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Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Robocall / Phone Scam
newsmeter.in
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters in Hyderabad are sending fake SMS messages to electricity consumers claiming their power supply will be disconnected due to unpaid bills and urging immediate payment via phone or WhatsApp; scammers then attempt to collect banking details and make unauthorized withdrawals. The Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) has clarified that it never requests banking details via text or uses personal mobile numbers for communications, and advises consumers to verify bills only through official channels and report suspicious messages to authorities.
clarencevalleynews.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Australians lost $2 billion to scams (down 25.9% from 2023), though more people fell victim to increasingly sophisticated impersonation scams, with social media being the leading contact method for financial loss at $69.5 million across 7,724 reports. Common impersonation scams include bank impersonation, government agency impersonation, family/friend impersonation using deepfakes, job scams requiring upfront payments or bank access, and celebrity endorsement scams. The key prevention strategies are to stop and verify before giving money or information, check requests independently using known contact details, and protect yourself by contacting your bank immediately
discovermoosejaw.com
· 2025-12-08
The Moose Jaw Police Service reported a surge in "Grandparent/Parent Scam" activity, receiving over 30 reports in a single day, with some victims losing money. Fraudsters target elderly residents by impersonating distressed grandchildren or family members requesting urgent cash payments, often using real names obtained from social media and obituaries, followed by secondary calls from individuals posing as lawyers, police officers, or judges. Police emphasize that legitimate law enforcement and legal professionals never request cash payments by phone and advise residents to independently verify such calls and report suspected fraud to authorities.
dauphin.crimewatchpa.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Swatara Police participated in PSECU's 2nd Annual Senior Fraud Forum on March 27 in Harrisburg, where Detective Christopher Seiler and four other panelists discussed types of scams, fraud prevention strategies, and victim response procedures. The event was available both in-person and online, followed by an informational fair where attendees could gather additional resources and ask targeted questions about fraud and scams.
romesentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, more than 4,300 New Yorkers age 60 and older lost $203.4 million to financial scams—an average of $47,000 per victim—prompting AARP New York and state legislators to urge inclusion of fraud prevention measures in the state budget. Key proposed protections include training bank employees to identify exploitation and temporarily hold suspicious transactions, with particular focus on common schemes like the "grandparent scam" where criminals pose as relatives requesting emergency funds via untraceable methods like cash or gift cards.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, a 34-year-old Dominican Republic citizen living in Cleveland, was indicted for operating a grandparent fraud scheme that defrauded at least five elderly victims (ages up to 91) of approximately $50,000 between June 2024 and January 2025. The scheme involved scammers posing as victims' relatives and authority figures (attorneys, bail bondsmen) to convince seniors to withdraw cash, which was then transported via rideshare drivers to locations where Rodriguez collected and wired the money to the Dominican Republic. This case reflects a broader trend in which elderly Americans lose as much as $3.4 billion annually to grandparent frau
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-08
More than 72 million Americans use cryptocurrency, but they face significant vulnerability to scams that stole nearly $10 billion in 2024. Common scams include phishing, romance scams luring victims into crypto investments, and "rug pulls" where celebrities or developers promote tokens then abandon them, leaving investors with worthless assets. Experts recommend sticking to established cryptocurrencies with proven track records, researching developer credentials, and questioning why payments are requested in cryptocurrency, as these transactions are difficult or impossible to reverse.
