80-year-old retiree sees $1.3m vanish from Chase account after bank ‘failed to protect’ her from tempting online ad

The U.S. Sun chatted exclusively with the retiree's attorney about how to avoid the same fate

by Maya Lanzone , Consumer Reporter

A SENIOR from South Florida has fallen victim to online scammers, seeing over $1 million drained from her Chase Bank account as she willingly coughed up the cash due to their trickery.

Olga Ponorovsky, 80, saw the huge chunk of her savings disappear thanks to an all-too-common elderly scam, with the victim now suing her bank for allegedly failing to protect her.

It all started back in September 2023 when the senior, a retired engineer, came across an online ad that she believed was promoting a legitimate investment opportunity.

Fraudsters eventually convinced the 80-year-old to withdraw huge sums of money from her Chase bank accounts and invest it under the guise of promised investment returns that Ponorovsky never saw.

The retiree claims she made 30 transactions totaling over $1.3 million over the course of five months, including single withdrawals of $80,000, $100,000, $149,000, and $210,000.

Ponorovsky said she made the transactions in person at the Chase branch in Hallandale, Florida – part of the massive Miami metropolitan area – where the 80-year-old had regularly banked for more than a decade and where staff were allegedly familiar with her modest banking habits.

Devastated by her million-dollar loss, the elderly woman filed a lawsuit against the financial giant.

She alleged that Chase failed to protect her from making suspicious, high-risk transactions, and that the bank was at fault for allowing such a well-known elder exploitation scam to go down.

Chase’s internal systems flagged several of Ponorovsky’s transactions as suspicious but did not delay, stop, or question the hefty withdrawals, according to the lawsuit.

The 80-year-old victim’s complaint also accused the banking giant of failing to report the suspicious activity to Florida’s Central Abuse Hotline, a move that is required under Florida’s Adult Protective Services Act.

FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE

To delve deeper into the details of Ponorovsky’s case, The U.S. Sun spoke exclusively with her Morgan & Morgan attorney, Andrew Frisch, who has over two decades of legal experience.

Frisch critiqued Chase for allegedly allowing the elderly woman to become a scam victim, sharing that although it was unclear why the financial institution did not stop her suspicious withdrawals, it was clear that her residence in Florida would play a big role in the case.

“Florida is among the states to have enacted specific statutory protections against these types of financial scams, and banks have a legal and ethical obligation to strictly adhere to these laws to prevent the financial ruin of their senior customers,” Frisch and Konta Georges & Buza P.C. attorney Robert W. Georges said in a statement.

Frisch told The U.S. Sun that, had Chase reported the 80-year-old’s banking activity to Florida’s Central Abuse Hotline as mandated by law, “It may have saved our client from becoming a victim of this financial scam.”

Ponorovsky's attorney speaks out

The U.S. Sun spoke exclusively with Morgan & Morgan attorney Andrew Frisch, who is representing scam victim Olga Ponorovsky in court.

How common are these types of elder exploitation scams? 

“Elder exploitation scams are extremely common. So common, in fact, that JPMorgan Chase and other banks have specific portions of their websites and other educational materials devoted to informing the public about them.”

What key advice would you give to elderly individuals and their family members to prevent a similar situation from happening to them? 

“Make sure you educate yourself about common scams and, wherever possible, have a trusted loved one monitoring the elderly person’s accounts.

“You can do this as a joint account holder, with power of attorney, or with more informal oversight. Often, loved ones are not involved until it is too late and the money is already gone.

“Education and oversight are the two best tools to prevent it or prevent it from getting worse, because fraud like this often occurs over multiple transactions.“

Chase, on the other hand, said that scammers are the ones at fault.

“These scams are heartbreaking, and the blame for them lies directly with the criminals who perpetrate these crimes,” a spokesperson told The U.S. Sun in an emailed statement.

“At Chase, protecting our customers is a top priority and we are committed to working closely with law enforcement to stop scams at the source and bring these criminals to justice.”

The banking giant filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that the retired engineer personally authorized the transactions and that Chase had no involvement in the fraud.

As far as the likelihood that Ponorovsky will get her $1.3 million back, her attorney pointed out that the landscape is quickly changing in this area of law as states roll out legislation to protect the elderly from these increasingly common scams.

