Elderly fraud surges with love scams and fake‑doctor impersonations

Prosecutors overseeing the rights of senior citizens have warned of a sharp rise in “love fraud” and other scams aimed at older adults. Scammers create romantic profiles on social networks or dating apps, emotionally manipulate vulnerable seniors—particularly widowed or isolated individuals—and then demand money or personal data. The agency recorded 3,310 complaints up to 26 June 2026, an increase of 224 cases compared with the previous year, and cited a recent incident in which a senior was asked to transfer US$100,000 to a foreign fraudster. Officials are urging the classification of these schemes as elder abuse and calling on families to monitor such contacts.

In Peru, a 75‑year‑old woman reported an attempted computer‑fraud scheme after receiving a phone call from someone posing as a well‑known local doctor. The caller tried to obtain her personal and banking information and sent a malicious link via WhatsApp. She recognized the ruse and filed a complaint with the cybercrime unit of the Divincri, which notes a growing number of impersonation scams using phone calls, text messages and messaging apps. Police have advised the public not to share personal or financial details with unknown callers or open suspicious links.