richlandsource.com
· 2025-12-08
Imposter scams are among the most commonly reported forms of fraud, according to Federal Trade Commission data, with scammers posing as trusted businesses, government entities, family members, or romantic interests to deceive victims. While older adults typically lose larger sums when victimized, people in their 30s and 40s report the highest fraud victimization rates per age group, with scammers using tactics like fake Facebook accounts, urgency-creating threats, grandparent schemes, and romance scams to trick victims into sending money, gift cards, or personal information. Common scam tactics include impersonating utilities or banks threatening service shutoffs, posing as stranded relatives needing emergency funds
spokesman.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scams remain the most common government impersonation fraud in the U.S., with Americans losing over $577 million to these schemes in the previous year. Common tactics include impersonators claiming Social Security numbers have been suspended, demanding overpayment repayment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, phishing for personal information through fake emails and messages, and distributing malicious download links. The SSA never suspends accounts, threatens callers, demands immediate payment, requires non-traditional payment methods, or sends unsolicited downloads—victims should verify communications through official .gov addresses and report suspected scams to the Social Security Office of the Inspector General.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
An Athens man lost over $70,000 to a cryptocurrency investment scam after being befriended by a woman named "Lyra" on Instagram who convinced him to invest through a fraudulent app. When he attempted to withdraw funds to pay off his car, he was told to deposit more money first, and upon checking the app again, his $74,000 balance had been reduced to 25 cents. The FBI warns that these "pig butchering" scams manipulate victims into making repeated deposits into fake cryptocurrency investments controlled by overseas criminals, with victims typically losing all invested funds.
daytondailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kettering woman lost over $50,000 in a tech support scam after scammers posing as Google and Apple technicians convinced her to install remote access software and transfer funds to cryptocurrency accounts. The scammers built trust by providing fake employee credentials and employee IDs, then coordinated with a fake bank representative to convince her that cybercriminals were targeting her account for illegal activities. This case illustrates a broader trend: elder fraud complaints to the FBI's IC3 rose 14% in 2023, with victims aged 60+ reporting over $3.4 billion in losses—averaging $33,915 per victim—while imposter scams remain the most common frau
lptv.org
· 2025-12-08
Bemidji area law enforcement held a public presentation warning residents about a surge in scams following a "grandparent" scam incident in the region, including IRS impersonation scams, online romance scams, and phishing emails/texts. Officers advised the public to verify callers before answering, use Google to check suspicious phone numbers, never send money to unknown persons, and watch for red flags such as suspicious URLs, grammar errors, and pressure tactics. Additional awareness sessions were scheduled to educate the community on recognizing and avoiding these fraud schemes.
kjzz.org
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud cases are rising nationwide, with Arizona experiencing the highest rate at 289 cases per 100,000 seniors, and older adults losing $3.4 billion to scams in 2023. Louise Harrison, 73, lost $2,000 in an Arizona jury duty scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement and sent a fake arrest warrant to pressure payment. Experts warn that scams are evolving to exploit technology, including voice-cloning AI, romance schemes, and urgent payment demands via phone, text, and social media, and recommend education and awareness efforts through organizations like AARP, the Better Business Bureau, and R.O.S.E. to protect
daijiworld.com
· 2025-12-08
An 83-year-old retired railway employee and his 79-year-old wife in Belagavi, India, died by suicide after losing Rs 6 lakh to cybercriminals who impersonated law enforcement officials and threatened to release fabricated obscene content unless they paid ransom. The couple endured a month of escalating harassment and continued extortion demands before the wife consumed sleeping pills and the husband subsequently took his own life, leaving a note exposing the scammers' tactics. The incident highlights the rising cybercrime threat in Karnataka and underscores the importance of recognizing that police never initiate cases online or demand money, and that "digital arrest" is not a
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old Hingham resident lost $30,000 in a tech support and financial emergency scam after scammers convinced him his computer was infected and his bank account was at risk. The victim withdrew $30,000 in cash and deposited it into a Bitcoin machine at a gas station after being deceived about its purpose, and nearly fell victim to a second $35,000 loss before becoming suspicious when the scammer requested cash delivery to his home. Police noted the scammers kept the resident on the phone for an extended period to prevent verification and used fear tactics to ensure compliance with their instructions.
linkedin.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud cost UK consumers £460 million across 230,000 cases, with 76% originating online and 16% through telecom channels via fraudulent ads. UK Finance and Which? are calling on the government to require technology and telecommunications companies to work with banks and law enforcement to prevent fraud at its source, as victims suffer not only financial losses but also significant psychological harm.
