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Senior scam victims in US face tax woes after losing retirement savings

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Mary Ellen Strange at her home in New Albany, Ind., on Friday, March 7, 2025. Strange sent nearly $378,000 to fraudsters impersonating federal investigators. She now has an estimated tax bill this year of $100,000. (Luke Sharrett/The New York Times)

Ms Mary Ellen Strange, 75, was deceived by fraudsters impersonating federal investigators, and now owes the IRS an estimated US$100,000 this year.

PHOTO: LUKE SHARRETT/NYTIMES

Tara Siegel Bernand and Ron Lieber

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They were conned by skilled online criminals into draining their retirement savings. After the shock, shame and grief that followed, the victims were often left with something else: an enormous income tax bill.

Ms Mary Ellen Strange, a 75-year-old widow who was deceived by fraudsters impersonating federal investigators, now owes the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) an estimated US$100,000 (S$133,400) in 2025.

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