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in Scam Awareness
toronto.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, common scams include fake merchandise, phishing emails and texts, charity fraud, romance scams, and gift card scams where fraudsters place stolen barcodes on unpurchased cards. As of October 2024, Canada reported over 40,000 fraud incidents totaling $500 million in losses, with experts recommending shoppers verify merchants, check gift card barcodes, and avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources. Recovery of fraudulent funds is difficult, particularly when cryptocurrency is involved, and authorities estimate only 5-10% of fraud victims report incidents.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Two people in Perth County, Ontario lost over $10,000 in a grandparent scam where they were called by someone posing as a lawyer claiming a family member was in jail and needed bail money, then a person posing as a bondsperson collected $5,000 and $5,500 in cash from their homes. Police warn that scammers may claim a voice sounds different due to a broken nose, and remind people not to provide personal information or make payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency to unsolicited callers.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old California woman lost tens of thousands of dollars over two years to a romance scammer who impersonated actor Keanu Reeves, ultimately becoming homeless and living in her car. In 2023, the FBI reported that victims lost over $650 million to romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, with the majority of victims being over 60 years old, though many cases go unreported due to shame and emotional trauma.
siasat.com
· 2025-12-08
An 89-year-old retiree in Hyderabad lost Rs 9.55 lakhs in a digital impersonation scam in which a fraudster posed as a Mumbai Police officer via WhatsApp, falsely claiming the victim was involved in a money laundering case. The scammer used intimidation tactics including a video call in police uniform, forged documents allegedly signed by the Chief Justice of India, and threats of FIR and imprisonment to coerce the victim into transferring funds through RTGS. The victim reported the fraud to authorities after realizing the deception when the scammer demanded additional money.
foxbangor.com
· 2025-12-08
Janet D. fell victim to a tech support scam when a fake Windows Defender pop-up with audio alarms froze her computer and directed her to call a displayed number. The scammer instructed her to download UltraViewer, a legitimate remote access tool commonly exploited by fraudsters to gain control of victims' systems. The article outlines key warning signs of this scam type—unsolicited pop-ups claiming to be from Microsoft, urgent audio/visual cues, and requests to install remote access software—and provides protective steps including refusing to call displayed numbers, uninstalling suspicious software, updating passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto-Dominion Bank employee in New York used her access to customer data to distribute sensitive information to criminals via Telegram, a case that exemplifies a broader pattern of low-paid bank employees selling customer details to fraudsters across the United States. Detectives found images of 255 customer cheques and personal information on approximately 70 others on her phone, with similar schemes documented at major financial institutions and credit unions. This insider vulnerability is particularly concerning given that US retirees face record elder fraud losses exceeding $28 billion annually, as scammers with inside knowledge of customers' finances can target victims more effectively.
seattletimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Toronto-Dominion Bank employee in New York used her access to customer data to distribute sensitive information to criminals on Telegram, a pattern that reflects a broader vulnerability in US banking where low-paid staff members are selling customer details to fraudsters. The scheme is particularly concerning given that US retirees face over $28 billion in estimated annual elder fraud losses, and con artists with insider information about wealthy customers can more effectively target victims. Banks have resisted stronger regulatory requirements to protect customers despite years of warnings about insider data breaches, with some cases involving sophisticated fraud rings operating on the dark web and social media platforms.
law.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
PayPal faced a proposed class action lawsuit alleging it wrongfully retained sales commissions that belonged to YouTube influencers who promoted products and services through their content. The lawsuit targets PayPal's practice of misappropriating earnings that should have been paid to the content creators.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
A text scam circulating in Michigan falsely notifies recipients of unpaid parking violations with threatened $35 late fees, impersonating Detroit's Park Detroit app but originating from fraudsters. Red flags include incorrect area codes, .com website endings instead of .gov, and spelling errors; officials urge recipients to ignore and delete such messages immediately. Police also warn drivers against scanning QR codes placed on parking meters, advising them to report any suspicious codes to local authorities.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau released nine New Year's resolutions to help families protect themselves from scams in 2025, including being cautious with unsolicited emails, avoiding sending money to strangers, researching businesses before online payments, protecting personal information, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, being cautious on social media, monitoring financial statements, staying informed about scam tactics, and reporting scams to BBB Scam Tracker. The recommendations address common fraud methods that cause financial losses and identity theft, encouraging families to develop proactive protection strategies.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Baltimore resident Ami Porter avoided an employment scam when she recognized that a supposed remote data entry position with "Northzone" required her to purchase equipment (a computer and iPhone 15) and mail it to the company. Porter remembered the key rule: "you shouldn't have to pay to work," which prompted her to verify the offer and report it to the Better Business Bureau. The article highlights that employment scams have surged during the pandemic, with an estimated 14 million people exposed annually resulting in $2 billion in losses, and advises job seekers to verify companies directly and avoid any offer requiring upfront payments.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-08
Vietnamese police dismantled a $1.17 million cryptocurrency scam operated by a company called "Million Smiles" that defrauded over 400 individuals and 100 businesses through a fake Quantum Financial System (QFS) coin claiming to be backed by ancient family treasures and promising exclusive financial benefits. The scammers, led by the company's general director and seven associates, were arrested after police seized evidence and prevented a planned conference that would have attracted 300 additional victims. The fraudulent scheme used luxurious office spaces to create legitimacy and collected investments ranging from approximately $190 to $1,350 per person or business.
