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insidethemagic.net
Scammers posing as Disneyland Resort employees are targeting senior citizens through text messages offering work-from-home jobs with $2,000-$4,000 monthly income and $30-$75 interview payments. These "pig butchering scams" use fake personas to gain trust before manipulating victims into fraudulent investments and payments, exploiting seniors' potential digital illiteracy and the scam's stated age range of 23-80 years old. Reddit users identified red flags including poor grammar, inconsistent fonts, and the fact that legitimate Disney HR would never impose age caps on employment.
nbcphiladelphia.com
Three New Jersey residents—married couple Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, plus Oluwaseyi Fatolu—pleaded guilty to operating a romance scam from 2016 to 2020 that defrauded over 100 victims of $4.5 million. The defendants posed as romantic interests on dating sites and social media to convince victims to send money for fictitious emergencies, with funds wired to U.S. bank accounts, mailed as checks, or transferred overseas to accomplices in Nigeria and Turkey, while the defendants spent proceeds on personal expenses and cash withdrawals.
bai.org
Visa's Spring 2024 Threats Report reveals that while the number of individual scam reports decreased from June to December 2023, total monetary losses increased, indicating fraudsters are executing more effective and costly schemes. Emerging scams include "pig butchering" (fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting 10% of surveyed adults), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI and other technologies to create more convincing campaigns. Organizational threats are also escalating, including a 300% increase in ransomware cases and an 83% rise in purchase return authorization frau
cbc.ca
Richmond, B.C. RCMP warned of a significant rise in romance investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases resulting in over $16 million in losses, continuing into 2024 with 12 cases and nearly $500,000 lost in just three months. These "long-con" scams involve fraudsters grooming victims through dating websites and social media over weeks or months, building trust before convincing them to invest in fake schemes often involving cryptocurrencies and displaying fabricated returns. The RCMP also warned of a separate "speeding ticket" phishing scam using text messages with fake government websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
nj.com
A New Jersey married couple, Martins Friday Inalegwu (35) and Steincy Mathieu (27), admitted to stealing at least $4.5 million from over 100 victims through an online romance scam operating from October 2016 to May 2020, using dating websites and social media to build fake relationships before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. The perpetrators received funds via wire transfers, checks, Western Union, MoneyGram, and international bank accounts in Turkey and Nigeria, and also failed to pay taxes on the stolen money. Inalegwu pleaded guilty to money transmitting violations and tax evasion, while Mathieu
doingitlocal.com
Transnational criminal organizations are conducting "pig butchering" investment scams targeting Americans, with older Connecticut residents at particular risk. These scams involve fraudsters building trust with victims through dating apps and social media before directing them to fake trading platforms promising high returns on cryptocurrency or forex investments; cryptocurrency fraud alone reached approximately $4.5 billion in 2023, though total losses since 2021 may exceed $75 billion. Connecticut State Police recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023, and residents are advised to watch for warning signs including unsolicited contact, promises of guaranteed returns, pressure to invest quickly, and requests for personal information.
cbc.ca
Between January 2023 and March 2024, Richmond, B.C. RCMP reported 99 romance scam cases totaling over $16 million in losses, with scammers using dating websites and social media to build trust with victims over weeks or months before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies. The article also warns of a separate "speeding ticket scam" where fake text messages direct victims to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information by impersonating official government traffic violation notices.
goldrushcam.com
Former licensed insurance agent Brett E. Lovett was found guilty of 29 felony counts including grand theft, elder abuse, and money laundering for defrauding at least nine victims, including senior citizens, of approximately $1.2 million between 2011 and 2016. Lovett befriended vulnerable victims at places of worship and through a legal aid business, then misappropriated their money intended for nonexistent investments or financial management by using powers of attorney and promissory notes. This conviction followed a prior 2007 CFTC case in which Lovett was ordered to pay over $675,000 in restitution for commodity futures fraud, penalties he never
abcnews.go.com
Tareasa Johnson, a TikTok creator, went viral sharing a 50-part series documenting her marriage to a man she met online who deceived her about his finances, family background, and identity, including allegedly using a phony Social Security number. The article examines her case alongside other victims of online deception and scams, noting that the Internet Crime Complaint Center reported roughly 880,000 scam complaints in 2023, nearly double the 467,000 complaints from 2019, with cybersecurity experts warning that scammers can target anyone regardless of age or expertise.