“In states like Florida, the cases may stand a better chance than in the majority of states that lack such laws,” said Frisch.

SAVE THE SENIORS

As Ponorovsky fights to get her money back, the attorney offered a word of advice to seniors and their family members to help prevent a similar situation from happening to them.

He said that education and oversight are the two best tools to prevent scams or prevent them from escalating, as fraud often occurs over several transactions.  

“Make sure you educate yourself about common scams and, wherever possible, have a trusted loved one monitoring the elderly person’s accounts,” said Frisch.

Expert Advice: How to protect yourself from fraud

Craig Costigan, the CEO of fraud experts NICE Actimize gave the following tips to readers of The U.S. Sun on how to stay safe from fraudsters.

• As the saying goes, trust but verify. Always question your text and email communications. It may not be from who you think it is. Look for giveaways that it is a scam email. If your bank contacts you about a fraud via a text or email, call the number on the back of your credit or debit card to contact the fraud department directly – much safer than giving data to an impersonator.
• Protect your personal identifying information such as social security cards, your blank checks and other IDs.
• Always be vigilant. Even the safest and most careful among us have encountered fraudsters – we survived
  because we reported the activity immediately to our providers, changed our passwords and checked our credit reports for unusual activity.
• If you are not applying for credit, you might also consider placing a freeze on your credit reports, such as Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, so fraudsters can’t open accounts in your name. You can easily unfreeze your credit when you want to open a new account.

There are several ways that Americans can do this, he said, including as a joint account holder, with power of attorney, or with more informal oversight.

“Often, loved ones are not involved until it is too late and the money is already gone,” warned the attorney.

The U.S. Sun has previously reported on other seniors financially devastated by scams, including a retiree left in a “deep pit” after $280,000 in savings vanished due to a “protection” call.

Meanwhile, a 71-year-old woman saw $64,000 vanish after receiving home repair services from scheming roofers, and an elderly couple lost $45,000 in a quick click from a common sham.

A grandma, 74, also lost $180,000 after a gold coin fraud by scammers posing as fake federal agents.

But older Americans are not the only scam victims, as a young mom handed over $50,000 to a complete stranger after falling for a common lie. 

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80-year-old retiree sees $1.3m vanish from Chase account after bank ‘failed to protect’ her from tempting online ad 

Lancaster County man charged with stealing $85,000+ from elderly parents: police

Story by Madison Montag

Police in Lancaster County this week charged a 67-year-old man after he funneled more than $85,000 from his parents’ bank account to pay for bills, liquor and hotel rooms, according to a police report.

Howard S. Smith, of Lititz, on Wednesday was charged with the financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person, a first-degree felony, and access device fraud, a third-degree felony.

In December 2024, a family member contacted Ephrata Police about Smith stealing money from his parents. Between April and December 2024, withdrawals totaling $85,277.20 were taken from the elderly couple’s bank account, police said.

Investigators later learned Smith was given the power of attorney over his parents’ bank account in October or November 2024.

Bank statements showed several unusual payments on the couple’s account, including PayPal, a Capital One credit card, First Premier Bank, several restaurants, a car dealership, liquor stores and various hotels.

Detectives submitted search warrants to PayPal, Capital One and First Premier. Those searches showed Smith was making payments to himself and paying his bills from his parents’ bank account, police said.

Smith also used his parents’ money to pay for hotels and a vehicle, police said.

As of Thursday evening, Smith has an active warrant for his arrest.

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Lancaster County man charged with stealing $85,000+ from elderly parents: police 

New law eases guardianship process for parents of disabled children

News. A recently signed New Jersey law allowing parents to seek guardianship before a child with developmental disabilities turns 18 was inspired in part by the experience of Sandyston resident Lee-Ellen Pisauro.

The calendar did not stop moving.

When Lee-Ellen Pisauro of Sandyston marked her son Sam’s 18th birthday on Dec. 22, 2021, it was not a celebration but the start of a legal struggle that left her unable to make medical and care decisions for her child with Down syndrome.

