Michigan woman, 84, scammed out of $40K
Erin Downs and Laura Hahn called their 84-year-old mother when they noticed that the Canton, Michigan woman had made three withdrawals in mid-December totalling $65,000. The first two withdrawals totaled $40,000 and the third was made on Dec. 17 for $25,000, Hahn told ABC 7 Detroit. Someone claiming to be a senior fraud officer at the elderly woman’s bank cold called her to initiate the withdrawals. “They’re very convincing,” Captain Joseph Bialy of the Canton Police Department told ABC 7. “They convinced the victim that there was an error in her account, and because of that error, she owed them money.” Canton police set up a sting operation and nabbed the fraudster before he could get away with the last $25,000. The scammer had a partner for the first two withdrawals, but the second man didn’t show up this time and remains at large. “My recommendation for people in our situation would be to really take as many preventative measures as you can even if you think your mom would never fall for that, or your parent would never fall for that,” Hahn said. Seniors are often targeted by fraudsters for their retirement savings. But a recent study from Binghamton University in New York found that studying financial literacy may help preserve seniors’ financial independence and prevent the elderly from falling for a scammer’s bait.
Erin Downs and Laura Hahn called their 84-year-old mother when they noticed that the Canton, Michigan woman had made three withdrawals in mid-December totalling $65,000. The first two withdrawals totaled $40,000 and the third was made on Dec. 17 for $25,000, Hahn told ABC 7 Detroit. Someone claiming to be a senior fraud officer at the elderly woman’s bank cold called her to initiate the withdrawals. “They’re very convincing,” Captain Joseph Bialy of the Canton Police Department told ABC 7. “They convinced the victim that there was an error in her account, and because of that error, she owed them money.” Canton police set up a sting operation and nabbed the fraudster before he could get away with the last $25,000. The scammer had a partner for the first two withdrawals, but the second man didn’t show up this time and remains at large. “My recommendation for people in our situation would be to really take as many preventative measures as you can even if you think your mom would never fall for that, or your parent would never fall for that,” Hahn said. Seniors are often targeted by fraudsters for their retirement savings. But a recent study from Binghamton University in New York found that studying financial literacy may help preserve seniors’ financial independence and prevent the elderly from falling for a scammer’s bait.
Ohio man battles city over crash-prone home
At 2 a.m. in mid-November 2021, 60-year-old John Gall of Cleveland Heights, Ohio was sleeping soundly on his couch. Suddenly, a GMC Yukon smashed through the walls of his house, sending insulation and debris flying. “Suddenly, the whole house explodes on both sides. Everything was just vaporized,” Gall told a Scene reporter in December of 2024. “Insulation was flying in the air. Mud all over. A ton of noise. There was a car in the kitchen — that’s how I woke up." And it's not the first time his home has been hit by a car. After three crashes and four different mayors, Gall is tired of what he sees as the city's failure to fix the issue. So, he's taking matters into his own hands. ABC 5 Cleveland shows his yard now filled with handpainted signs aimed at the city, with phrases including "Speed bump? Seriously? WTF?,” "A promise not kept is a lie" and "Hey! Mayor Seren! Why?" The city told ABC 5 it has taken measures to protect Gall's home. A speed table has been installed, temporary boulders sit on his lawn and a flashing sign now warns drivers of the upcoming T-bone intersection. But Gall insists it's not enough.
At 2 a.m. in mid-November 2021, 60-year-old John Gall of Cleveland Heights, Ohio was sleeping soundly on his couch. Suddenly, a GMC Yukon smashed through the walls of his house, sending insulation and debris flying. “Suddenly, the whole house explodes on both sides. Everything was just vaporized,” Gall told a Scene reporter in December of 2024. “Insulation was flying in the air. Mud all over. A ton of noise. There was a car in the kitchen — that’s how I woke up." And it's not the first time his home has been hit by a car. After three crashes and four different mayors, Gall is tired of what he sees as the city's failure to fix the issue. So, he's taking matters into his own hands. ABC 5 Cleveland shows his yard now filled with handpainted signs aimed at the city, with phrases including "Speed bump? Seriously? WTF?,” "A promise not kept is a lie" and "Hey! Mayor Seren! Why?" The city told ABC 5 it has taken measures to protect Gall's home. A speed table has been installed, temporary boulders sit on his lawn and a flashing sign now warns drivers of the upcoming T-bone intersection. But Gall insists it's not enough.
Scammer uses Brad Pitt’s likeness to swindle €830K
Online scammers are nothing new but with the rise of AI-generated images, they’re becoming more sophisticated, especially regarding true romance. One such case involved a 53-year-old French interior designer who was tricked into paying €830,000 ($855,000) for someone posing as actor Brad Pitt for alleged cancer treatment. The scam began when the woman received a message on social media from an account claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother. The following day, another message arrived — this time from an account impersonating the actor himself. Admittedly, she was experiencing marital problems with her millionaire husband and sought comfort in what she believed to be an unexpected friendship with Pitt. The scammer sent her poems and affirmations, creating a genuine bond during a challenging time. “There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done,” she said, originally in French, for a BFMTV interview. Although she admitted to having doubts about the account, the AI-generated photos and videos eased her suspicions. However, as the financial demands grew increasingly absurd, she finally reported the situation to authorities, prompting an investigation.