wlox.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office in Mississippi warned residents of a rise in scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement using real county jail phone numbers and counterfeit official documents claiming unpaid fines for missed jury duty. Young adults and elderly residents are most vulnerable, as scammers request payment via phone, Bitcoin, or convenience store kiosks—methods the Sheriff's Office confirmed it never uses. Residents should verify any such contact by calling the HCSO directly at (228) 897-1364.
tech.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines four primary Microsoft-targeting scams: tech support scams (fraudsters posing as Microsoft IT staff to gain device access and install malware), text messaging scams (impersonating banks, IRS, delivery services to steal personal data), phishing scams (deceptive emails with malicious links targeting Microsoft Teams and other platforms), and Microsoft Teams scams (including malicious GIFs and voice phishing). The article provides protective measures for each scam type, emphasizing that users should never call unsolicited numbers, click suspicious links, respond to fraudulent texts, or open attachments from unknown senders.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2025-12-08
Data breaches and financial scams targeting seniors have reached all-time highs, with scammers exploiting seniors' perceived wealth, politeness, and limited technology skills. The article recommends protective measures including regularly monitoring credit reports through annualcreditreport.com, placing credit locks at major bureaus, taking technology safety classes, and screening unknown callers to reduce vulnerability to fraud.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Swedish man Olaf Kyros Gustafsson, known as "El Silencio," was extradited to Los Angeles and indicted on 115 counts for operating Escobar Inc., a scam that sold nonexistent Pablo Escobar-branded products (including flamethrowers, phones, and cryptocurrency) to customers worldwide from 2019 to 2023. Instead of delivering products, Gustafsson sent customers certificates of ownership and promotional materials while pocketing payments made through PayPal, Stripe, and Coinbase. He was arrested in Spain in December 2023 and is currently in federal custody awaiting trial scheduled for May 20
moderndiplomacy.eu
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated AI-powered scams are emerging as a major threat, combining deepfake technology, voice cloning, and personalized phishing to create highly convincing fraud. Cybercriminals use AI to automate social engineering attacks at scale, impersonating trusted figures through manipulated videos and voice messages, while AI-generated phishing leverages personal data to craft customized deceptive communications. Organizations and individuals must implement advanced security measures and heightened vigilance, as traditional detection methods are increasingly inadequate against these evolving threats.
tucson.com
· 2025-12-08
Tax season presents increased fraud risk, with scammers using phishing emails, impersonation calls, and fake refund promises to steal personal information and money. Experts warn that recent IRS workforce cuts may embolden criminals by creating uncertainty and potentially slowing the agency's response to fraud reports, and they advise taxpayers to watch for red flags like urgency tactics, threats, suspicious links, and promises of inflated refunds, while only using accredited tax professionals and reporting scams directly to the IRS.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**Title:** The more money you have, the more you have for scammers to steal
Wealthy individuals are targeted by sophisticated fraudsters through multiple schemes including whaling (personalized phishing), impersonation of trusted advisors, investment scams, tax-related fraud, fake seller websites, and charity scams, with single transactions potentially resulting in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Scammers use open-source intelligence and social engineering to build trust, create convincing impersonations (including deepfake videos and AI-generated communications), and exploit high-net-worth individuals' busy schedules and trust in established relationships. The article advises victims to verify identities directly
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A 70-year-old woman in Muar lost RM229,050 (over RM200,000) across 30 transactions after being added to a Facebook group in January where she was recruited into a fake investment scheme promising high returns via a fraudulent app. She discovered the scam on March 25 when asked to deposit additional funds to withdraw her supposed earnings, prompting her to file a police report.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors face disproportionate risk from digital scams and fraud, with older adults five times more likely to lose money in scams than younger people, particularly from AI deepfakes and phishing schemes. Experts recommend that seniors verify website authenticity, avoid clicking links from unknown sources, build relationships with trusted tech-savvy contacts for guidance, and apply common sense and critical thinking to online activities to navigate digital threats safely.