Under previous New Jersey law, parental authority ended when a child turned 18, even if the child required daily support and advocacy. Although Sam’s needs did not change overnight, Pisauro was required to navigate a lengthy guardianship process before she could resume decision-making on his behalf.

“Professionally, I had peripherally supported families through the guardianship process; however, it was not until I navigated it personally as a parent and presumptive guardian that I experienced the unintended consequences of the procedural timelines embedded in the prior law,” Pisauro said.

Pisauro, who works with special-needs students at Wallkill Valley High School, said the gap in guardianship created uncertainty and disrupted continuity of care.

“Sam was without a guardian until March 22, 2022,” she said. “During that period, my husband and I were unable to manage some of his health care needs, access his medical benefits, or obtain documentation for time-sensitive diagnostic testing.”

Concerned other families would face similar challenges, Pisauro met with former state Sen. Steven Oroho and his deputy chief of staff, Brett Conrads, now chief of staff to Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, to advocate for legislative change.

After Oroho left the Legislature, Inganamort sponsored legislation allowing parents of children with developmental disabilities to apply for guardianship up to 180 days before their child turns 18. The bill, was recently signed into law.

“Parents like Lee-Ellen who have children with medically complex needs or require everyday decision-making assistance are some of the most selfless and tireless advocates I have ever had the pleasure to serve,” said Inganamort, R-Morris. “They shouldn’t have to battle a legal system to ensure their child remains protected.”

Pisauro testified before the Senate Health Committee in early 2024, and the bill later advanced through both chambers of the Legislature. It passed Dec. 22, 2025, and was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy the following day.

“I’m proud to have played a role alongside Lee-Ellen in helping get this common-sense and compassionate law across the finish line,” Inganamort said. “It will make a big difference in the lives of New Jersey families.”

Pisauro said the law will help ensure smoother transitions for families who rely on guardianship protections.

“Pursuing guardianship is a personal decision. It’s not for everyone,” she said. “But for those needing this protection, the passage of this law will ensure a smoother transition for vulnerable young adults and their families.” 

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New law eases guardianship process for parents of disabled children 

Woman arrested, accused of defrauding disabled adult in Wakulla County

 By WCTV Staff

WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) - A woman was arrested on Wednesday and is accused of exploiting a disabled adult, according to the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.

Tracy Peckham, age 62, was taken into custody after “detectives determined Peckham had defrauded the victim of approximately $17,000 between November 2023 and June 2024,” per WCSO.

Tracy Peckham's mugshot.(Wakulla County Sheriff's Office)

Detectives began investigating Peckham in late 2024 after getting a tip about possible mismanagement of funds by a co-plenary guardian of the victim, according to law enforcement.

“The investigation revealed the victim’s personal financial accounts were used by Peckham for personal gain and not in the victim’s best interest, as required under the guardianship,” according to authorities. “Funds were used for services and accounts solely associated with Peckham.” 

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Woman arrested, accused of defrauding disabled adult in Wakulla County 

Mesa assisted living owners permanently barred after abuse settlement

The former owners of a Mesa assisted living center have been barred from caring for vulnerable adults in Arizona, the state attorney general's office announced.

By Brian Petersheim Jr.

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — The owners of a long-embattled Mesa assisted living facility are permanently barred from caring for vulnerable adults, following an abuse and neglect settlement on Wednesday.

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office said the former Heritage Village Assisted Living, owned by Gary and Tracy Langendoen, didn’t do “the bare minimum” to make sure vulnerable adults in their care weren’t abused or neglected.

“This agreement ends strongly-contested claims without any admission of wrongdoing,” said Jennifer Wassermann, of Davis Miles, PLLC, attorneys for the defendants. “Regardless of the Attorney General’s self-serving statements in her press release on this topic, the health and safety of the employees and residents at Heritage Village have always been a high priority to the defendants”.

“We have always disputed the validity of the Attorney General’s claims, particularly after some of the assertions stated in their press releases were proven to be false based on incomplete and inaccurate information from the receiver’s office,” Gary Langendoen said. “Putting this litigation behind us allows these defendants, the dedicated employees and valued residents to move forward.”

Several residents had reportedly suffered violent attacks and sexual assaults by other residents, according to the attorney’s office. 