wtxl.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting cash-sharing apps like Venmo and PayPal by using stolen login credentials from data breaches or password-cracking technology to access accounts, then attempting to reset passwords before victims do by calling with untraceable numbers to extract security codes. Online fraud cases have nearly doubled since 2019 with losses reaching $12.5 billion last year, with tech support impersonation scams growing 175% year-over-year. The FTC recommends enabling two-step authentication on money-sharing accounts and never sharing security codes with anyone, as fraudsters commonly impersonate legitimate companies to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational awareness piece on phone scam prevention
This AARP guidance teaches seniors to recognize and avoid phone scams by not answering unknown calls, listening for the telltale pause that indicates an auto-dialer system, and using call-blocking features. The key message emphasizes that scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics to extract personal information or payments, but awareness of these red flags can help prevent fraud victimization.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers and hackers are employing increasingly sophisticated methods, including social engineering schemes and AI-generated voice/content, to target individuals in 2025. A cybersecurity expert recommends four key protections: using unique strong passwords stored securely, remaining vigilant against social engineering tactics on social media and professional platforms, establishing "secret word" protocols with family and friends to verify AI-generated calls, and staying alert to AI-enhanced phishing emails that are now grammatically correct and harder to identify.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides four cybersecurity recommendations for protecting against increasingly sophisticated online scams and hacking in 2025. The key strategies include: using unique, strong passwords with secure storage methods; recognizing social engineering tactics that build false relationships to steal information; establishing family code words to verify AI-generated voice calls; and remaining vigilant against improved phishing scams. The expert notes that while these practices require effort, they make individuals less attractive targets for cybercriminals.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies four anticipated online scams for 2025: Facebook Marketplace scams where fraudsters offer goods at attractive prices then disappear after payment; impersonation scams targeting victims via email, text, or phone by posing as banks, police, or tax authorities; cryptocurrency scams encouraging rushed investments in fake platforms with promises of high returns before the scammers exit and crash the market; and counterfeit concert ticket schemes. Fraud experts recommend verifying legitimate requests before sharing financial information, paying for marketplace items upon collection, using trusted cryptocurrency platforms, and conducting thorough research before online transactions.
wcpo.com
· 2025-12-08
Christy Taylor lost nearly $10,000 in life savings after receiving a phone call from someone posing as her bank, who instructed her to transfer funds to a prepaid debit card for "security purposes." According to FTC data, Americans lost a record $10 billion to scams in 2023, with imposter scams, online shopping fraud, and investment scams being the most commonly reported; experts warn that emerging AI technology is making scams increasingly difficult to detect and that consumers should protect personal information and remain vigilant about unsolicited requests for money or sensitive data.
daijiworld.com
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old resident of Udupi, Francis Castelino, lost Rs 49 lacs after fraudsters added his son's number to a WhatsApp group called "Stock Market Navigation" and convinced the family to invest in fake stock market opportunities with promised high returns. The scammers requested further investments when the family attempted to withdraw funds, ultimately delivering neither returns nor principal, and a case has been registered with the Udupi CEN Police Station. The article advises vigilance against such schemes, warning never to share banking details or fall for threats of "digital arrest," which do not exist under Indian law.
etvbharat.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Cyber Police Kashmir recovered Rs 4.72 crore from victims of various online frauds and dismantled criminal networks by cracking down on 1,833 fake SIM cards and recovering 150 stolen phones. The unit resolved 577 complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, registered 30 FIRs, and charge-sheeted 10 cases, while also conducting public awareness workshops across schools, universities, and government offices. Officials highlighted that investment scams (pig butchering schemes) remain prevalent, targeting vulnerable groups through social media platforms, and emphasized that public education is critical to preventing cybercrime.
outlookbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool for fraudsters in India, with 64% of respondents reporting increased fraud and 67% struggling to keep pace with evolving threats. Scammers use AI techniques including voice cloning, deepfakes, synthetic identity creation, and personalized phishing to impersonate trusted figures and extract money from victims across all demographics, though senior citizens are particularly vulnerable; notably, 83% of voice scam victims in India have lost money to cloned voice fraud. Financial institutions and individuals must implement more sophisticated detection systems, as the combination of AI with social engineering and offline techniques proves especially dangerous by exploiting human psychology and bypassing traditional security measures.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2025, scammers are expected to escalate their targeting of consumers' money and identities, with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance reporting over $1 trillion in losses during 2024. Key emerging threats include AI-generated scams creating increasingly realistic fake websites and impersonation content, cryptocurrency investment scams using manipulated websites to simulate earnings, and text-based impersonation scams posing as job recruiters, banks, or family members—all made harder to detect as AI improves grammar and personalization. The FBI advises consumers to avoid quick reactions, scrutinize images for imperfections, and never send money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash apps, as
dvidshub.net
· 2025-12-08
An estimated $10 billion was lost to online fraud in the United States last year, with scammers targeting seniors through romance scams, government imposter schemes, tech support fraud, and investment scams that exploit emotions and fear rather than technical sophistication. Common tactics include posing as romantic interests to solicit travel costs, impersonating government agencies demanding immediate payment via gift cards or cash, displaying fake virus alerts on computers, and offering unrealistic investment returns before disappearing with victims' funds. Experts recommend verifying unexpected contacts independently, keeping emotions in check during high-pressure situations, and confirming urgent requests from family members by hanging up and calling them back directly.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel encourages residents to regularly check their free weekly credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion through AnnualCreditReport.com to detect fraudulent activity and protect themselves from scammers. Reviewing credit reports helps identify inaccurate or suspicious information that could affect credit scores and loan approvals, and residents should be cautious of spoofed or fraudulent sites offering credit reports.
whyy.org
· 2025-12-08
Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania rank among the nation's most vulnerable states for identity theft and fraud in 2025, with Delaware ranking second nationally due to high complaint rates and substantial financial losses, while Pennsylvania reported over 314 theft complaints per 100 residents and average losses of $8,228 per case in 2024. The vulnerability is attributed to rising data breaches from major companies, with U.S. consumers facing an estimated $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, and Pennsylvania's large senior population (2.6 million people aged 65+) identified as particularly susceptible to scams. State officials recommend public education initiatives, strong passwords, verification of websites, and family
southbendtribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau recommends adopting ten fraud-prevention resolutions for the new year to protect against scams, which include being cautious with emails, avoiding sending money to strangers, researching online retailers before purchasing, protecting personal information, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, being cautious on social media, monitoring financial statements, and staying informed about emerging scams. Online purchase scams rank as the third riskiest scam type, and the BBB urges consumers to report suspected scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker and the FTC to help protect other consumers.
co.lincoln.or.us
· 2025-12-08
This educational tip sheet warns that scams increase at the start of the year through emails, texts, and phone calls, often impersonating legitimate agencies and threatening immediate payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or money orders. The advice emphasizes verifying agency legitimacy through independent contact information lookup, bookmarking official websites, avoiding suspicious links, and remembering that legitimate agencies will not request passwords or demand payment through non-traditional methods. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office specifically clarifies it does not contact people about jury duty or solicit payments by phone or unconventional payment types.
blog.ssa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides best practices for protecting against scams in 2025, recommending that individuals safeguard social media privacy settings, avoid scanning suspicious QR codes, use strong passwords and passkeys, verify unexpected requests for personal information before responding, and stay informed about current fraud trends through reliable sources. The article emphasizes that scammers increasingly use social media, fake QR codes, and phishing emails impersonating trusted organizations to access personal data, and encourages readers to contact organizations directly through official channels to verify requests.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A Perth County senior lost $320,000 in a computer pop-up scam that began in November 2024 when she clicked a malicious pop-up claiming to be Microsoft and was convinced her finances were compromised. The scammer directed her to withdraw cash and purchase gold bars, which suspects then picked up from her home under the pretense of depositing them at the "Bank of Canada" for safekeeping. Police are seeking to identify the suspects described as men aged 25-35 years old driving a white Lexus sedan and dark-colored sedan.