agrinews-pubs.com
· 2025-12-08
Data breaches and financial scams targeting seniors have reached all-time highs, with scammers exploiting seniors' perceived wealth, politeness, and limited technology skills. The article recommends protective measures including regularly monitoring credit reports through annualcreditreport.com, placing credit locks with the three major bureaus, taking technology safety classes, and refusing to engage with unknown callers.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams in Maharashtra have surged dramatically, with share investment fraud losses multiplying from Rs 62.2 crore in 2023 to Rs 1,047.3 crore in 2024, affecting victims across age groups through stock market schemes, cryptocurrency scams, employment fraud, and gift parcel scams. Experts identify inadequate research, over-reliance on social media, and the desire for quick gains as primary vulnerabilities, with senior citizens comprising 60% of victims who lose life savings. Key prevention measures include verifying investments through registered brokers, avoiding unverified social media offers, and conducting proper market research before committing funds.
coinfomania.com
· 2025-12-08
Westlake, Ohio residents have fallen victim to multiple cryptocurrency scams involving fraudsters posing as police officers, Microsoft support, and Social Security Administration officials, demanding victims withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs. Losses ranged from $5,500 to $20,000, though one couple was saved by an alert bank manager who prevented a $17,000 loss by contacting police. Police advise residents never to wire money or use cryptocurrency based on unexpected calls, and to verify requests by contacting official company websites rather than phone numbers found through online searches.
fallriverreporter.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old Massachusetts resident lost $30,000 after scammers convinced him his bank account was at risk due to a virus and instructed him to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine at a gas station, claiming it was an "FDIC machine." When the scammers later asked him to convert additional stock funds and arrange for someone to pick up cash from his home, he became suspicious and contacted his bank before losing additional money. Hingham Police warn that scammers use extended phone calls, fear tactics about compromised accounts, and instructions to avoid telling bank staff to manipulate victims into transferring funds.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Four individuals were indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering as part of a sweepstakes scam that defrauded elderly and vulnerable victims of over $4.5 million across Pennsylvania and the United States. The defendants and their co-conspirators contacted victims claiming they had won multi-million-dollar prizes and used forged documents to convince them to send money in taxes and fees, which was then laundered through bank accounts and money mules to conspirators in Jamaica. All four defendants were arrested between March 14-27, 2025, and face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
The Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents about "smishing" scams, where fraudsters send deceptive text messages impersonating banks, government agencies, or retailers to trick victims into clicking malicious links or calling fraudulent numbers, potentially leading to identity theft, financial fraud, or malware installation. The OPP recommends protecting yourself by avoiding unknown links, using multi-factor authentication, reporting suspicious texts to 7726 (SPAM), and verifying messages directly with organizations. Victims should contact their local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online via the Fraud Reporting System.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Starting April 14, the Social Security Administration will eliminate phone-based identity verification for most retirement and family benefit applicants, requiring them to apply online or in person at field offices instead—a change that advocates warn will disproportionately burden elderly, rural, and less tech-savvy beneficiaries who lack internet access, smartphones, or proper identification. The policy, implemented as part of an anti-fraud initiative, exempts disability insurance, Medicare, and SSI applicants from the requirement but will affect approximately three-quarters of Social Security beneficiaries and grieving families applying for survivor benefits, who previously could complete applications entirely by phone.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-08
Wellington County OPP warned residents of scams targeting seniors, including a March 6 incident where a caller falsely claimed to represent an energy company and requested a home visit for a "seniors' energy rebate," and a March 21 case where two suspects posing as water company representatives gained home entry under false pretenses, resulting in stolen prescription medication. Police are seeking additional victims and recommend residents verify caller identification, refuse to share personal information, and contact authorities if suspicious visitors refuse to leave.