The Langendoens and any companies must divest from providing healthcare to vulnerable adults and pay $100,000 in civil penalties.

In 2024, Mayes asked the courts to step in and appoint someone to take over the facility rather than shut it down completely. It was the first time an attorney general has exercised that authority since the legislature added it to the Adult Protective Services Act in 1989.

“Although Heritage Village is gone forever, the facility itself is still going strong under new management,” said Attorney General Mayes. “My office has not received any consumer complaints about the former Heritage Village since the new owners took control.”

In early January, Mayes barred another East Valley assisted living facility from caring for adults for five years after a resident left the home and went unnoticed for 40 minutes before being found dead two days later.

Mayes asks anyone with information about elder care facilities endangering residents to contact her office. 

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Mesa assisted living owners permanently barred after abuse settlement 

Florida bill would require contract signing to be videotaped for adults over 60. Can it prevent financial abuse?

by Emma Caplan-Fisher

It’s a story that’s all too common these days: an elderly person gets roped into a sales contract they don’t fully understand and ends up paying far more than they thought they would.

Now, a Florida senator has proposed a bill designed to protect the state’s most vulnerable residents from the same thing happening to them.

Sen. Ileana Garcia’s “Elderly and Disabled Adult Contract Protection Act” was introduced on Jan. 13. It would require contracting parties to record a video that depicts them conducting a “comprehensive review” of contract terms with the elderly or disabled adult, as well as the signing of the contract — and store that recording for at least five years. The bill defines “elderly” as someone aged 60 and older.

The goal is to ensure older Americans fully understand what they’re agreeing to when purchasing a product or service, thereby reducing cases of financial exploitation, misleading sales tactics and pressured consent.

How helpful would it be?

The proposed legislation could fundamentally change how contracts are enforced and challenged when older residents claim to be misled.

“Out of the blue, I thought, what a great idea, so many agreements are signed under cover of dark,” attorney Charles Gallagher III told Tampa Bay 28 in a story that aired Jan. 8 (1). “The law in Florida doesn’t really help folks in that context. The law in Florida presumes if you signed the contract, you understand it.”

But even Gallagher, despite his initial excitement, has practical concerns. For example, the bill defines a contract as “any agreement that affects an individual’s legal rights or property, including documents conferring power of attorney or a deed instrument,” which may be interpreted broadly.

“In theory, every interaction between folks and contract parlance could be required to be recorded,” he said. “Lawn guy, pest control, you're buying a washer at the store, these are all written contracts. Do these all require a video?”

He also worried about operational impact, noting law firms, insurance companies, real estate agencies and many other Florida businesses could slow down their practices.

And, crucially, the bill might not prevent all exploitation. It only requires documentation of the process and by itself doesn’t provide the means to void contracts, ban predatory tactics or create a cooling-off period for seniors to reconsider.

What other states are doing

The proposed bill appears unique in requiring video-recorded contract reviews specifically for elderly protection. While all states have Adult Protective Services programs and elder abuse statutes, few have implemented preventive measures specifically targeting the contract-signing process itself.

According to SeniorSite's analysis of state elder abuse laws, 15 states mandate that all citizens report suspected elder abuse, while others limit reporting requirements to specific professionals (2).

Financial exploitation penalties vary dramatically. For example, North Carolina classifies financial exploitation above $100,000 as a Class F felony, while physical abuse resulting in serious injury is a Class G felony. On the other hand, Michigan has a four-tier system for physical elder abuse with penalties from misdemeanors to felonies requiring prison time of up to 15 years.

Americans aged 60 and up are among the most vulnerable to scams and exploitation. Even if the Florida bill doesn’t pass this legislative session, it signals growing recognition that existing contract laws don’t adequately protect vulnerable adults. Especially for those who might be living on fixed incomes, where a single bad financial decision can have irreversible consequences, the stakes couldn't be higher. 

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Florida bill would require contract signing to be videotaped for adults over 60. Can it prevent financial abuse? 

State dismisses cases against Caide Curry after father establishes guardianship in Missouri

The felony cases opened in Baxter County on 22-year-old Caide Curry who formerly lived in the Clarkridge area have been dismissed by the state after a guardianship was established for him in Missouri by his father, according to Missouri Case Net.