Online scammers are nothing new but with the rise of AI-generated images, they’re becoming more sophisticated, especially regarding true romance. One such case involved a 53-year-old French interior designer who was tricked into paying €830,000 ($855,000) for someone posing as actor Brad Pitt for alleged cancer treatment. The scam began when the woman received a message on social media from an account claiming to be Brad Pitt’s mother. The following day, another message arrived — this time from an account impersonating the actor himself. Admittedly, she was experiencing marital problems with her millionaire husband and sought comfort in what she believed to be an unexpected friendship with Pitt. The scammer sent her poems and affirmations, creating a genuine bond during a challenging time. “There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done,” she said, originally in French, for a BFMTV interview. Although she admitted to having doubts about the account, the AI-generated photos and videos eased her suspicions. However, as the financial demands grew increasingly absurd, she finally reported the situation to authorities, prompting an investigation.
Locals of historic Arizona town fight for its life
Lowell, Arizona, was once a prospering copper mining town located southeast of Bisbee. Today, it's famous for its historic charm and vintage cars that line the main thoroughfare. People from around the world visit Erie Street to take pictures next to the vintage vehicles and historic building facades, according to 12News. But that may soon change. Freeport-McMoRan, which owns the nearby mine and many of the buildings in Lowell, had been reluctant to renew the lease for the Bisbee Breakfast Club, the only restaurant on Erie Street. "It's going to be really heartbreaking to me," Mitzi Satterfield, general manager of the Bisbee Breakfast Club, told the local broadcaster in a story published Nov. 29. "I have put everything into this restaurant, and it's my heart and soul." Locals have been rallying around the eatery in an attempt to protect the town.
Lowell, Arizona, was once a prospering copper mining town located southeast of Bisbee. Today, it's famous for its historic charm and vintage cars that line the main thoroughfare. People from around the world visit Erie Street to take pictures next to the vintage vehicles and historic building facades, according to 12News. But that may soon change. Freeport-McMoRan, which owns the nearby mine and many of the buildings in Lowell, had been reluctant to renew the lease for the Bisbee Breakfast Club, the only restaurant on Erie Street. "It's going to be really heartbreaking to me," Mitzi Satterfield, general manager of the Bisbee Breakfast Club, told the local broadcaster in a story published Nov. 29. "I have put everything into this restaurant, and it's my heart and soul." Locals have been rallying around the eatery in an attempt to protect the town.
Mortgage rate trends this week
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates are up for the fifth straight week, surpassing 7%, up from 6.93% last week, to an average of 7.04%. “The underlying strength of the economy is contributing to this increase in rates," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "Despite rising rates, Freddie Mac research highlights that consumers can save money if they shop for several different lender quotes.”
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates are up for the fifth straight week, surpassing 7%, up from 6.93% last week, to an average of 7.04%. “The underlying strength of the economy is contributing to this increase in rates," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "Despite rising rates, Freddie Mac research highlights that consumers can save money if they shop for several different lender quotes.”
TikTok ban could cost US $1.3B in single month
TikTok has transformed from a social media app into a cultural and economic tool that redefined digital marketing and reshaped how creativity and commerce intersect online. But its fate in the United States is now hanging by a thread. On Jan. 10, the Supreme Court heard arguments over a proposed law that could force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or risk a nationwide ban. Federal officials argue that ByteDance’s Chinese ownership poses a national security threat. However, TikTok and its users see it differently, claiming the ban would violate First Amendment rights. And for many creators, including Cora Lakey, the stakes are high. Lakey left a six-figure job in talent acquisition and project management after TikTok gave her financial freedom that allowed her to pay off some of her student debt and has given her autonomy over how she spends her day to day. As it stands, unless ByteDance moves forward with a sale, the site will be banned as of January 19. In a recent TikTok, Lakey fired back at those who’ve called the platform’s users “out of touch” for their concerns over the Supreme Court decision. “Influencers aren’t out of touch for crying about the TikTok ban,” she said. “You’re out of touch for not realizing this is a real industry.”
