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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 84-year-old Texas woman was targeted by a scammer impersonating a Chase Bank security employee who convinced her to deposit money into a Bitcoin ATM to "correct a banking mistake." A Good Samaritan named Myndi Jordan discovered the woman at a gas station after she had already deposited $23,900, and alerted police; Sergeant James Stewart arrived and intervened, preventing the victim from losing the additional $16,100 she had prepared to deposit, for a total potential loss of $40,000.
southfloridareporter.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece examines why older adults are vulnerable to financial fraud and exploitation. In 2021, over 90,000 seniors fell victim to fraud totaling $1.7 billion in losses (a 74% increase from 2020), with perpetrators often being family members, caregivers, or friends rather than strangers. Research shows that age-related cognitive decline, emotional factors (like loneliness and isolation), lower digital literacy, and reduced ability to detect deception through body signals all contribute to heightened susceptibility, with some evidence suggesting financial exploitability may be an early marker of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Stephen Carr from Ontario, Canada, lost nearly $500,000 of his retirement savings to a fake cryptocurrency trading platform he discovered through a YouTube video between October 2022 and January 2023. The scam operated as a simulation showing false profits of $1.3 million, which Carr realized was fraudulent when asked to pay $150,000 to access his funds; he now faces selling his home to rebuild his life. The article also highlights similar investment and impersonation scams targeting online users, emphasizing the need for skepticism toward unsolicited online investment offers and remote access requests.
dnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Whitman County Sheriff's Office received multiple reports of scammers impersonating deputies and calling residents claiming outstanding warrants exist and demanding payment over the phone to avoid arrest. The agency advises residents to never provide personal information or payment over the phone, hang up on suspicious calls, and contact the sheriff's office directly to verify any legal matters, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand remote payment and always call from official numbers.
klin.com
· 2025-12-08
Lancaster County, Nebraska residents are experiencing an increase in government imposter scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or court officials, claiming there is an arrest warrant and demanding immediate payment via bitcoin, gift cards, or cash. Scammers may provide fake credentials and personal information to appear legitimate, while some claim residents owe penalties for missing jury duty. The Nebraska Attorney General's Office and Lancaster County Sheriff advise residents never to share financial or personal information with unsolicited callers, disregard caller ID verification, or click links in unexpected messages, and to report suspected scams to the Sheriff's Office at 402-441-6500.
mishtalk.com
· 2025-12-08
AI tools like ChatGPT are enabling scammers to create convincing phishing emails, imitate voices and identities, and automate fraud schemes that bypass traditional red flags like poor grammar. Criminals can now use AI to target larger groups with personalized information, forge identification documents, and rapidly test stolen passwords across multiple platforms, making these scams significantly harder for individuals and banks to detect. Financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase are deploying AI-based fraud detection systems and increasing customer education, while experts recommend protective measures such as credit freezes and password hygiene to mitigate risk.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI in San Diego recovered $3.3 million from elderly fraud victims through a coordinated task force launched in January, demonstrating that rapid reporting within 12 hours significantly increases recovery chances. Despite this success, the recovered funds represent only a fraction of California's estimated $2.1 billion in elder fraud losses in 2023, with San Diego County alone losing an estimated $3-6 million monthly to elder abuse. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited calls, emails, texts requesting remote access, cash transfers, or cryptocurrency) and emphasizes that immediate reporting to IC3.gov and local authorities, combined with verification by contacting banks
wdbj7.com
· 2025-12-08
A University of Virginia geriatric physician warns that elder fraud has reached epidemic levels, with Americans 60 and older losing over $3 billion to scams in the previous year and fraud increasing 23 percent year-over-year. The "grandparent scam," where callers impersonate grandchildren in distress requesting bail money, remains one of the most common schemes, exploiting victims' emotional responses and sense of urgency. Dr. Archbald-Pannone advises seniors to stay cautious of unsolicited contacts, take time before responding, consult trusted contacts, and report incidents without embarrassment to help combat the evolving tactics used by scammers.
azbigmedia.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC reported $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, with AARP estimates suggesting adults over 60 lose more than $28 billion annually to fraud. Older adults are targeted for their access to substantial savings, available time, and sometimes limited online safety knowledge, with common scams including gift card/refund schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency investment frauds. Protective measures include verifying communications, guarding personal information, remaining skeptical of unsolicited money requests, and maintaining open communication with trusted networks and caretakers.
tryondailybulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a warning about impersonation scams targeting North Carolina seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials or IRS representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. The warning was part of a broader awareness effort around World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to educate older adults about these scams and encourage collaboration among federal agencies, state tax authorities, and tax professionals to protect vulnerable populations.
wibw.com
· 2025-12-08
Kansas passed the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, which requires financial advisors to report suspected fraud involving seniors or dependent adults to the Kansas Insurance Department, strengthening investigative tools to identify illegitimate actors. The law addresses a significant vulnerability, as scammers frequently target older adults for their liquid retirement assets, with only a 7% recovery rate once funds are stolen.
oakridger.com
· 2025-12-08
A study by Badcredit.org analyzing Federal Trade Commission data found that 78% of Gen Z and Millennials report receiving fraudulent debt collection calls or emails, with 28% expressing concern about becoming victims. Georgia leads states with the highest rate of debt collection scams (77.8 per 100,000 people), while Atlanta, Georgia has the highest rate among cities (102.9 per 100,000), and Memphis, Tennessee ranks fifth among cities most affected. Legitimate debt collectors must provide valid debt information within five days and cannot harass, threaten, or contact consumers more than seven times weekly, while common scam tactics include phishing, identity theft, and mobile
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
A 77-year-old Seattle college professor was defrauded of over $400,000 after scammers impersonating an FTC official convinced her that her accounts had been hacked and she needed to liquidate her assets into gold bars and cash to avoid arrest. The scam, which represents a growing trend of criminals requesting payment in precious metals or cash, resulted in collective losses exceeding $55 million from May to December 2023, according to FBI reports, with fraudsters increasingly using real government employees' names to establish credibility.
itemonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Walker County Sheriff Clint McRae warned residents of an increase in telephone scams where fraudsters impersonate sheriff's office representatives to solicit personal information and payments, tactics the department does not employ. The sheriff's office advised residents to verify caller identity independently, avoid sharing personal information over the phone, remain skeptical of urgency tactics, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement immediately.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-08
A Kansas grandparent received a phone call from a scammer impersonating their grandson in Hope, Kansas, claiming he needed $10,000 due to an accident, but the grandparent avoided the scam by verifying the grandson's actual location. The Better Business Bureau warns that "grandparent" scams use high-pressure tactics to manipulate seniors into sending money quickly without consulting others, and recommends taking time to verify requests before responding, regardless of the claimed urgency.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Unsolicited packages from major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Temu have been delivered to consumers nationwide as part of "brushing scams," where third-party sellers send random items to addresses obtained online to create fake verified-buyer reviews and artificially inflate product ratings. Affected consumers across Minnesota, Illinois, Massachusetts, and other states received unwanted items ranging from baby balloons to military hats and electronics. The Better Business Bureau recommends recipients document incidents, contact retailers to stop deliveries, monitor their accounts for fraudulent reviews and orders, and check credit reports, as the FTC has warned about this deceptive practice for at least a decade.
timeout.com
· 2025-12-08
This article outlines five common travel scams and protective measures recommended by McAfee. The scams include impersonation fraud (posing as hotel staff or tour guides), phishing emails from fake travel companies, public WiFi vulnerabilities, and risks of sharing real-time vacation information on social media that can expose your location and home to theft. The article advises travelers to verify identities independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, use VPNs on public networks, delay posting vacation photos until returning home, and strengthen account security with two-factor authentication and unique passwords before traveling.
1011now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska Attorney General's Office reported an increase in government imposter scams in the county, where scammers impersonate local law enforcement or court officials and threaten arrest or jail time unless victims pay immediately, sometimes using fake employee IDs or badge numbers to appear credible. The sheriff's office received 20 calls in one week alone of scams impersonating Captain Jon Vik. Both agencies advise residents to hang up on unsolicited government contacts, never send money through wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, and instead call government agencies directly at known numbers to verify claims.
mk.co.kr
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean victim lost 70 million won to an international romance and investment scam that used AI-generated deepfakes of Elon Musk to establish trust before soliciting cryptocurrency transfers. The "pig slaughter" scam is part of a global criminal operation involving 120,000-220,000 forced workers across Myanmar and Cambodia who perpetrate phishing, romance, investment, and shopping scams targeting victims worldwide, with Chinese authorities blocking $157 billion in fraud since 2021—larger than Ethiopia's GDP.
gulfnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A Dubai resident fell victim to a phishing scam where a caller impersonating a bank employee obtained an OTP and accessed the victim's account, resulting in a loss of 100 AED (prevented from larger loss due to account structure). A 2023 Deloitte survey reveals that Gen Z is three times more likely to fall for online scams than other generations, with experts attributing this to lower caution during internet use and higher online activity creating greater susceptibility to fraud tactics like phishing links and account impersonation.
scmp.com
· 2025-12-08
In May, approximately 350 Hongkongers fell victim to fake online job offer scams, including about 50 students, representing a 60% increase from April and the highest monthly total recorded. The majority of cases involved "click farming" schemes where scammers promised commission payments for online shopping, but victims lost money without receiving promised compensation. Police warned jobseekers to be cautious of suspicious offers, particularly those requiring no qualifications, providing only WhatsApp contact, and those impersonating legitimate companies.
wkyt.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP Kentucky hosted a "Scam Jam" educational event at the Lexington Senior Center that attracted over 200 attendees to learn about fraud prevention tactics. The event featured presentations from law enforcement agencies and emphasized that over 141 million adults have been affected by fraud, with seniors being particularly targeted due to their larger savings and retirement accounts. One documented case involved a woman who lost $1.7 million to a scam, highlighting the devastating financial impact these crimes can have.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud cases in the United States increased significantly in 2023, with over 100,000 scam complaints resulting in nearly $3.5 billion in losses—an 11% increase from the prior year. Kentucky residents reported over 900 instances of elderly scams in 2023 totaling $13 million, with 2024 tracking at $12.7 million already. The FBI advises seniors to review financial statements, shred personal documents, avoid clicking unknown links, and contact authorities or trusted family members if contacted by unfamiliar people, as scammers increasingly use tech support schemes, romance fraud, and data breaches.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI in San Diego recovered over $3.3 million for elderly fraud victims through a data-driven operation launched in January 2024, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million in total. The effort targets sophisticated scams affecting seniors, particularly cryptocurrency investment schemes and tech support/government impersonation scams, with California leading the nation in both number of victims (77,000+) and losses ($2.1 billion) in 2023. Authorities emphasize that early reporting is critical to interrupting transactions and recovering victims' funds before scammers disappear with the money.
lexingtonchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money. Scammers use tactics such as caller ID spoofing, fabricated urgent debts or prize claims, threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The warning is part of broader World Elder Abuse Awareness Day efforts and the IRS's ongoing Security Summit partnership to educate seniors and protect them from these schemes.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use tactics including spoofed caller IDs, false claims of tax debts or prizes, pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers, and threats of arrest or deportation. The IRS advises that it does not initiate contact via phone, email, or text about tax issues, and victims should hang up immediately and verify communications by calling 800-829-1040.
greybullstandard.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warned of rising impersonation scams targeting senior citizens, emphasizing that the agency will never demand immediate payment via prepaid cards, gift cards, or wire transfers, threaten involvement of law enforcement, or request credit/debit card numbers over the phone. The warning was issued as part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day efforts to educate older adults about fraud threats and protect them from common IRS impersonation schemes.
lexingtonchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
The Internal Revenue Service issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors in South Carolina, where fraudsters pose as IRS or other government agency representatives to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Scammers use tactics such as caller ID spoofing, fabricated urgent scenarios (false tax debts or refunds), threats of arrest or deportation, and demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to pressure victims into immediate action. The IRS advises that legitimate tax issues are initiated by mail, and anyone receiving unexpected calls from alleged IRS agents should hang up immediately and report the incident.
northernvirginiamag.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole more than $3 billion from older Americans last year, with fraud targeting seniors rising due to larger senior populations, artificial intelligence capabilities, and Medicare system complexity. Scams range from romance and investment schemes to "grandparent" scams using voice cloning technology and impersonators posing as Medicare specialists seeking personal information to order medical equipment fraudulently. Protection strategies include treating Medicare cards as securely as credit cards, being wary of pressure to act quickly, limiting social media sharing of personal information, and verifying the identity of callers and online contacts.
messagemedia.co
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a warning about rising impersonation scams targeting seniors, where fraudsters pose as government officials (IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare) to steal personal information and money through pressure tactics and threats of arrest or deportation. Scammers demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps while manipulating caller IDs to appear legitimate; the IRS emphasizes it never demands immediate payment through these methods and advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up and contact IRS customer service directly at 800-829-1040 to verify legitimacy.