Curry was facing charges in Baxter County stemming from incidents that took place on April 5 and April 20 last year, including residential burglary, two counts of breaking or entering, two counts of theft of property and voyeurism.

While in jail in Baxter County, Curry picked up charges of 2nd degree escape and impairing the operations of a vital public facility. Those charges were filed after he tried to fight his way out of the Baxter County Detention Center April 20th last year.

His defense attorney Ben Burnett filed petitions for mental examinations to determine if Curry was fit to proceed and understands the criminal nature of his acts. Orders for those exams were issued April 24.

In the guardianship paperwork filed in the Missouri court, it was noted that Curry had been diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder with auditory, visual and sensory hallucinations.

He was also reported to have exhibited what was described as “generalized anxiety disorder.”

INITIAL EVENT

According to the probable cause affidavit, three calls were made to 911 in a 21-minute span on April 5 to report thefts in the Clarkridge area.

One of the victims reported he was holding a suspect who was later identified as Curry.

Curry had been released from jail on April 4 just before midnight in an unrelated case and was transported to his home along County Road 36 in the Clarkridge area by family members.

At some point after being returned home, and unbeknownst to his family, Curry took a number of items from their residence and left on foot.

Curry was reported to be living with his grandparents. His grandfather told investigators that Curry did not mental acuity to “understand that it is wrong to take other people’s belongings.”

The grandfather said he did not want to press charges related to items taken from his home. According to the probable cause affidavit, the property was all returned.

Curry is reported to have told investigators that he “did not take this stuff to get in trouble.”
A non-family victim reported his ATV missing along with a gun from his truck. When Curry was found, he was wearing the man’s red riding boots.

Another 911 caller reported she had run a male off at gunpoint after catching him looking into her window. She reported she watched Curry leave her property and walk down Baxter County Road 479 in the direction of State Highway 201 North.

Curry is also accused of breaking into a house and an unoccupied camper trailer. There was nothing reported stolen from the camper. The victim said the camper was used only for recreational purposes and was left unlocked.

JAIL FIGHT AND FLIGHT

On April 20, members of the jail staff were feeding the inmates breakfast. When an inmate receives the meal the electronic identification bracelet is scanned and a record is made of the activity.

When the jailers reached the isolation cell where Curry was being held, they had to open the door to scan the identification bracelet.

After the door was opened, Curry is reported to have attempted to “pry his way out of the cell.” The jailers attempted to get Curry back in his cell but he managed to squeeze past them and fled down the corridor and into an area under the dispatch tower.

He then fled into the booking area and attempted to vault over the counter. Jailers and other sheriff’s office personnel were eventually able to regain control of the inmate.

Curry was placed in a restraint chair while his cell was cleaned. 

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State dismisses cases against Caide Curry after father establishes guardianship in Missouri 

Daughter charged after bedridden father hospitalized with bone-exposing wounds, records say

The case centers on Misty McDaniel, who police said was the primary caretaker, along with her husband, of her father.

By Camruinn Morgan-Rumsey and Gray News staff

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) - A Knoxville woman is facing charges after her 74-year-old father arrived at the hospital covered in sores.

According to court records obtained by WVLT, the case centers on Misty McDaniel, who police said, along with her husband, were the primary caretakers of her father.

Court records say McDaniel’s father was admitted to Blount Memorial Hospital, which is where police originally responded.

The court records described several wounds the man had, saying he had sores that exposed muscle and bone. It was also reported that the man’s blood sugar levels were over 600.

Police decided to look into McDaniel and visited the home where she, her husband and her father live. There, the records said officers found a month’s supply of blood sugar medication. According to records, the medication had not been administered to the father.

McDaniel was taken into custody and charged with aggravated neglect of an elderly adult. 

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Daughter charged after bedridden father hospitalized with bone-exposing wounds, records say 

FBI probe of Detroit probate court could lead to indictment

by Nathalie Eder

Federal investigators are zeroing in on a bribery and corruption probe involving 36th District Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin and the disappearance of $550,000 from a 91-year-old woman, with a federal indictment expected soon in the sweeping investigation of Metro Detroit’s probate court system.

