as risky or bad, it’s important to do your own research and also to ask questions like, ‘What interests you about this investment? What are you hoping to achieve?’”

Free tools can help with your research. Any company that claims to be publicly traded in the United States should show up on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System. A financial adviser’s employment history, registrations and regulatory actions are available at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s free BrokerCheck tool. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a searchable database of complaints about financial products and services. For companies, the Better Business Bureau lists complaints and ratings.

For anyone claiming to have a professional designation, check with the entity that provides that license to confirm that the person has it.

When asking who should be involved in a conversation about fraud, consider which family members talk regularly with the person in question.

“People can also leverage family trust in these types of situations,” Ms. Gunther said, adding that adult children who have maintained open dialogues with their parents are better positioned to influence financial decisions.

Looking for Red Flags

In 2024, Rianka Dorsainvil’s mother came to her with a check that looked legitimate. All she had to do was deposit it and then send a money order for a lower amount to a third party, and then she’d be able to keep the difference. It’s a common check fraud scam.

“I was like: ‘Mom, this is not true. This isn’t real,’” said Ms. Dorsainvil, the founder and senior wealth adviser at YGC Wealth. “These scammers are becoming so sophisticated in their tactics.”

People can now be scammed by clicking on a quiz on social media, signing up for a game or responding to a Facebook message that appears to be from a relative, she said.

Ms. Dorsainvil recommends looking out for if a loved one mentions anything that seems too good to be true. Other red flags include pressure to act fast or guarantees of making money.

If you see something suspicious and want to talk to an elder in your life, Ms. Dorsainvil recommended bringing in a neutral third party so that it doesn’t seem like just your own judgment.

“What I share with my clients, especially when it comes to their parents, is: Blame it on me,” she said.

Ms. Dorsainvil recommended that you acknowledge what they’ve taught you about finances, and then add to that what you’ve learned from financial experts and, if possible, pass them along to someone who can advise them.

“Approach it in an educational manner versus ‘I know more than you now,’” she said, “and I think they will appreciate that.”

Peter Lichtenberg, a former director of the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University in Detroit, said financial missteps could be a sign of a deeper issue.

Peter Lichtenberg, a former director of the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University in Detroit, said some people discovered dementia in their parents because their parents were losing money.Credit...Nic Antaya for The New York Times

“What we’ve found from some of our focus groups over the years is maybe about one out of every five people discover dementia in their parents because their parents are losing money,” he said. Usually, it takes the form of not remembering that they gave to a cause and sending money again, or falling prey to phone scams.

Signs that dementia may be involved include recent health problems that required hospitalization, increased falls, missed appointments or the repeating of things, like telling the same joke twice in an hour.

This concern adds a second dimension of stigma to the equation, but Dr. Lichtenberg suggested a two-part process for approaching the conversation.

First, take an inventory of your family. How taboo has money been? What are the privacy boundaries around it? How open is your relative to your input about his or her personal life?

Second, he said, “think of it as maybe a series of conversations, because one of the mistakes that people make is they think: OK, well, I’ll just show the person that they’re involved in a scam, and then they’ll logically realize, ‘I guess I have to give that up.’

“But that’s not, of course, what happens,” he added. “And so you’re really in a negotiation.”

Part of negotiation, he said, is a deep understanding of why the situation may be important to the older person. Don’t chide or correct, but instead ask questions in a respectful manner.

“You have to keep that anxiety at bay and that fear and really take it one step at a time as you progress in these conversations,” Dr. Lichtenberg said. “Talk about what the F.B.I. has learned — that older adults are being targeted more and more.”

You may suggest that your relative get a cognitive test during an annual wellness check. Make sure you work with a physician who specializes in older adults with dementia.

The condition can add severity to the financial dangers, Ms. Gunther said.

“We’re seeing with people that are being diagnosed with dementia, they’re losing half their wealth in the years leading up to the diagnosis,” she said, adding that the cause is usually from poor financial decision making or fraud.

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How to Protect Your Elders From Fraud

Get ahead of fraud with preventive conversations. Share data on the rise of fraud and ask if they would like help being protected. Letting them take the lead with independence will make it a smoother road.

Ask about protective account options. Some financial institutions offer transaction alerts, daily withdrawal limits or review for unusual transfers. Ask if your parents would add you as a trusted contact on their accounts so their bank, credit union or investment firm can contact you if it suspects fraud.

Ease into account monitoring. Discuss options such as view-only access or subscribe to an account-monitoring service such as EverSafe, which alerts both the account holders and a trusted contact to unusual activity.

Pass along the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. At 877-908-3360, experts offer tips to avoid scams, help with identifying a possible scam and support for victims. They are also open to helping relatives concerned about an elder in their life.