abc.net.au
Jo O'Brien lost her $500,000 divorce settlement after being deceived by scammers who impersonated AMP employees through a fake comparison website and convinced her to transfer funds into what she believed was her own investment account but was actually controlled by a fraudulent shell company called Supercheap Security. Over $1.3 million from multiple victims was funneled through a NAB bank account, and O'Brien alleges the bank was slow to freeze the account even after she reported the fraud, allowing an additional $275,000 to be transferred overseas. The account operator, Hassan Mehdi, was arrested attempting to leave Australia but charges were later dropped, with the case highlighting vulner
financialregnews.com
Federal authorities (CFTC, FINRA, and NASAA) issued a joint warning about precious metals investment scams targeting seniors, where fraudulent dealers tout gold and silver as "safe investments" while charging excessive markups, commissions, and fees that prevent investors from profiting. Scammers specifically target retirees and those near retirement by encouraging retirement account rollovers, using fake celebrity endorsements, high-pressure sales tactics, and fake self-directed IRA custodians to steal funds. In September 2020, federal and state authorities filed a civil enforcement action against two precious metals dealers for an alleged $185 million fraudulent scheme targeting elderly people nationwide.
whsv.com
In 2023, Virginia residents lost over $200 million to scams according to the Federal Trade Commission. The Better Business Bureau warns that AI-generated content is making scams increasingly sophisticated and harder to detect, with scammers using AI to create fake celebrity endorsements in shopping and investment schemes. The BBB recommends verifying legitimacy through reverse image searches, checking for audio/visual irregularities, and conducting thorough research before engaging with unfamiliar offers.
nbcconnecticut.com
State police are warning the public about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters build trust with victims through dating apps and social media over weeks or months before luring them into fake cryptocurrency or investment schemes that result in financial loss. Cryptocurrency investment fraud grew over 53% in 2023 to approximately $4.5 billion, and Connecticut's Cryptocurrency Working Group recovered nearly $4 million in assets for victims in 2023. Authorities advise people to be cautious of unsolicited investment advice from online contacts, verify that investment companies are registered with regulatory bodies, watch for pressure to invest quickly, and never use unconventional payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency without proper verification.
investopedia.com
Pig butchering scams are a sophisticated investment fraud scheme in which scammers create fake online identities to build trust with victims before stealing their money, often through fraudulent cryptocurrency investments. The scams use social engineering, AI-generated content, and emotional manipulation to exploit victims' vulnerabilities, with billions of dollars in global losses reported. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited messages, verify financial advice independently, and immediately report any suspected scam to your bank and law enforcement.
thetimes.co.uk
Holidaymakers lost over £12 million to travel fraud last year, with victims averaging £1,851 in losses, according to Action Fraud. Common scams include fake booking websites and clone airline/villa sites, counterfeit ATOL licenses, phishing emails impersonating Booking.com, bogus visa and insurance service fees, and fraudulent airport parking services. To protect themselves, travelers should verify website authenticity, check ATOL certificates at atol.org, pay by credit card for protection, and avoid unsolicited payment requests from booking companies.
globalnews.ca
According to a Valley First branch manager, fraud is a growing threat in Canada, with common scams including investment, grandparent, tech support, romance, and spoofing schemes. In 2023, Canada recorded over 62,000 fraud reports affecting more than 41,000 victims with losses exceeding $554 million, though actual figures are likely higher due to underreporting. Protection strategies include maintaining updated antivirus software, enabling multi-factor authentication, using complex passwords, setting up banking alerts, and avoiding sharing personal information or upfront fees.
freep.com
**Ticket Scam Alert: March Madness and NFL Draft**
As Detroit prepares to host NCAA March Madness games (March 29-31) and the NFL draft (April 25-27), scammers are using social media and AI to target fans seeking tickets by posing as sellers with fake or non-existent tickets. Threat intelligence research reveals that crime rings use AI-assisted automation to quickly identify and engage potential victims through social media posts, often using generic language and fraudulent documentation, and victims should only purchase tickets through official platforms like NCAAtickets.com and Ticketmaster, never through third-party payment methods like gift cards or money orders
vancouversun.com
Richmond RCMP reported a significant rise in romance-investment scams in 2023, with victims losing over $16 million across 87 reported cases, and an additional 12 cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses. These "long-con scams" involve criminals grooming victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media, building trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrencies and fake investment returns. Police advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from attractive profiles, and note that legitimate romantic interests should not involve requests for money.