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration is eliminating phone-based identity verification for retirement, survivor, and family benefit applications starting April 14, requiring most beneficiaries to apply online or in person instead—a change intended to combat fraud but which advocates warn will disproportionately burden elderly, disabled, rural, and technology-limited populations who lack smartphones, internet access, or valid identification. The policy excludes disability insurance, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income applicants, who may continue filing by phone, but will affect approximately three-quarters of Social Security beneficiaries who are retirees and grieving families seeking survivor benefits.
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how AI-powered scams using voice cloning and deepfake technology work, where criminals replicate the voices and likenesses of trusted contacts to request urgent financial help or sensitive information. The article advises families, coworkers, and organizations to establish pre-agreed safe words or phrases—shared only among trusted parties—as a verification method to confirm identity during unexpected calls or messages and prevent falling victim to these AI-enhanced fraud schemes. Key recommendations include making safe words unique and difficult to guess, keeping them private through secure channels, and using different safe words for different groups or contexts.
freshfields.com
· 2025-12-08
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies four common Microsoft-targeted scams: tech support scams where fraudsters pose as Microsoft IT staff to gain device access and install malware; text messaging scams impersonating banks, the IRS, or delivery services to steal personal information; phishing scams using fake emails and links to trigger malware downloads; and Microsoft Teams scams involving malicious GIFs and voice phishing. Protection strategies include never calling unsolicited numbers or clicking popup links, verifying texts by calling organizations directly, avoiding suspicious email links, and being cautious of malicious attachments on Teams.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), comprised of officers from London and Metropolitan police forces, combats sophisticated payment fraud across the UK, recovering luxury goods and criminal tools from raids. The National Crime Agency estimates 40% of crime is fraud-related with billions lost annually, complicated by victim under-reporting due to shame and embarrassment, as well as criminals' use of advanced technology, AI-generated content, and international operations to evade detection. Law enforcement emphasizes that fraud victims experience significant psychological harm beyond financial loss, and encouraging reporting through family and community support networks is critical to combating these crimes.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines three major tax scams to watch for during tax season: text message schemes falsely promising $1,400 stimulus checks from the IRS that direct victims to fake websites to steal personal information; misleading social media advice encouraging tax fraud through incorrect filing; and scammers misrepresenting the IRS's Offer in Compromise program by charging fees to apply when the program is actually free. The article advises consumers to verify tax information through official IRS sources or tax professionals, ignore unsolicited IRS communications, and remember that the IRS never requests payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or credit card numbers over the phone.
businessday.ng
· 2025-12-08
Three Nigerian nationals based in the United States pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy involving $4.5 million in proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise schemes that defrauded approximately 125 victims between 2020 and 2023. Olumide Olorunfunmi, Samson Amos, and Emmanuel Unuigbe directed victims to deposit funds into accounts they controlled, then transferred the money to Nigeria while retaining a percentage as profit, with romance scams typically targeting elderly victims. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing dates yet to be scheduled.
hinghamanchor.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old Hingham resident lost $30,000 in a tech support scam after scammers convinced him his bank account was at risk, instructing him to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin machine at a gas station under the guise of an "FDIC machine." The resident became suspicious only when the scammer requested an additional $35,000 and arranged for someone to pick up cash at his home, at which point he realized the fraud and contacted his bank. Police warn that scammers typically keep victims on the phone for extended periods while directing them through withdrawal and deposit steps, using fear tactics to prevent victims from verifying information with trusted contacts.
rbcroyalbank.com
· 2025-12-08
During Canadian tax season, criminals exploit vulnerable taxpayers through multiple scams including CRA impersonation phone calls demanding immediate payment via untraceable methods, phishing emails and texts with malicious links requesting personal information, fake CRA websites created using AI technology, and fraudulent tax companies that file false returns to steal refunds and data. Protection strategies include validating CRA communications through official channels, monitoring your CRA account, avoiding sharing personal information unsolicited, recognizing threatening language as a red flag, using only registered tax professionals, and refusing to click suspicious links or provide payment through cryptocurrency or gift cards.