today.uconn.edu
· 2025-12-08
This article is a profile of Jeff Petrower, an IRS Criminal Investigation special agent who specializes in cyber scams, rather than a summary of a specific fraud case or scam. The piece introduces Petrower's background, including his education at UConn, previous work as a forensic accountant at major firms, and his transition to federal law enforcement in 2022. The article indicates it will feature Petrower's advice on avoiding cybercrime victimization, though the specific recommendations are not included in the excerpt provided.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman in Mumbai lost Rs 1.51 crore (~$182,000 USD) to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonated Delhi police and accused her of money laundering involving a supposedly intercepted parcel containing drugs and cash. The perpetrators used fake video calls with forged warrants and coerced the victim into transferring funds by threatening arrest, exploiting psychological pressure despite awareness campaigns about such scams. Police have launched an investigation into what authorities believe is an organized cybercrime syndicate, while experts emphasize the need for elderly individuals to verify caller claims and avoid sharing sensitive financial information.
identityweek.net
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Phishing attacks targeting senior executives at major companies like eBay and Beazley are increasing in sophistication, with attackers using AI-generated personalized communications that leverage scraped employee data to bypass basic security filters. These scams impersonate trustworthy entities and exploit human error among high-level employees to gain access to sensitive company and customer data. The use of generative AI makes fraudulent emails more convincing and harder to detect, creating significant security breach risks for large organizations and their customers.
rotary.org
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a record $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with impostor scams and email impersonations being increasingly common threats to individuals and organizations like Rotary clubs. Scammers are leveraging artificial intelligence tools and multiple communication channels (text, email, social media) to impersonate trusted contacts and request money, making fraud harder to detect and investigate. To protect yourself and your network, verify suspicious requests through alternative contact methods, report fraud promptly, and share alerts with your community, as most fraud goes unpunished and victims rarely recover their money.
ncsl.org
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters steal over $10 billion annually from Americans through evolving scams including identity theft, impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, with scammers increasingly using targeted tactics across email, text, social media, and chatbots rather than indiscriminate methods. Federal agencies including the FTC, FCC, and CFPB are responding with stronger enforcement tools, such as new rules against impersonation scams and data breach settlements, while increasing collaboration with state officials and emphasizing consumer education. Key initiatives focus on combating medical debt exploitation and financial crimes targeting older Americans.
maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article from Citizens Advice East Berkshire identifies common New Year scams and prevention strategies, including romance/personal scams (where fraudsters build relationships to request money), sales scams (fake discounts and disreputable websites), and delivery/official message scams (fraudulent package delivery notifications). The advice emphasizes that scams affect approximately one in three adults, cause significant emotional impact, and can often be prevented by verifying requests through known contact numbers, being skeptical of unrealistic discounts, and never sending money to people you haven't met in person.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
A senior from Perth County lost $320,000 in a computer pop-up scam that began in November 2024 when she clicked on a malicious pop-up claiming to be Microsoft and was instructed to withdraw cash and purchase gold bars for "safekeeping." Suspects later picked up $80,000 in cash and over $240,000 worth of gold bars from her home, claiming they would deposit the items at the "Bank of Canada" for her protection. Ontario Provincial Police are seeking help identifying the male suspects, described as men aged 25-35 with short dark hair driving white and dark sedans.
einpresswire.com
· 2025-12-08
Author Nayla Sidani released a humorous self-help book titled "A Widow's Journey Through Online Scammers," which documents her experiences encountering romance scams while online dating after losing her husband and son. The book blends real anecdotes with practical advice on identifying red flags in online romance schemes, such as scammers posing as military officers or claiming frozen bank accounts, while emphasizing humor and resilience as tools for overcoming adversity.
techbullion.com
· 2025-12-08
The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 792 people involved in cryptocurrency romance scams, including 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, and local accomplices, following a raid on a suspected fraud operation. The arrests came after authorities charged a Nigerian man with defrauding 139 Australians of $5 million through crypto schemes that used phishing links to steal victims' login credentials and drain both fiat and cryptocurrency accounts. The operation targeted citizens worldwide, primarily from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, with foreign kingpins recruiting Nigerian accomplices to prospect for victims online.
news9live.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old Mumbai woman lost Rs 1.5 crore (approximately $180,000 USD) to cybercriminals posing as Delhi Police Special Investigation Team officers who falsely accused her of money laundering and drug offences after she sent a courier package to her daughter in the United States. The scammers conducted fake video calls in police uniforms with forged documents, pressuring her to transfer funds to "secure" her assets during the purported investigation. She discovered the fraud only after discussing the incident with a family member and reported it to Mumbai Police Cybercrime Cell, which noted the scammers had distributed the stolen funds across multiple accounts.
hindustantimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman in Mumbai lost ₹1.5 crore to scammers posing as Delhi Special Investigation Team (SIT) officers in a "digital arrest" fraud, where they falsely claimed she was under investigation for money laundering and threatened her with criminal action. The fraudsters manipulated her through staged video calls with fake warrants and pressured her into transferring ₹1.15 crore to their accounts before she discovered the scam through conversation with a relative and reported it to police.