Help them freeze their credit. To prevent new accounts from being opened in their name, your loved ones can freeze his or her credit for free. Equifax, Experian and TransUnion offer this free service, which can be temporarily lifted if credit is legitimately needed. 

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How to Prevent Aging Parents and Relatives From Making Financial Mistakes 

Utah care center owner spent nearly $200K of elderly woman's money, charges say

By Pat Reavy 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gage Wallace Hedberg, 32, is charged with exploiting an elderly woman financially.
• Hedberg allegedly spent nearly $200,000 on personal items using the woman's funds, charges say.
• The woman's finances were depleted, leaving her with insufficient income for housing expenses.

HURRICANE, Washington County — The owner of an assisted living center in southern Utah is facing criminal charges accusing him of spending nearly $200,000 of an 81-year-old woman's money on himself for items such as food, Halloween costumes, large screen televisions, video games and sex toys.

Gage Wallace Hedberg, 32, of Hurricane, was charged Wednesday in 5th District Court with four counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult and unlawful dealing of property by a fiduciary, both second-degree felonies.

Between Nov. 3, 2022, and Feb. 28 of this year, Hedberg owned and operated Life Family Personal Care, 158 N. 240 East in Hurricane, according to charging documents. During that time, he provided services to an 81-year-old woman and had power of attorney.

"The power of attorney included provisions that required the defendant to: act in (the woman's) best interest; act in good faith; and act loyally for (the woman's) benefit," the charges state.

Instead, Hedberg allegedly "withdrew significant amounts of cash" from the woman's checking account for his own use.

"In total, (he) diverted approximately $159,068 to $197,294 for his own benefit," according to the charges.

Prosecutors say the woman "had sufficient income and funds to meet her needs and maintain her modest standard of living." But after Hedberg used her money, "she was left with less than $5,000 and insufficient income to cover her expenses."

Among his purchases, Hedberg "had 241 items from Amazon shipped to his address totaling $11,539. These purchases included, but were not limited to office supplies, electronics, a mini split air conditioner, men's clothing, Halloween costumes, sex toys and lubricants, kitchen supplies, video gaming equipment and musical supplies," according to charging documents.

In addition, he made "47 purchases at Costco, including two membership renewals. These purchases totaled $12,904. Costco provided receipts for approximately 27 of these purchases. All 27 were made under the defendant's membership account. These purchases include, but are not limited to, food, household supplies, dental products, kitchen supplies, bedding, vitamins/probiotics, toiletries, clothing, batteries, electrical products, a computer monitor, (a 75-inch screen TV and a 77-inch screen TV), a printer, car products, Pokémon cards and a vacuum," the charges allege.

Investigators also noted tens of thousands of dollars of purchases for items that "appear inconsistent with (the woman's) historical spending and interests," including video games, liquor store purchases, smoke shop purchases, "mobile IV services related to hangovers," and home improvement projects. Prosecutors say Hedberg also made nearly $34,000 in cash withdraws from the woman's account.

After gaining power of attorney for the woman in 2022, investigators say Hedberg "sold (the woman's) home and used the proceeds, along with (her) finances," according to a search warrant affidavit served in connection with the case.

The Utah Attorney General's Office became involved with the investigation when Hedberg went to another assisted living center in Hurricane — where the woman now resides — in an attempt to help secure Medicaid for the woman.

"Hedberg told the staff that (the woman) was almost out of money to pay for her care at the facility," according to the affidavit.

But after reviewing her bank statements, the staff told Hedberg that the woman would not qualify for Medicaid because of her high level of spending, the affidavit says.

At that point, Hedberg admitted he "had made a mistake" and had spent the woman's money, according to the warrant.

The Key Takeaways for this article were generated with the assistance of large language models and reviewed by our editorial team. The article, itself, is solely human-written.

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Utah care center owner spent nearly $200K of elderly woman's money, charges say 

Governor Signs New Digital Forgery Law, Protecting Pennsylvanians from AI Scams and Financial Exploitation

Governor Josh Shapiro signed SB 649 into law, creating new criminal penalties for anyone who uses artificial intelligence (AI) to produce non-consensual “forged digital likenesses” — like deepfakes or voice clones — to defraud or harm Pennsylvanians, protecting Pennsylvanians from AI scams and financial exploitation. Under the new law, prosecutors can now charge bad actors with a third-degree felony if they use AI-generated fake content to commit fraud or cause injury — including schemes like faking a grandchild’s voice to trick older adults into sending money.

