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Rise in 'Friendship Fraud' Scams Targeting Seniors on Social Media

3/22/2026

38 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Harrison Highlights Fraud

TSB data show a rise in "friendship fraud" targeting older people on social media.
Stephanie Harrison, TSB fraud expert, notes these scams often resemble romance fraud.
Victims have lost thousands, including a customer in their late 70s who lost over £4,000 on Instagram.
Another victim in their late 60s made 60 payments over four years to a scammer posing as a distressed young person.

Summary

Barrie Police Warn

Barrie police alert residents to a courier-style fraud that defrauded two seniors of about $1,000.
Victims received calls from someone posing as a bank security employee who claimed their cards were compromised.
They were instructed to seal their cards for pickup by a courier.
A male suspect described as Black and in his 20s to 30s collected the cards and made fraudulent transactions.

History

Historical Context

The Friendship Fraud Awareness Act was introduced in 2018 to address the alarming rise in scams targeting seniors, who lost over $1.7 billion to fraud that year. This legislation reflects ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable populations, particularly in light of recent social media scams and courier fraud schemes, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations and public awareness to combat financial crimes against older individuals.

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Harrison Highlights Fraud

TSB data show a rise in "friendship fraud" targeting older people on social media.
Stephanie Harrison, TSB fraud expert, notes these scams often resemble romance fraud.
Victims have lost thousands, including a customer in their late 70s who lost over £4,000 on Instagram.
Another victim in their late 60s made 60 payments over four years to a scammer posing as a distressed young person.

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