livemint.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old woman from South Mumbai lost ₹1.51 crore in a cyber scam where fraudsters impersonated police officials and government representatives, claiming she was under investigation for money laundering and drug offenses. The scammers initiated contact by falsely claiming illegal items were in a courier package she sent to her daughter in the US, then convinced her to transfer funds to protect her assets through forged documents and video calls with actors in police uniforms. She discovered the fraud only after discussing the situation with family and reported it to authorities; police advise the public to verify caller identities and avoid sharing personal details over the phone.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
A Cary woman was approached by a young man outside a Schaumburg retail store who posed as a high school basketball team fundraiser and used a portable card machine to attempt charging $4,000 to her credit card in two separate $2,000 transactions, though both were declined. A similar donation scam occurred in Elmhurst in October, where suspects charged a large unauthorized amount to a victim's credit card before fleeing; those suspects were later found and taken into custody pending investigation.
ky3.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau's 2025 Scam Tracker Risk Report identifies investment and cryptocurrency scams as the riskiest for consumers, followed by employment and online purchase scams, with online-based scams comprising nearly 70% of all reports and social media scams increasing over 56% year-over-year. The BBB recommends consumers adopt fraud-prevention resolutions including avoiding money transfers to strangers, researching businesses before shopping, being cautious with unsolicited emails, protecting personal information, using strong passwords, employing social media privacy settings, keeping computers secure with antivirus software, monitoring financial accounts regularly, obtaining written agreements, and staying informed about current scams.
laist.com
· 2025-12-08
A text message scam circulating in California falsely claims recipients owe FasTrak toll fees and directs them to click a link to pay, threatening late fees or legal action. California Attorney General Rob Bonta warns that FasTrak and The Toll Roads never request payment via text messages with website links, and advises recipients to avoid clicking the link, report the scam to the FBI and FTC, and verify any account information directly through official websites.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued consumer alerts on travel club and health club memberships as part of her 2024 holiday scam campaign, warning consumers to carefully review contracts before signing, understand cancellation and refund policies, and avoid long-term prepaid agreements that may result in financial loss. The guidance recommends consumers budget carefully, inquire about additional fees, request month-to-month payment options when possible, and review all contract terms including fine print before committing to memberships.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Rebecca C. Lutzko announced her resignation as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, effective January 3, 2025, with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik assuming the role. During her tenure leading approximately 175 prosecutors and staff, Lutzko's office oversaw prosecutions involving violent crime, organized gang activity, financial crime, public corruption, drug trafficking, child exploitation, and cybercrime, while also recovering tens of millions of dollars in healthcare fraud and civil cases across Ohio's 40 northern counties.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans aged 60 and over filed over 101,000 internet crime complaints resulting in losses exceeding $3.4 billion, with fraud remaining significantly underreported. AARP's hearing center provides practical defense strategies, emphasizing that scam vulnerability is universal regardless of intelligence or education level, and recommends adopting practices such as radical skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, pausing when pressured emotionally, being wary of requests for secrecy, monitoring accounts regularly, and educating oneself about fraud threats.
atlantanewsfirst.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia Power is warning customers about escalating scams as tax season and new year bills arrive, including fake calls, emails, and door-to-door visits impersonating utility representatives demanding immediate payment or personal financial information. The utility also flagged fraudulent Cash App accounts, cryptocurrency payment demands, and fake websites mimicking Georgia Power's official site to steal billing and credit information. Customers should verify any communication by calling Georgia Power's official customer service line at 888-660-5890 and use only legitimate payment methods through the company's official website at www.GeorgiaPower.com.
dps.iowa.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Grandparent Scam Warning - Iowa (January 3, 2025)**
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird issued a warning about a resurgence of grandparent scams targeting older Iowans, in which fraudsters impersonate grandchildren in distress (claiming accidents, hospitalization, or jail) and request money sent via wire transfer, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency. The scammers often use social media information to build credibility and may pose as supporting figures like attorneys or police officers, with money typically transferred abroad and difficult to recover. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity through trusted family contacts, resisting pressure to act quickly, and reporting suspicious calls
westerniowatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
The Iowa Attorney General's Office and Department of Public Safety issued a warning about a resurgent wave of "grandparent scams" targeting older Iowans throughout the state. In these scams, criminals pose as grandchildren claiming to be in accidents, jailed, or stranded abroad, then request money that is wired abroad and rarely recovered. Authorities recommend verifying caller identity through independent contact with family members, resisting pressure to act quickly, and reporting suspicious calls to local law enforcement and the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 1.888.777.4590.