“In Pennsylvania, we are leading on AI — and taking advantage of the economic and technological benefits that come with it — but we’re also taking a thoughtful, proactive approach to protecting Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Shapiro. “By signing this bill into law, we’re sending a clear message that if you use AI to defraud or exploit Pennsylvanians, you will be held accountable. My Administration is committed to cracking down on scammers, reducing fraud, protecting consumers, and making sure Pennsylvanians of all ages can feel safe and confident in the digital age.”

“I’m proud to see the Governor signing my bipartisan legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from deepfake impersonations and scams that have already cost victims millions,” said Senator Tracy Pennycuick. “ Now law enforcement will have the tools they need to hold bad actors responsible, creating a powerful deterrent that will make criminals think twice before attempting these digital deceptions.”

“Today is an important day in our Commonwealth. With the Governor’s signature, we’re highlighting the need for responsible regulation on a technology that is poised to be more accessible in our daily lives in the near future,” said Senator John Kane. “Progress is good, but protecting Pennsylvanians from the unintended consequences of this tech is one of my top priorities.”

Older adults continue to remain especially vulnerable: the Department of Aging received nearly 18,500 reports of financial exploitation in FY 2023-24 — nearly one-third of all abuse reports — and the number of financial exploitation cases has nearly doubled since 2017. With Pennsylvania home to the fifth-largest older adult population in the nation, these scams put thousands at risk every year.

“Older adults being the target of scams has continued to rise each year. Last year financial exploitation became the most reported form of abuse for older Pennsylvanians. Increasingly sophisticated technology gives the victim a false sense of familiarity, with devastating results,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “The signing of SB 649 into law creates consequences for those who would use AI to rob older adults of their retirements. We applaud this action and look forward to continuing our work with the House and Senate for a comprehensive update to the Older Adult Protective Services Act to strengthen protections for older adults even more.”

Protecting Consumers Through Education and Enforcement

The Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) is leading education efforts to help Pennsylvanians recognize and avoid AI-driven scams and identity theft. In 2024, DoBS reached nearly 35,000 Pennsylvanians through free events and programs, answered over 10,000 consumer inquiries, and helped return millions to harmed consumers.

“Financial crimes involving artificial intelligence are on the rise, and it’s getting harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake,” said DoBS Secretary Wendy Spicher. “It’s critical that consumers stay alert and informed, and know that help is just a call or click away if they have questions or concerns.”

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is ensuring AI is used responsibly in the insurance industry. Last year, PID issued guidance reminding insurers that decisions supported by AI must comply with existing laws and protect consumers against unfair discrimination or inaccuracies.

“Advancing technology offers real benefits, but scammers can exploit it to target Pennsylvanians,” said PID Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “This law helps hold those bad actors accountable — and we remind everyone to verify calls or offers that sound too good to be true.” 

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Governor Signs New Digital Forgery Law, Protecting Pennsylvanians from AI Scams and Financial Exploitation 

Beverly woman pleads guilty to strangulation

by Taylor McKinnie

ELKINS — A Beverly woman who was accused of abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult, and financial exploitation, entered into a plea agreement Tuesday morning in Randolph County Circuit Court.

Cassie Lynn Pell, 37, pled guilty to one count of strangulation, a felony, and one count of financial exploitation of an elderly person, a misdemeanor. She could face no less than one, no more than five years in prison when sentenced for the felony charge. For the misdemeanor charge, Pell could face not more than one year in prison, and/or be fined not more than $1,000.

Pell was initially indicted in October on two counts of abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult, a felony; one count of strangulation, a felony; and two counts of neglect of an incapacitated adult, a misdemeanor. In a separate indictment, she was indicted on one count of financial exploitation of an elderly person, and three counts of fraudulent use of an access device, all felonies.

Pell is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on both a $15,000 cash-only bond and a $2,821.41 cash-only bond.

When asked by Lewis and Upshur County Circuit Court Judge Kurt Hall, who presided over the case, as to what she did that made her guilty of the strangulation charge, Pell said she had gotten into a “verbal argument” that escalated.

“We had gotten into a verbal argument and I had pushed her, and when I pushed her I grabbed her,” Pell said.

“And where did you grab her?” Hall asked.

“Around her throat,” Pell said.

Pell denied that the victim lost consciousness from the incident, but admitted that the victim did sustain a bruise.

When asked about the financial exploitation charge, Pell said she had been carrying the victim’s debit card and made an unauthorized purchase. Pell said the victim was in her 70s at the time of the incident.

Pell also admitted that alcohol had been involved in both incidents.

After Hall accepted the plea agreement, Tyler Resetter, Pell’s attorney, asked the court to modify Pell’s post conviction bond, citing that Pell had no means to pay the current amount at this time, that Pell was agreeable to any terms of supervision from the court and that Pell has attended and had been making progress in classes and schooling during her time in prison.

