The IRS says it’s seen an increase in fraud targeting older Americans. Last year, the IRS opened 97 new elder fraud investigations. An Additional 64 cases have already been opened this year, according to the IRS.
These schemes include romance scams where suspects build an online relationship under false pretenses to solicit money; lottery and sweepstakes scams; charity scams; Ponzi schemes; cryptocurrency scams and emergency scams where fraudsters claim a loved one is in danger and needs financial help, according to the IRS.