sctonline.net
· 2025-12-08
The IRS issued a warning about a surge in impersonation scams targeting seniors nationwide, particularly in Mississippi, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal personal information and money through phone calls, emails, and texts. Scammers use sophisticated tactics including spoofed caller IDs, false claims of tax debt or lottery winnings, and pressure for immediate payment via gift cards or wire transfers. The IRS advises seniors to hang up on unexpected calls, verify contact through official channels at 800-829-1040, and report suspicious communications to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Booking.com reports a 500-900% increase in travel scams over the past 18 months, driven by generative AI tools that enable scammers to create highly convincing phishing emails and fake hotel listings with realistic images and grammatically correct text in multiple languages. Scammers typically target booking platforms by posing as legitimate accommodations, collecting payment, and then either disappearing or attempting additional fraud. Experts recommend using two-factor authentication, verifying contact information on booking sites, booking through reputable package holiday providers, and paying with credit cards for maximum consumer protection.
abc15.com
· 2025-12-08
Multiple viewers reported receiving unsolicited phone calls from scammers impersonating Publishers Clearing House, claiming they had won between $5.2 million and $8.5 million and demanding upfront payments (ranging from $99 to $9,000) via gift cards or money packs to cover taxes or shipping before releasing winnings. One victim did pay money before being hit with additional demands, while others recognized the red flags—including callers with accents, requests for prepaid cards, and the fact that they never entered a sweepstakes—and reported the fraud to authorities. The legitimate Publishers Clearing House emphasized that it never contacts winners in advance or requests payment to claim prizes.
krmsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Lake area residents are being targeted by scammers who spoof law enforcement caller ID and claim victims have unpaid warrants, missed jury duty, or failed court appearances, demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest. The Camden County Sheriff's Office advises residents to hang up on suspicious calls and report details to local law enforcement rather than complying with payment demands.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
A White Settlement, Texas police officer stopped a scam targeting an elderly woman who had been tricked by a Chase Bank impersonator into withdrawing $40,000 and depositing $23,900 into a Bitcoin ATM machine. The scammer used spoofed caller ID and threats of arrest—tactics common in pig butchering scams—before arranging transportation to a bank and convenience store. Authorities intervened before further losses occurred and are working to recover the deposited funds.
mocoshow.com
· 2025-12-08
A ticket resale scam is circulating on local Facebook groups where fraudsters pose as sellers offering concert and event tickets at discounted prices, claiming to have personal or medical emergencies. Scammers use fake ticket screenshots to appear legitimate, request private messages to avoid scrutiny, and block victims after receiving payment. Users are advised to verify sellers through Facebook group administrators and exercise caution when purchasing from unfamiliar accounts, as some fraudulent profiles appear authentic.
wxxv25.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wiggins Police Department reported an increase in electronic scams targeting community residents, including finance, romance, credit card, and internet fraud schemes conducted via phone calls, emails, and social media. Scammers typically request personal information and demand payment through bank transfers, credit cards, or postal services, though legitimate federal agencies and government entities never solicit money through these channels. Residents are advised to contact the Wiggins Police Department at (601) 928-5444 before responding to suspicious requests or sending money.
vermontbiz.com
· 2025-12-08
A 2023 analysis of Vermont cybercrimes found that investment scams are the costliest, with victims averaging $162,265 in losses (22 victims, $3.6M total), followed by cryptocurrency wallet scams at $133,133 per victim (28 victims, $3.7M total). Vermont residents reported 708 cybercrimes statewide in 2023, resulting in total losses of approximately $13.6 million, with an average loss of $19,248 per victim across all crime types.
hive.rochesterregional.org
· 2025-12-08
Healthcare scams are proliferating across text messages, emails, and phone calls, targeting patients, staff, and executives alike through phishing links, voice imitation AI, and spoofed domains designed to mimic legitimate healthcare providers. Common tactics include malicious QR codes, fake multifactor authentication prompts, and business email compromise schemes where scammers build relationships with executives to request unauthorized payments. To protect yourself, verify sender domains carefully, question unexpected messages, and be wary of urgent requests containing links or attachments.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
In May, 348 Hong Kong residents, including approximately 50 students, fell victim to fake online job offer scams—a 60% increase from April and the highest monthly total recorded. The scams, primarily "click farming" schemes, promised commissions for online shopping but disappeared after victims spent their own money without reimbursement. Police warned job seekers to avoid offers with no stated requirements, vague contact methods, or lack of interviews, noting that click farming accounted for 3,518 cases in the previous year with HK$760 million in losses.