Randolph County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christina Harper stated she believed that Pell’s bond was appropriately set. Harper explained to the court that the victim and the victim’s family, who wanted to avoid going to court, stated that the victim still had a fear of Pell and that the victim wanted there still be a no-contact order once Pell was out of prison.

Hall denied the motion to modify Pell’s bond.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Deputy J. Wolfe of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, on Aug. 13, Wolfe conducted a welfare check at a home near Beverly. An elderly woman at the home told the officer that Pell had “destroyed her house,” as the living room was “in disarray with broken ceramic material littering” the floor, and that Pell “beat my head with her fist.”

Wolfe said the woman had a bump on her head “consistent with being struck,” and he also observed “containers and plates of food containing spoiled and molded meat on the living room floor,” the complaint states.

Wolfe spoke with Pell, who lives in a camper next to the home, according to the complaint. Pell said she took care of the woman full-time, adding, “We get mad, we fight” and “She hit me and I grabbed her.”

Pell allegedly took the elderly woman’s walker, cell phone and house keys from her and took them to the camper, the complaint states.

Asked to return the woman’s cellphone, Pell “attempted to take the battery out of the cell phone so she wouldn’t break it. I believe this was an intentional attempt to deprive (the elderly woman) of her means of communication,” Wolfe wrote in the complaint.

Pell also allegedly refused to give the elderly woman all of her house keys back, saying, “That’s how I get inside to make sure she don’t bust her a-,” according to the complaint. Wolfe wrote that Pell made this statement while the elderly woman’s walker was sitting outside next to her camper.

The elderly woman expressed fear of Pell, saying she had been strangled by Pell twice in previous weeks, the complaint states. At the close of her conversation with Wolfe, Pell allegedly said, “I want her to burn in hell. I’ll make sure of it.”

During a preliminary hearing at Randolph County Magistrate Court on Aug. 23, Wolfe told the court that he spoke to the victim’s neighbors who expressed concern about the victim’s safety, claiming that when they tried to approach the home in the past, Pell would chase them away with her two dogs.

Wolfe also said during the preliminary hearing he had been by the residence before for a trespassing call and that another officer had been to the house previously, though Wolfe did not know what for.

A date for Pell’s sentencing has yet to be set.

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Beverly woman pleads guilty to strangulation

New Boston police arrest local man on theft and exploitation charges

by Daniel Duric

NEW BOSTON — The New Boston Police Department arrested Robert R. Kelly, 73, on the morning of March 1 on multiple felony charges.

Kelly faces charges of theft by unauthorized taking and financial exploitation, both exceeding $1,500, as well as witness tampering.

The investigation began on Jan. 16 following a referral from the New Hampshire Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, which alleged that Kelly was financially exploiting a 67-year-old victim known to him.

Kelly is charged with one count of theft by unauthorized taking, two counts of financial exploitation, and two counts of witness tampering.

He was previously arrested by the Newbury Police on Aug. 7, 2024, on charges of indecent exposure and lewdness at State Beach in Newbury. He is currently on bail for that case pending in Merrimack County Superior Court.

After his arrest in New Boston, Kelly was released on personal recognizance bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Goffstown District Court on April 8.

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New Boston police arrest local man on theft and exploitation charges

AARP Recognizes 193 Financial Organizations for Their Role in Fighting Financial Exploitation

WASHINGTON—Today, AARP announced that 193 banks, credit unions and financial advisory firms nationwide have earned the 2025 BankSafe Trained Seal in recognition of the steps they’ve taken to curb financial exploitation of older adults. This represents a 15% increase in the number of seal recipients since 2024. A list of the financial organizations that received the 2025 BankSafe Trained Seal can be found here.

A June 2023 AARP BankSafe report found that at least $28.3 billion a year is stolen from adults over the age of 60 in the U.S. This report underscores the importance of empowering financial organizations and their employees to recognize and act against financial exploitation.

“The tremendous growth in the number of financial organizations using AARP BankSafe shows just how valuable the initiative is to frontline workers across the nation,” said Jilenne Gunther, National Director of AARP’s BankSafe Initiative. “Not only do we have financial organizations coming back year after year to provide their staff with the BankSafe training, but more institutions continue to learn of its value. Our impact is growing exponentially as we provide more workers with the tools, skills and confidence to help prevent financial exploitation.”

AARP BankSafe includes a free online platform developed in collaboration with more than 2,000 industry professionals and used by nearly 250,000 frontline professionals to learn how to spot and stop financial exploitation.

