Look Broke for a Year So You’re Not Broke for 10 Years
Steve Rhode and Damon Day explain why looking broke for a year beats staying broke for 10, and how appearances, credit scores and old debt drain retirement.
Elder Fraud
Feeling Unneeded After Work, and the Money Decisions That Follow
When work ends, some people feel unneeded. What the research says about loneliness, helping grown kids and scams, and one money decision to make this week.
Western Union Scam Victims: The Justice Department’s Final Compensation Phase Is Open. File by December 31, 2026
Western Union scam refund: the Justice Department’s final phase is open for 2004 to March 2020 transfers. Filing is free. Deadline: December 31, 2026.
They Said to Pay My Debt With Gift Cards. It’s the One Payment Demand Almost Every Impersonation Scam Has in Common.
No real business, government agency, or debt collector accepts gift cards as payment. The FTC confirms: that request always means a scam.
Sent Money to a Scammer Through Western Union? There’s a Refund Waiting — File by August 19
Sent money through Western Union to a scammer between 2004 and 2020? The $586M FTC refund is in Phase 3 — file free by August 19, 2026. Here’s exactly how, and who qualifies.
Court Orders Timeshare Exit Scheme Operator to Pay $140 Million — What Victims Need to Know
Court ordered Christopher Carroll to pay $140M over a timeshare exit scheme that stole $90M from older adults — what victims should do now.
AI Deepfake Scam Cost This Woman Her Home and $81,000
A California woman lost $81,000 and her paid-off home after scammers used AI deepfake video to impersonate actor Steve Burton. The technology created video calls so realistic her family couldn’t tell the difference. Here’s how the scam worked and how to protect yourself.
Bank Employee Stole $2.1M From Elderly Customers Using Insider Access
A former bank employee was found guilty of stealing $2.1 million from elderly customers by hijacking their accounts. He targeted customers who hadn’t enrolled in online banking. Here’s how to protect yourself and elderly family members.
Former NFL Player Convicted in $197M Medicare Fraud Targeting Seniors
Ex-NFL tight end Joel French convicted of defrauding Medicare out of $197M through fake orthotic brace orders. He targeted seniors with Alzheimer’s, billed for amputees’ missing limbs, and submitted claims for deceased patients.
Bitcoin ATM Scams Cost $333M: MA AG Sues Bitcoin Depot
Massachusetts AG sues Bitcoin Depot for knowingly facilitating crypto scams. 80% of large transactions were fraud. FBI reports $333M lost to Bitcoin ATM scams in 2025. Here’s how to protect yourself.
