Short updates on scams, older-adult safety and healthcare billing. Every story links to the official source.
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Official FTC, CMS, DOJ, FBI/IC3 and HHS-OIG news reviewed November 1. Dates are original publication dates; completed actions, allegations, reported figures and consumer warnings are labeled separately.
U.S. Department of Justice · Final action
Three sentenced in $10 million pop-up scam targeting older adults
Three defendants were sentenced for roles in a computer pop-up and government-imposter scheme that DOJ says defrauded more than 50 victims across 19 states of over $10 million. Couriers visited victims’ homes and collected cash after false claims that accounts were compromised.
Event date: Oct 23, 2026
What to keep in mind
Do not hand cash to anyone claiming to protect your money. End the contact, call your bank using a trusted number and report suspected elder fraud promptly.
FTC warns about misleading health-plan ads and phone pitches
The FTC warns that some open-enrollment ads and calls may promise comprehensive insurance but offer limited benefits or discount cards instead. Others may impersonate government agencies or well-known insurers.
What to keep in mind
Use HealthCare.gov or another official Marketplace source, confirm that a product is insurance, and read benefits, exclusions and total costs before enrolling or sharing personal information.
FTC reports $80 million in redress from imposter-scam enforcement
The FTC says 14 enforcement actions under its Impersonation Rule have produced more than $80 million in consumer redress since 2024, and 19 websites impersonating the FTC were removed. Some cited cases remain allegations; the reported redress and website removals are completed agency actions.
What to keep in mind
The FTC will not demand money, threaten you, direct a transfer or promise a prize. Verify government contacts through official websites and report suspected impersonation at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
DOJ reports nearly 350 elder-fraud and abuse enforcement actions
DOJ’s annual elder-justice report covers July 2025 through June 2026. It says nearly 350 criminal and civil actions named 712 defendants charged with stealing or alleged to have stolen about $4.84 billion from 711,353 victims; these figures combine adjudicated and alleged conduct.
What to keep in mind
If you or someone you know has experienced elder fraud, contact financial institutions promptly and call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 for help.
DME owner convicted in $8.6 million Medicare brace-fraud scheme
A federal jury convicted a Florida durable-medical-equipment owner in a scheme using fake brace prescriptions and high-pressure telemarketing. DOJ says more than $8.6 million in fraudulent Medicare claims were submitted; sentencing is scheduled for January 2027.
What to keep in mind
Do not give Medicare information to unexpected brace callers. Review your Medicare statements and report braces, prescriptions or calls you did not authorize.
Court shuts down debt-relief operation that targeted seniors and veterans
At the FTC’s request, a federal court permanently banned operators of a debt-relief scheme that impersonated banks, credit card companies and government agencies. The October 14 order entered a $106.8 million default judgment against the corporate defendants.
Event date: Oct 14, 2026
What to keep in mind
Do not pay advance fees to a caller promising major debt reductions. Verify any bank or government contact independently and report impersonation or debt-relief scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Telemedicine owner sentenced in $46.2 million Medicare fraud scheme
A federal judge sentenced the owner of TelevisitMD to 20 years in prison after his guilty plea. DOJ says the scheme caused $46.2 million in false claims, Medicare paid $17.9 million, and the court ordered nearly $17.95 million in restitution plus $10.43 million in forfeiture.
What to keep in mind
Be cautious about unsolicited offers for braces or genetic tests. Review Medicare statements and ask Medicare or your provider about services you did not request or receive.
FTC warns of callers threatening to disconnect your phone
Scammers posing as FTC officials claim a phone registered in your name is being used for crimes. They may use fake badges, transfer you to fake police and demand money. The FTC says it does not make these threats or ask you to send money.
What to keep in mind
Hang up. Do not send money or ID documents. Check any concern through contact details you find independently, and report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.