Missing funds fuel federal investigation

Court officials are working to determine how $550,000 belonging to a 91-year-old mentally incapacitated woman went missing while her finances were being handled through probate proceedings, according to court filings referenced by investigators. The disappearance of the funds has become a central focus of a federal investigation into how assets belonging to vulnerable adults are managed within Metro Detroit’s probate court system.

As the inquiry has progressed, federal and probate court records show investigators have broadened their review beyond the single case. Filings describe concerns involving “drained bank accounts” and “valuable assets belonging to wards of the court,” prompting a closer examination of financial records tied to guardianship and conservatorship arrangements. Officials have described the matter as a rare federal corruption probe involving local court operations.

Broader probate system under scrutiny

The federal probe has drawn increased attention to Metro Detroit’s probate court system, which oversees guardianships and conservatorships for mentally incapacitated individuals. These courts are responsible for managing the care and financial affairs of some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.

Andrea Bradley-Baskin, who currently serves as a judge on Detroit’s 36th District Court, is among what court filings describe as “a cast of people under investigation” connected to the probe. No charges have been filed, and the filings do not specify who, if anyone, will ultimately be indicted. Bradley-Baskin has not publicly responded to the investigation.

Federal corruption probes involving local court operations are uncommon. The case involves a federal bribery investigation, a type of inquiry that carries significant consequences when it intersects with the judicial system.

Pattern of financial irregularities

Court records show investigators are reviewing financial activity connected to multiple wards of the probate court, as part of a broader examination into how assets have been handled within the system. Reporting on the investigation indicates that records involving the sale of at least five homes owned by incapacitated individuals, along with assets belonging to other wards of the court, have become part of the FBI’s review of probate estate management.

Probate courts typically oversee such funds through appointed guardians or conservators, who are legally required to manage assets carefully, transparently, and in the ward’s best interests.

Federal resources deployed

The investigation has involved significant federal law enforcement resources, including the FBI, which has executed sealed search warrants and seized financial records as part of the inquiry. Court filings show those warrants authorized agents to collect documents related to the care and finances of probate court wards, as well as records detailing the receipt and distribution of funds tied to court-supervised assets.

As part of that process, investigators have seized more than $580,000 from properties and accounts connected to guardianship firms and individuals under review. The warrants also allowed agents to obtain records that could identify associates and trace financial transactions connected to the management of ward assets.

Public corruption cases of this kind typically involve extensive financial analysis and long-running evidence reviews. Federal prosecutors generally rely on detailed records, rather than public statements, as they work toward potential charges.

Community impact and trust issues

The investigation has put renewed focus on the probate court system, which many families across Metro Detroit rely on when elderly or incapacitated relatives can no longer manage their own affairs. In such situations, the courts appoint guardians or conservators, and they are expected to oversee how finances and personal decisions are handled.

When allegations involve missing or mismanaged funds, it raises questions about accountability in a system designed to protect vulnerable people. Court-supervised assets are often meant to pay for basic needs, including housing, medical care, and everyday expenses, leaving little margin for error when oversight breaks down.

Federal involvement in cases like this is unusual, and it has drawn attention to how safeguards within the probate system function in practice. For families who depend on those protections, maintaining trust in the process is critical.

Legal and administrative consequences

If federal charges are filed, it would mark a major step in the investigation. Public corruption cases at the federal level can carry serious penalties, and when they involve judges or court officials, they can trigger additional scrutiny beyond the criminal case itself.

In Michigan, judges fall under the authority of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, an independent body that investigates allegations of judicial misconduct and can recommend disciplinary action to the Michigan Supreme Court. Actions can range from admonishment to suspension or removal and are handled separately from any federal prosecution, though no disciplinary action has been announced in connection with this investigation.

Next steps in the federal case

Federal prosecutors have not said whether charges will be filed, but court records show the investigation has been underway for months and is now entering a phase where charging decisions are typically made. Allegations and financial activity reviewed by investigators span several years, with records dating back to at least 2016.

Any decision to bring charges would come only after prosecutors complete their review of the evidence gathered during the investigation. In federal public corruption cases, charging decisions are often made after lengthy analysis of financial records and related documentation, so the timeline is unknown. 

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FBI probe of Detroit probate court could lead to indictment