TikTok has transformed from a social media app into a cultural and economic tool that redefined digital marketing and reshaped how creativity and commerce intersect online. But its fate in the United States is now hanging by a thread. On Jan. 10, the Supreme Court heard arguments over a proposed law that could force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or risk a nationwide ban. Federal officials argue that ByteDance’s Chinese ownership poses a national security threat. However, TikTok and its users see it differently, claiming the ban would violate First Amendment rights. And for many creators, including Cora Lakey, the stakes are high. Lakey left a six-figure job in talent acquisition and project management after TikTok gave her financial freedom that allowed her to pay off some of her student debt and has given her autonomy over how she spends her day to day. As it stands, unless ByteDance moves forward with a sale, the site will be banned as of January 19. In a recent TikTok, Lakey fired back at those who’ve called the platform’s users “out of touch” for their concerns over the Supreme Court decision. “Influencers aren’t out of touch for crying about the TikTok ban,” she said. “You’re out of touch for not realizing this is a real industry.”
Senior newlyweds need to talk about wills
With luck, people who wed the love of their life in their golden years have already achieved financial independence and don’t need to pool their money to save for retirement or buy a home. But if they have adult children from prior marriages, estate planning gets tricky. It’s even more complicated if you marry a senior who is wealthier than you. You might want to know if you'll inherit money when they die, but fear being labeled a gold digger by your spouse or their children. You and your partner can create a plan that is fair for everyone in your blended family, but the only way to do it is through an open conversation.
With luck, people who wed the love of their life in their golden years have already achieved financial independence and don’t need to pool their money to save for retirement or buy a home. But if they have adult children from prior marriages, estate planning gets tricky. It’s even more complicated if you marry a senior who is wealthier than you. You might want to know if you'll inherit money when they die, but fear being labeled a gold digger by your spouse or their children. You and your partner can create a plan that is fair for everyone in your blended family, but the only way to do it is through an open conversation.
3 California laws that may affect wallets in 2025
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was busy in 2024, signing over 1,000 bills, according to local reporters. Some of those bills will have a direct impact on the finances of state residents, so it's helpful to understand the rule changes. Here's what you need to know about three bills that could have a big impact on consumers.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom was busy in 2024, signing over 1,000 bills, according to local reporters. Some of those bills will have a direct impact on the finances of state residents, so it's helpful to understand the rule changes. Here's what you need to know about three bills that could have a big impact on consumers.
Watchdog: Trump plan will drain Social Security
Being able to retire comfortably is a top concern for many older Americans. A recent AARP survey found that 61% of Americans aged 50+ are worried that they will not have enough savings when they retire. Social Security, a cornerstone of American retirement ideals, was a central election issue for voters in the recent election, when Donald Trump proclaimed, “Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security” on Truth Social. That promise could become reality once Trump takes over the White House officially on January 20. However, those taxes currently help fund the program's revenue and are crucial for retiree payouts. Removing them would create a significant shortfall, potentially affecting the program's long-term sustainability. The U.S. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates Trump's plans would lead to a 33% cut in benefits by 2035. Whatever happens during the second Trump administration, Americans will be looking to strengthen their retirement savings to ensure they can comfortably bounce back if the country's retiree safety net starts to unravel.
Being able to retire comfortably is a top concern for many older Americans. A recent AARP survey found that 61% of Americans aged 50+ are worried that they will not have enough savings when they retire. Social Security, a cornerstone of American retirement ideals, was a central election issue for voters in the recent election, when Donald Trump proclaimed, “Seniors should not pay taxes on Social Security” on Truth Social. That promise could become reality once Trump takes over the White House officially on January 20. However, those taxes currently help fund the program's revenue and are crucial for retiree payouts. Removing them would create a significant shortfall, potentially affecting the program's long-term sustainability. The U.S. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) estimates Trump's plans would lead to a 33% cut in benefits by 2035. Whatever happens during the second Trump administration, Americans will be looking to strengthen their retirement savings to ensure they can comfortably bounce back if the country's retiree safety net starts to unravel.
Colo. hospital system suing patients daily: report
Colorado's largest hospital system, UCHealth, sued more patients for unpaid medical bills over a four-month period in late 2024 than any other health-care provider in the state by a wide margin, according to a 9NEWS Denver analysis of court records. Some didn't even know they had a debt to pay. The local broadcaster also reports finding UCHealth patients who were sued despite no balance showing on their online accounts. "This is crazy because I just finished paying off all of the debt," Ayla, who didn't want to use her last name, told 9NEWS in a story published Dec. 18. "I worked so hard to continue to pay that bill off." Here's the story behind the numerous lawsuits, and what patients can do if they face legal action to pay medical debt.
Colorado's largest hospital system, UCHealth, sued more patients for unpaid medical bills over a four-month period in late 2024 than any other health-care provider in the state by a wide margin, according to a 9NEWS Denver analysis of court records. Some didn't even know they had a debt to pay. The local broadcaster also reports finding UCHealth patients who were sued despite no balance showing on their online accounts. "This is crazy because I just finished paying off all of the debt," Ayla, who didn't want to use her last name, told 9NEWS in a story published Dec. 18. "I worked so hard to continue to pay that bill off." Here's the story behind the numerous lawsuits, and what patients can do if they face legal action to pay medical debt.
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