nationalpost.com
Richmond, B.C. residents lost over $16 million to romance-investment scams in 2023, with 87 reported cases involving criminals who groomed victims over weeks or months through dating websites and social media before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes, typically involving cryptocurrencies. Police noted an alarming continuation of the trend with 12 additional cases reported in early 2024 resulting in nearly $500,000 in losses, and suspect actual victim numbers are higher due to underreporting stemming from embarrassment or fear. Authorities advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited romantic contacts, especially from unusually attractive profiles or strangers promising investment returns.
canberratimes.com.au
In 2023, Western Australian scam victims lost over $20 million across 1,398 reported incidents, with investment scams (primarily cryptocurrency) accounting for $12.1 million and dating/romance scams causing $3.7 million in losses. Facebook-based scams topped reported cases, up 62% from 2022, including fake classifieds, rental listings, job offers, and cryptocurrency schemes, with authorities recommending consumers use secure payment methods and verify legitimacy before sharing personal information or funds online.
blog.aarp.org
AARP is backing the bipartisan Casualty Loss Deduction Restoration Act to provide tax relief for fraud victims who face unexpected tax liabilities on stolen funds withdrawn from tax-preferred accounts like 401(k)s. The proposed legislation would allow victims to retroactively deduct up to $50,000 in fraud losses, addressing the "double injury" of losing money to criminals and then owing taxes on those losses. Fraud costs Americans $10 billion annually, and this bill aims to provide relief to past victims unable to recover their stolen funds.
justice.gov
John Sapienza, 60, of the Bronx was sentenced to 38 months in prison for aggravated identity theft and attempted bank fraud, along with co-defendant Tyshawn Wilson, who received 44 months. Between January 6-11, 2023, the pair travelled to multiple bank locations in New York and Kentucky attempting to withdraw funds from customer accounts using counterfeit IDs bearing Sapienza's photograph with victims' identifying information, until their arrest by Fort Thomas Police on January 11, 2023.
highlandcountypress.com
Two Indian nationals, Anil Mangukia, 39, and Yash Navadia, 25, were indicted on money laundering conspiracy charges for their roles in an elder fraud courier scam targeting older Americans, including a victim in Warren, Ohio. The defendants and coconspirators stole more than $127,000 and attempted to steal an additional $650,000 by posing as bank employees and government agents, falsely claiming victims' accounts were compromised and instructing them to transfer money, purchase gold, or meet in person to hand over cash and valuables. The perpetrators employed multiple deception tactics including cryptocurrency transfers, direct bank transfers, and physical courier exchanges of
helpnetsecurity.com
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and costly, with consumers losing more money despite fewer individual reports, according to Visa research. Key threats include pig butchering scams (targeting 10% of adults via fake cryptocurrency schemes), inheritance scams (affecting 15% of adults), humanitarian relief scams, and triangulation fraud (costing merchants up to $1 billion monthly), all leveraging generative AI and emerging technologies to deceive victims more effectively. Additionally, threat actors are exploiting organizational vulnerabilities, with PRA fraud attacks rising 83% and ransomware cases increasing 300% year-over-year, while over one-third of scam victims do not report their losses, indicating actual
forbes.com
This educational article provides guidance on identifying common cyber scams and protecting oneself online. It identifies six prevalent scam types targeting all age groups—including phishing, sweepstakes, investment, lawsuit/tax, romance, and tech support scams—and recommends seven safety practices such as using strong passwords, updating devices, and exercising skepticism toward unsolicited offers. The piece emphasizes that cybercrime is a rising threat and encourages reporting suspicious emails to CISA.