Based on a Virginia Tech study, it is estimated that BankSafe-trained employees save customers 16 times more than frontline workers who don’t complete the training. Saving a record $137 million in 2024 – a 53% increase in dollars saved over the previous year – BankSafe has totaled more than $428 million in savings since its inception.

To earn the esteemed seal, organizations must ensure at least 80% of their frontline staff complete AARP's comprehensive BankSafe training annually, alongside actively pursuing policies to address suspected financial exploitation. Eligibility for the seal also requires a positive standing in Better Business Bureau ratings and adherence to specific legal and regulatory standards.

The BankSafe Trained Seal is not a product or service endorsement but indicates that a financial institution’s frontline employees have been substantially trained in financial exploitation prevention. Training courses for each respective industry are available at no cost to banks, credit unions and financial advisors in the United States.

More information about AARP’s BankSafe trainings and resources, including how to sign up for the training, can be found at aarp.org/banksafe.

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AARP Recognizes 193 Financial Organizations for Their Role in Fighting Financial Exploitation

Woman faces theft and financial exploitation charges in connection to elderly person

by  Mike Mohundro

MARION, Ill. (WSIL) -- A woman was arrested and accused of stealing more than $20,000 in connection to an elderly person to which she was reported giving care to.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said they responded to a report of a theft and financial exploitation on February 4, in connection to an 87-year-old victim.

After the sheriff's office said they investigated and gathered evidence, they accused Angelyn Messick of stealing around $23,000 between December of 2024 and February 2025.

Messick was the employed caregiver to the 87-year-old victim, the sheriff's office stated.

Messick was arrested and cited on the following charges...

• Theft/Deception/>10K<100K
• Theft Deception Intent Senior 5000+
• (2x) - Financial Exploitation Elderly/Disabled/$5K-$50K

Messick was taken to the Williamson County Jail.

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Woman faces theft and financial exploitation charges in connection to elderly person

Pennsylvania Couple Accused of Locking Elderly Woman in Basement and Splurging Her Savings

by Zainuddin Harinder

HARRISBURG, PA — A York County husband and wife are facing multiple charges, including allegations of neglect and financial exploitation, following claims that they abandoned a care-dependent woman in a basement while misusing her finances.

Ashlee Brady and Brian Brady, both 32, of Hanover, have been accused of leaving Ashlee’s mother, a care-dependent elderly woman, in the basement of her home under unsafe and unsanitary conditions in February 2024. Emergency Medical Services discovered the victim after a relative placed a call for assistance.

According to investigators, the victim was allegedly left alone, locked behind a dog gate in a corner of the basement with limited food and water. The couple is accused of taking an overnight trip with their children while leaving the woman in this condition.

Further investigation revealed allegations of financial exploitation. Prosecutors allege the couple misused over $10,000 of the victim’s funds for personal expenses, such as vacations and alcohol. Additionally, Brian Brady is accused of submitting false hours for Medicaid reimbursement through his employment, claiming to have provided care services that were not rendered.

Ashlee Brady, who served as her mother’s power of attorney, faces charges of financial exploitation, neglect, conspiracy, perjury, and intimidating a witness. Brian Brady, a paid caregiver for the victim, is charged with similar offenses, including multiple counts of Medicaid fraud.

Attorney General Dave Sunday called the acts “disturbing,” stating, “These defendants were family members entrusted with this victim’s care and financial well-being. My office is committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable residents.”

The defendants are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on March 27.

Authorities remind the public that charges are merely allegations, and both Ashlee and Brian Brady are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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Pennsylvania Couple Accused of Locking Elderly Woman in Basement and Splurging Her Savings

Ex-Hazlet Lawyer Sentenced to 10 Years for Massive Client Fraud

Steven H. Salami Ordered to Repay $1.18M After Defrauding Over 60 Clients in Real Estate Scheme

By Jim Lonergan

FREEHOLD, NJ – A former Hazlet real-estate attorney who embezzled nearly $1.18 million from over 60 clients has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced the sentencing of 49-year-old Steven H. Salami on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a case involving years of deceit and financial exploitation.

Salami, now disbarred, was sentenced by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua during a hearing on Friday, January 17. As part of the sentence, Salami has been ordered to repay the full amount of the stolen funds to the New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, which had previously reimbursed his defrauded clients.

A Pattern of Deceit

The investigation into Salami’s misconduct began with complaints from four victims, who collectively lost nearly $300,000 between April and August 2019. Acting as their attorney, Salami accepted funds for real-estate transactions and deposited the money into escrow accounts but failed to perform the required services. This led to missed closing dates, voided transactions, and significant financial losses for the victims.