pratidintime.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Dipjyoti Bora, a resident of Dibrugarh, was arrested by Guwahati police for orchestrating an elaborate romance scam that defrauded at least ten women of approximately ₹50 lakh. Bora used fake identities, including posing as an Oil India employee, to charm victims—primarily divorced bank employees—on dating apps, building trust before extracting money through fabricated promises of love and marriage. Police seized luxury vehicles, multiple mobile phones, and financial documents during his arrest, with authorities expecting additional victims to come forward.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern scammers increasingly employ generative AI tools, data breaches, and app data collection to target victims through romance scams and online job frauds. If victimized, individuals should immediately change passwords and enable multi-factor authentication, use a password manager for unique credentials, monitor account activity, contact their financial institution's fraud department, and report the incident to law enforcement and agencies like the Internet Crime Complaint Center and Identity Theft Resource Center.
wdsu.com
· 2025-12-08
Beth Highland, a 52-year-old woman, lost $26,000 in a romance scam after meeting a man named "Richard" on a dating app who posed as a construction worker needing help with payments for a project in Qatar. The scammer gained her trust through incremental requests for money, eventually convincing her to send $26,000 in bitcoin for a supposed account unfreezing fee, before she consulted a financial advisor who identified the scheme as classic romance fraud. Her case has prompted legislative attention, with the Romance Scam Prevention Act being introduced to require dating apps to notify users about accounts flagged for fraud, and law enforcement has yet to apprehend the scammer or
knoxtntoday.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers use phone number spoofing to impersonate banks like FirstBank, displaying legitimate bank names and numbers on caller ID to deceive victims. Banks never initiate calls requesting personal information, PINs, or online banking credentials, so recipients should be suspicious of such calls and refer to FCC guidance on identifying spoofing scams.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
**Fraud Prevention Efforts in Virginia**
Fraud losses among Virginia adults 60 and over surged from $25 million in 2020 to $94 million in 2023, prompting AARP Virginia to launch widespread fraud prevention workshops throughout the state. Common scams targeting seniors include tech-support impostor schemes, utility bill fraud, identity theft, and impostor scams, with veterans being 40 percent more likely to lose money when targeted. AARP Virginia is combating this rising threat through community presentations, online workshops, and trained volunteer speakers who educate residents on recognizing and avoiding the latest fraud schemes.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Candice Trees, a 71-year-old Illinois retiree, lost $12,000 in a romance scam after developing an online relationship with a man claiming to work abroad who eventually asked to borrow money. In 2024, over 71,000 Illinois consumers reported fraud cases totaling $318.1 million, prompting AARP Illinois to expand prevention efforts through monthly educational programs and advocacy for stricter cryptocurrency ATM regulations, as losses from crypto-related scams topped $65 million nationally in the first half of 2024 with seniors disproportionately affected.
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-08
Over $12.5 billion in fraud losses were reported, with scams evolving beyond traditional methods to exploit vulnerabilities across telecommunications, social media, and banking through sophisticated tactics like "authorized push payment" fraud. The author argues that fragmented government agencies lack the coordination and resources to effectively combat these crimes, which are often orchestrated by international organized crime groups funding terrorism, human trafficking, and other illicit activities. The proposal calls for establishing a national interagency task force to unify federal efforts, coordinate with the private sector, implement public awareness campaigns, and equip law enforcement with resources to investigate and prosecute scammers targeting vulnerable populations.
ospreyobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece by an elder law attorney identifies three major scam types targeting seniors: confidence scams (where perpetrators build trust to gain financial access), tech support scams (unsolicited offers to fix computer problems in exchange for payment or personal information), and government impersonation scams (fraudsters posing as IRS, law enforcement, or Social Security officials). The article emphasizes that seniors, particularly isolated "elder orphans" without family support, are especially vulnerable and provides protective advice including verifying agency contacts independently and reporting suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline or FTC.