clickondetroit.com
Pig butchering is a rapidly growing cryptocurrency investment scam originating in Southeast Asia where fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps and social media to build romantic or personal relationships with victims. Scammers gradually introduce cryptocurrency investment opportunities through fake platforms, encouraging victims to invest small amounts initially (showing modest returns to build trust) before manipulating them into depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars, after which the scammer disappears with all funds. Victims are advised to avoid strangers requesting cryptocurrency investments, be wary of those refusing video calls, and verify investment platforms match official websites before depositing money.
justice.gov
Three New Jersey residents pleaded guilty to operating a romance fraud scheme from 2016 to 2020 that defrauded over 100 victims of millions of dollars. Martins Friday Inalegwu and Steincy Mathieu, along with co-conspirator Oluwaseyi Fatolu, worked with accomplices in Nigeria to pose as romantic partners on dating sites, convincing victims to send money while evading taxes on their illegal proceeds. The defendants face charges including unlawful money transmitting, tax evasion, and conspiracy related to the multi-million dollar scheme.
nzherald.co.nz
Last year, New Zealanders reported losses of nearly $200 million to scams, though actual losses may exceed $2 billion when unreported cases are considered, with two-thirds of Kiwis encountering scams monthly. ASB Bank is spearheading a multi-sector anti-scam initiative with telcos, police, and social media companies, while launching an awareness campaign that outlines common scam types—including phishing, marketplace fraud, investment schemes, and romance scams—along with protective measures such as verifying contacts directly, inspecting goods in person, researching investments thoroughly, and guarding personal information.
hindustantimes.com
A 65-year-old woman from Bengaluru lost ₹77,000 after ordering spoilt milk online and attempting to return it. When she called a fake customer service number found online, a fraudster posing as a platform executive instructed her to use PhonePe to transfer money to a UPI ID under the guise of receiving a refund, then obtained her UPI PIN to steal the funds. The woman filed a complaint with cyber police, who registered a case under the Information Technology Act and took steps to freeze the fraudster's account.
aimamedia.org
A 40-year-old regional manager in Thane lost Rs 2 crore after scammers posing as business associates convinced him to invest through a fraudulent stock trading app. The perpetrators promised high returns and initially provided responsive customer support, but ultimately denied his withdrawal requests, leaving him unable to recover his funds.
wptf.com
Scammers are increasingly targeting older adults in North Carolina and nationwide using impersonation, investment schemes, and AI tactics, with senior citizens losing $1.6 billion to financial scams last year out of a total of $10 billion in fraud losses. A common scam involves fraudsters texting seniors posing as wrong numbers to build personal relationships before requesting money or investment. Financial caregivers and seniors can protect themselves by monitoring accounts for suspicious activity, using unique passwords across websites, and staying informed about fraud warnings from the FTC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
thestar.com.my
Police warn that lonely and retired seniors are susceptible to investment and love scams, with victims losing substantial sums including one retiree who lost RM2 million in a cryptocurrency investment scheme and a 60-year-old widow who transferred RM200,000 to a fake online romantic interest. Scammers exploit victims' lack of cybersecurity awareness and isolation by posing as investment opportunities or authority figures on social media, with victims often refusing to believe they've been defrauded. Authorities recommend frequent family contact, cybersecurity education, and vigilance against online relationships that involve requests for money or gifts.
blogto.com
Toronto residents are experiencing a surge in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable citizens, including fraudulent speeding ticket texts, rental listing scams (with victims losing up to $3,600), 407 ETR toll highway payment scams via text message, and grandparent scams that have defrauded over 200 Toronto victims of more than $1 million since 2021. Recent cases include an 87-year-old who lost $10,000 when scammers falsely claimed her grandson needed bail money for drug possession charges, highlighting how fraudsters exploit urgency and trust in authorities to manipulate victims.
u.today
In 2023, cryptocurrency fraud reached alarming levels, with scams generating at least $4.6 billion in revenue and U.S. crypto investment scam losses surging 53% to $3.94 billion. The most prevalent schemes included pump-and-dump token manipulation and romance scams (which increased 85-fold since 2020), with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing money, with a median loss of $3,800. SEC Chair Gary Gensler warned that fraud and abuse in the crypto space are correlated with Bitcoin's price increases, highlighting risks from inadequate disclosures by intermediaries pooling digital assets.