Salami’s arrest in October 2019 was only the beginning. The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit continued its investigation, uncovering dozens of additional victims. Their efforts culminated in a 63-count indictment handed down by a Monmouth County Grand Jury in July 2021.

Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea

The case faced delays as the Superior Court Appellate Division reviewed and ultimately restored two counts of the indictment previously dismissed by a lower court. In October 2024, Salami pleaded guilty to second-degree Financial Facilitation of Criminal Activity, acknowledging his role in defrauding his clients.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Lawrence Nelsen, Director of the MCPO Financial Crimes and Special Prosecutions Unit, while Salami was represented by Steven E. Nelson, Esq., of Neptune.

Justice Served

Prosecutor Santiago emphasized the gravity of Salami’s actions. “Mr. Salami’s betrayal of his clients’ trust not only caused them significant financial harm but also undermined the integrity of the legal profession. This sentencing reflects our commitment to holding those who abuse their professional positions accountable.”

Salami’s disbarment and prison sentence serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of professional misconduct. For his victims, the repayment order offers some measure of restitution, though the emotional and financial impact of his crimes will likely linger.

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Ex-Hazlet Lawyer Sentenced to 10 Years for Massive Client Fraud

New law and local resources help protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation

According to AARP, financial exploitation costs older Americans $28.3 billion every year.

Source:
New law and local resources help protect vulnerable adults from financial exploitation

Luzerne County caretaker charged with financial exploitation

Story by Emily Cherkauskas

A Luzerne County caretaker is facing charges after police say she stole over $34,000 from the person she took care of.

Dina Sabecky of Edwardsville was charged by Dallas Township police with identity theft, forgery and theft by deception and unlawful taking in connection to a series of alleged fraudulent transactions.

According to police, Sabecky was hired as a personal caretaker in 2014. After, "significant" financial discrepancies were discovered in the victim's Wells Fargo Bank account by the victim and family members.

Investigators determined that Sabecky made unauthorized ATM withdrawals, altered checks totaling over $34,000 and deposited them into a personal account. She also allegedly forged the victim’s signature on additional checks.

Search warrants executed at Wells Fargo and PNC Bank revealed a total of 80 fraudulent checks amounting to $25,675 deposited between 2019 and 2020. Additional fraudulent checks from 2017 and 2018 brought the total loss to $34,638.

Sabecky arranged on the charges on Wednesday before being released on $25,000 unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.

"The Dallas Township Police Department urges residents to closely monitor their financial accounts. If you believe you have been a victim of financial exploitation, please report it to your local law enforcement agency," police said in a press release.

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Luzerne County caretaker charged with financial exploitation

SpyLoan Apps: The New Face of Financial Exploitation

By ISB Staff Reporter

The McAfee mobile research team has identified a significant global rise in predatory loan applications, commonly referred to as SpyLoan apps, which primarily target Android users. These applications, classified as potentially unwanted programs (PUP), utilize social engineering tactics to manipulate users into sharing sensitive information and granting excessive permissions, leading to extortion, harassment, and financial losses.

The investigation uncovered fifteen SpyLoan apps that have been installed over eight million times. These apps employ a shared framework for encrypting and exfiltrating data to a command and control (C2) server, utilizing similar HTTP endpoint infrastructures. Their primary operations are concentrated in South America, Southern Asia, and Africa, often promoted through misleading social media advertisements.

Common Characteristics and Tactics

SpyLoan apps exhibit several common characteristics:

• Distribution via Official App Stores: Despite violating policies, these apps frequently bypass app store vetting processes, appearing on platforms like Google Play.
• Deceptive Marketing: They mimic reputable financial institutions in names, logos, and user interfaces to gain credibility. For instance, an ad for “Presta Facil: Revision Rapida” (translated to “Easy Loan: Fast Approval”) was noted in Colombia.
• User Flow and Privacy Agreements: Upon execution, users are presented with a privacy policy followed by a countdown timer that creates urgency. They require the user’s phone number with the country code and a one-time password (OTP) received via SMS.
• Excessive Permission Requests: These apps request unnecessary permissions such as access to contacts, SMS, storage, calendar, call records, and even microphone or camera access.
• Enticing Offers: They promise quick loans with minimal requirements, targeting users in urgent financial situations, often using countdowns to heighten urgency.
• Data Collection: Users are asked to provide sensitive identification documents and personal information, which is then exfiltrated from their devices.

The Global Impact of SpyLoan Apps

SpyLoan apps have been reported globally with localized adaptations. In India, users faced harassment from apps misusing permissions. Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia have also reported significant issues. African countries such as Nigeria and Kenya have seen financial fraud targeting unbanked populations, and in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru, users reported threats and harassment linked to these apps.

Authorities have begun taking action against these fraudulent operations. In Peru, a major raid on a call center involved in extortion resulted in the defrauding of at least 7,000 victims across multiple countries. Also, in Chile, police detained over 25 individuals linked to a fake loan operation that scammed over 2,000 victims.

Despite these efforts, the activity of these malware applications continues to rise globally.

The Rising Threat of SpyLoan Apps

Since 2020, SpyLoan apps have been a major scourge in the mobile threat landscape. Recent telemetry data indicates a 75% increase in malicious SpyLoan apps from Q2 to Q3 2024.

The threat posed by SpyLoan apps is a global issue that exploits users’ trust and financial desperation. Despite law enforcement actions against some operators, new cybercriminals continue exploiting these fraudulent activities worldwide.

How To Protect Yourself: Tips and Recommendations

1. Be Cautious with Permissions: Review app permissions carefully; deny unnecessary ones.
2. Verify App Legitimacy: Ensure institutions are registered; check with financial regulators.
3. Read User Reviews: Look for patterns of complaints that talk about fraud or data misuse.
4. Use Security Measures: Install reputable antivirus software; keep devices updated.
5. Practice Safe Online Behavior: Avoid sharing sensitive information; be skeptical of unrealistic offers.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: Notify app stores about fraudulent apps; report incidents to local authorities.

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SpyLoan Apps: The New Face of Financial Exploitation

Undocumented NY resident accused of swindling $110K in Gold Bullion from Nelson Co. man, sheriff says

Story by Thad Randazzo

NELSON COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Nelson County Sheriff says an undocumented man living in NYS, has been charged with racketeering after posing as a Federal Reserve employee to swindle over $100,000 of Gold Bullion from a Virginia resident.

The sheriff says that on August 16, a Nelson County resident reported being the victim of a financial exploitation scam. 

It was determined by investigators that the incident started in July 2024 when the victim’s laptop was infected with a malware virus. The victim attempted to remove the infected malware but was directed to a person by telephone who claimed to be a Microsoft employee.

The person on the phone said their identity was compromised and they would need to purchase a “substantial amount of Gold Bullion” which would need to be collected and stored at a Federal Reserve in order to resolve the problem.

On July 31, the victim ordered $100,000 worth of Gold Bullion with the help of the alleged Microsoft employee. The gold was delivered to the victim’s home in Nelson County on August 2. But an unknown man in a dark-colored SUV quickly arrived, picked up the gold from the victim, and then left.

On August 6, the victim received a written letter with the letterhead “Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve” requesting an additional purchase of ‘Gold Bullion’ for “identity protection.”

The victim again complied and made a second purchase of gold on August 14 with the assistance of an alleged Federal Reserve employee. The second delivery of bullion occurred to the Nelson County residence on August 19; however, investigators with Nelson County and the Richmond F.B.I. intercepted the currier as they arrived at the home.

The courier has been identified as Liang Wang, who is believed to be an illegal resident living in Flushing, NY.

Wang has been arrested and charged with the following:

• Racketeering
• Conspiracy to Commit a Felony Larceny
• Conspiracy to Obtain Money by False Pretenses
• Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

He is currently being held at the Albermarle/Charlottesville Regional Jail without bond.

“The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the joint efforts of the Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the safe apprehension of Mr. Wang, and for exposing this organized criminal enterprise.” – Nelson County Sheriff’s Office

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Undocumented NY resident accused of swindling $110K in Gold Bullion from Nelson Co. man, sheriff says

Elderly Americans are losing millions to real estate scams

Fortune· Getty Images

by Elizabeth Blosser

Scammers have only become more sophisticated over time, stealing tens of billions from Americans annually, with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) exacerbating the problem. But one type of fraud in particular—elder real estate fraud and financial exploitation—has flown mostly under the radar, rising in recent years as the average price of homes has increased.

It is time to reverse this trend. State and federal governments must work collaboratively with the private sector toward a solution before more older adults fall victim.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) found that nearly 1,500 Americans ages 60 and older reported losing a total of $65 million in real estate scams last year. Overall, there was a 14% increase in elderly victims filing complaints and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that adults over age 60 lost over $1.6 billion to all types of scams last year.

Attractive targets

The median age of Americans has increased over the last four decades and our population is older today than it has ever been. Older Americans are less likely to report suspected fraud and as a group, tend to be financially better off than other demographic groups. This makes them attractive targets, but it also means steps must be taken to prevent the damage from being done in the first place.

Elder real estate fraud and financial exploitation covers a broad range of actions, including forging a signature on legal or financial documents; coercing or unduly influencing the signing of a legal or financial document; and non-disclosure of critical information; and inappropriate utilization of authority under a Power of Attorney (POA), just to name a few. Often the perpetrator isn’t a stranger, but rather a close relative, trusted friend or advisor of the victim, which makes the scam even more egregious.