dailymaverick.co.za
Financial institutions in South Africa hosted an educational webinar during Global Money Week highlighting six prevalent scams: phishing (fake banking/government websites), courier fraud (fake clearing tax fees), spoof emails (impersonation for money transfers), romance scams (one victim lost over R1 million), travel booking scams (fake accommodation websites), and investment scams with unrealistic guaranteed returns. Experts advised consumers to verify secure website indicators, confirm requests by phone, use reverse image searches, book through reputable agencies, and be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true or pressure quick decisions.
tradingview.com
Cryptocurrency fraud surged to a record $4.6 billion in 2023, with U.S. crypto investment scam losses reaching $3.94 billion—a 53% increase from 2022. The rise correlates with Bitcoin's price increases, as fraudsters capitalize on heightened market interest through schemes including pump-and-dump tokens, romance scams (up 85-fold since 2020), and social engineering tactics, with approximately 80% of targeted Americans losing an average of $3,800.
sundayworld.com
The Black Axe gang, a West African organized crime network with approximately 1,100 members in Ireland, has amassed a fortune primarily through cyber fraud rather than drug trafficking. The gang specializes in investment scams, romance fraud, and Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, with 226 Irish victims of investment fraud losing an average of €40,000-€50,000 each in the past year, while €7 million has been stolen through romance fraud targeting vulnerable women over the past five years. Irish law enforcement has made over 377 arrests as of last June and continues weekly operations under Operation Skein, which contributes to Interpol's international Operation
abc.net.au
Multiple victims across Australia, the US, and Canada were allegedly scammed out of approximately $120,000-$126,000 by Putry Thornhill in a fake Bali villa and furniture investment scheme. Thornhill promised high returns on property investments (earning $1,300 monthly on $66,000 investments) but provided only photos instead of contracts, avoided signing agreements, and became uncontactable after receiving funds. Most victims have recovered little to no money, though some received partial reimbursements; NSW police have an outstanding arrest warrant for Thornhill if she returns to Australia.
kyuk.org
Alaska's internet fraud losses nearly doubled from $16.5 million in 2022 to $31.5 million in 2023—a 91% increase that far outpaced the national 21% rise—with the FBI noting actual losses are likely underreported. While older adults (60+) represented only about 13% of Alaska's 2,338 fraud victims that year, they accounted for over $8.7 million in losses (more than 25% of the total), with the top fraud types being compromised business emails, investment scams, and romance scams. The FBI emphasizes prevention through strong passwords, caution with virtual relationships and suspicious links,
koamnewsnow.com
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond warned consumers about a rising wave of cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting elderly victims, where scammers convince people their banks are failing and convince them to withdraw funds and deposit them into virtual currency kiosks, with the crypto then sent irreversibly to the scammer's wallet. The advisory also detailed other related scams including romance scams, pig butchering schemes, fake investment platforms, computer antivirus scams, and impersonation of government agencies, all designed to trick victims into making cryptocurrency payments. Drummond advised Oklahomans to never pay anyone demanding advance cryptocurrency payments and to contact relatives or the Oklahoma Attorney General's office if victimized.
usatoday.com
**Death-Hoax Scam Using AI-Generated Obituaries**
Scammers are creating fake AI-generated obituaries of real, living people and posting them on low-quality content sites to generate ad revenue through clicks and search traffic, a scheme recently discovered when Los Angeles Times reporter Deborah Vankin found a false obituary about herself online. The scam targets high-traffic names and fills obituaries with keywords to rank in Google searches; while not directly targeting victims for money, the scheme exploits ad networks and has the potential to significantly impact public figures and celebrities. Users should verify the legitimacy of online obituaries, as personal information is readily available on the
cbc.ca
Albertans reported losing over $156 million to fraud since 2020, with losses reaching $62.5 million in 2023 alone—a fivefold increase from 2020—though experts estimate only 5-10% of incidents are reported due to victim reluctance and embarrassment. Investment scams, particularly cryptocurrency fraud, accounted for nearly 58% of 2023 losses ($35.9 million), followed by spear-phishing attacks that took $8.5 million, with technological advancements and the unregulated nature of cryptocurrency enabling fraudsters to operate across borders with relative anonymity.