The consequences can be financially devastating as FBI Public Affairs Officer Christina Garza noted in the wake of the IC3 report release: “We’re seeing people lose their entire life savings and their retirement funds on top of that. They’re losing their homes because they’re having to remortgage their houses to be able to keep up with the scams and the extortion if you will and manipulation that comes along with all of that.”

What government can do

The stark increase in scams targeting older adults is deeply concerning, which is why the American Land Title Association (ALTA) has joined together with the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), National Association of Realtors (NAR) and AARP to share legislative, educational, and enforcement recommendations states and the federal government can implement to help combat the rise in elder real estate fraud and financial exploitation.

Legislatively, states could ban unfair and deceptive long-term real estate agreements that purport to create liens and result in financial loss. In addition, the Uniform Law Commission’s (ULC) Uniform Power of Attorney Act provides protection to guard against financial exploitation by those individuals acting in an official representative capacity. By enacting and enforcing the Act, states could shield older adults against bad actors looking to take advantage of them.

States could also educate consumers and practitioners on deed theft. Deed theft or fraud is a scheme that involves forging and recording a phony transfer of property ownership, allowing criminals to then sell the home or take out a mortgage on it.

Expanded enforcement could also help stem the rising number of older adults who fall prey to scams. States and the federal government could support data gathering and enforcement of protection laws by allocating the necessary resources and promoting initiatives through local Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), among others.

Finally, the real estate industry must continue to share resources that consumers, practitioners, advocates, law enforcement, and other interested stakeholders can access to stay informed on rising threats targeting older adults.

Together, these collective efforts can help prevent future fraud and exploitation, safeguard the financial security of older Americans, and send a message that these abusive practices must end.

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Elderly Americans are losing millions to real estate scams

‘Larry’s Law’ set to protect Virginia’s vulnerable populations

by: Sam Graham

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — “Larry’s Law” went into effect on July 1 and is designed to protect Virginia’s most vulnerable communities from financial exploitation.

While the law has gained a reputation for primarily protecting the elderly, it seeks to prevent scams from attacking any at-risk communities, including adults with disabilities and cognitive challenges.

Julie Wheeler, President of the Better Business Bureau for Western Virginia explains the evolution of technology and the trusting nature of many individuals living in the rural areas of Southwest Virginia raise concerns as a potential at-risk community.

“You’re in a part of the state where people tend to be trusting,” she said. “They tend to want to be nice.”

For the technology portion of concern, Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D-Manassas) brings up the rise of artificial intelligence.

“Our AI technology only needs a few seconds of your voice to be able to replicate proper intimation and pronunciation,” said Maldonado.

Maldonado sponsored the bill derived from the Senior Safe Act, naming it “Larry’s Law,” in honor of the late Larry Cook. He was a native of Herndon, Virginia, and a retired Navy submarine commander.

His family says Cook was robbed of over $3 million in a wire fraud scheme in 2021.

The law provides banks certain immunity to reach out to trusted contacts designated by the account holder when they suspect fraudulent activity. As it currently stands, some banks fail to contact relatives or loved ones for fear of litigation, while others are simply too small to dedicate the resources to tracking down additional contacts.

The introduction of an emergency contact was done in hopes of stifling scams before they get out of control. However, it has raised some concerns about overstepping the independence of these vulnerable individuals. In the end, Maldonado believes that while banks may occasionally misidentify fraud, that outweighs the consequences of failing to reach out when there is a scam at work.

“We have to make sure that we’re not taking away the independence, autonomy, and decision-making of our elders,” said Maldonado.

Many scammers prey on the fears of their victims by impersonating family members or government officials to fabricate situations that require urgent attention. Experts suggest establishing a code word with family members to pick out the real from the imaginary, but there are other potential solutions.

“If it sounds too good to be true or they are trying to scare you to death, chances are you need to step back, talk to someone else, and evaluate before you take any action,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler identified prize scams, investment fraud, and impersonating family members in need of help as popular forms of exploitation in Southwest Virginia.

According to Maldonado, the next goal for this type of legislation is to introduce a standard mandatory reporting process for financial institutions. As for Larry’s Law, the process of developing a standard guide for banks to report fraud is expected to be in place by January 1, 2026.

With that on the horizon, Maldonado has a message for those who steal from the vulnerable.

“We’re coming for you,” she said. “We see it and we know that things are getting more sophisticated. And we will do the work to protect our people.”

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‘Larry’s Law’ set to protect Virginia’s vulnerable populations