fox5dc.com
A California man was arrested in Montgomery County, Maryland for defrauding a 64-year-old woman out of $800,000 by posing as a federal investigator and convincing her to convert her assets into gold bars for supposed identity theft protection, then stealing the gold from a parking lot. The FBI reports this cash-to-gold scam resulted in over $55 million in losses nationwide from May to December of the previous year, with at least 12 victims identified in Montgomery County alone, as scammers exploit the lack of transaction scrutiny from gold bullion websites compared to traditional banking institutions.
nbcwashington.com
A 64-year-old woman in Leisure World, Maryland was defrauded of nearly $800,000 after a caller posing as a federal investigator convinced her to convert her savings into gold bars under the guise of protecting her from identity thieves. The suspect, Wenhui Sun, collected the gold bars in multiple parking lot exchanges before fleeing with the stolen assets. This cash-to-gold scam has affected at least a dozen seniors in Montgomery County, though police arrested Sun after setting up a sting operation with a decoy victim and $376,000 in gold bars.
alaskapublic.org
Alaska experienced a 91% surge in internet scam losses from 2022 to 2023, jumping from $16.5 million to $31.5 million—nearly double the national average increase of 21%—with seniors over 60 representing about 300 victims but accounting for over $8.7 million (more than a quarter of total losses). The FBI identified the three main fraud types affecting Alaskans as compromised business emails, investment fraud, and romance scams, while emphasizing that actual losses are likely underreported. Authorities stress prevention through strong passwords, anti-virus software, caution with virtual relationships, and reporting incidents to the FBI's Internet Crime
amac.us
Scams are widespread dishonest schemes used by bad actors to defraud victims through various channels including text, phone, email, and in-person contact, with the goal of stealing money or personal information for identity theft. According to 2023 Gallup data, 15% of Americans reported being scam victims in the past year, with nationwide fraud losses exceeding $10 billion, including $4.6 billion from investment scams and $2.7 billion from imposter scams. The FTC monitors scam trends and urges consumers to protect themselves by safeguarding sensitive information, remaining vigilant against impersonators, and reporting fraud at reportfraud.ftc
hermoney.com
Contrary to common stereotypes, younger adults (ages 18-59) are 34% more likely than older adults to report losing money to fraud, with particular vulnerability to online shopping and investment scams. Financial columnist Charlotte Cowles fell victim to an elaborate scam involving fake Amazon and FTC calls that threatened arrest and her child's safety, ultimately resulting in her handing over $50,000 in cash from her emergency fund. The key takeaway is that victims should speak with a trusted person before transferring money, as interruption by someone else is often what prevents financial loss rather than recognizing red flags.
businessinsider.com
Regina Smith, a 34-year-old experienced real estate investor, fell victim to wire fraud in January 2023 when she sent a $60,000 down payment to a scammer who had spoofed emails from her title company for a Memphis property purchase. The fraudster had hacked into the title company's system to access transaction details and create a convincing fake email, causing Smith's home purchase to fall through and resulting in a total loss of her down payment. This case illustrates how real-estate wire fraud is increasing significantly, with the FBI reporting that one in 20 homebuyers and sellers experienced such scams in recent years, with median losses exceeding $70
techradar.com
Scammers are impersonating FTC and U.S. government workers to defraud victims, particularly elderly people, by claiming accounts are compromised and directing them to purchase gold bars or withdraw cash to send to couriers. The FTC has issued a warning clarifying it never demands money, threatens arrest/deportation, or directs consumers to Bitcoin ATMs or gold purchases; the FBI received over 14,000 government impersonation reports in the past year, with median losses increasing from $3,000 in 2019 to $7,000 in 2024.
theatlantic.com
Americans lost a collective $10 billion to fraud in the past year—a first-time benchmark—as scammers exploit social isolation and emotional vulnerabilities using increasingly sophisticated methods targeting romance, finances, immigration, and family emergencies. Risk factors include loneliness and secrecy rather than age alone, with research showing that 10 percent of people aged 18-29 reported being scam victims compared to 9 percent of those 65 and older, though older adults tend to lose higher dollar amounts per incident. Scammers deliberately trigger heightened emotional states to impair rational decision-making and create confidential relationships where victims feel pressured to keep conversations secret.