arynews.tv
· 2025-12-08
A man from Greater Noida, India, lost INR 2 million (approximately PKR 6.67 million) in a work-from-home scam that initially promised payment for rating hotels on Google Maps via WhatsApp. After performing legitimate-seeming rating tasks, the victim was gradually drawn into investment schemes through a Telegram group, ultimately investing over INR 2 million before realizing he could not withdraw funds and receiving death threats demanding he unfreeze his bank account. The victim filed a police complaint after freezing his account to prevent further losses.
cobbcountycourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% that year, though actual losses are likely underreported due to embarrassment and incomplete age data. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because they tend to be more trusting, have financial assets, and may be less comfortable with technology; tech-support scams are most common, while investment scams cause the largest losses. Prevention through education on identifying scams, reporting crimes, and building awareness is critical to combating this growing epidemic and mitigating its traumatic psychological effects on victims.
theitem.com
· 2025-12-08
The Internal Revenue Service warned South Carolina seniors about a rising trend of impersonation scams targeting older adults who are deceived by fraudsters posing as government officials or IRS agents. Scammers use manipulated caller IDs, fabricated claims of tax debts or lottery winnings, and pressure tactics demanding immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to steal personal information and money. The IRS advises recipients of suspicious calls to hang up immediately and verify legitimacy by calling official IRS customer service at 800-829-1040 rather than returning the scammer's call.
midhudsonnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, Sullivan County officials warned of increased fraud incidents since COVID-19, highlighting common scams including romance scams, lottery schemes, and impersonations of Social Security, the IRS, and banks that pressure victims to send money via prepaid gift cards. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024 (up nearly $300 million year-over-year), with 2023 reporting $3.4 billion in total losses and a 14 percent increase in elder fraud complaints. Officials advised recognizing warning signs such as isolated elderly individuals engaging in frequent online or phone
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-08
A 79-year-old Navy veteran in Poway, California, lost $15,000 in a door-to-door landscaping scam in which fraudsters quoted him $10 per bag of mulch, then inflated the invoice to $19,000 (claiming 1,900 bags) after completing the work and pressuring him into payment. The victim reported the incident to law enforcement and the Contractors License Board, and later discovered through community posts that the same scam operation, operating under the name "Danilo Martinez Landscaping," had targeted other residents in the area with identical tactics.
caswellmessenger.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Moving scams, primarily conducted by rogue online operators, target seniors during peak moving season by offering unrealistically low estimates without inspecting goods, demanding advance deposits or full payment, and then either failing to appear, raising prices last-minute, or holding belongings hostage for additional fees. To protect yourself, obtain multiple quotes, verify company references, and remember that the cheapest option is not always the safest choice for moving valuable personal belongings.
mb.com.ph
· 2025-12-08
Scammers increasingly target older adults through deceptive text messages and calls impersonating government agencies, family members, and romantic interests, exploiting the belief that seniors have substantial savings and are less tech-savvy. The article identifies three main fraud types—government impersonation, family-related, and romance scams—and advises seniors to avoid clicking links, sharing personal information, or taking immediate action; instead, they should verify claims directly with banks or family members using known contact numbers. With 9.22 million Filipinos aged 60 and above, educating elders about these scams is critical, as even unreported fraud can be devastating and leave victims in vulnerable financial positions.
foxreno.com
· 2025-12-08
The Reno Police Department reported an uptick in scams targeting local residents and hosted a senior awareness session covering various fraud types, including ATM skimmers, fraudulent checks, and impersonation schemes that have resulted in losses of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The session provided protective measures such as monitoring credit card statements, inspecting currency and checks for signs of fraud, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never requests payment information over phone, text, or email.
wlbt.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported over 170,000 imposter scam reports totaling more than $645 million in losses as of mid-2024, with an average loss of $780 per victim. Pennsylvania's assistant chief deputy attorney general highlighted that wire transfers account for 75% of scams in the state and stressed the need for banks to implement stronger fraud prevention measures similar to those used in credit card protection. Officials urged scam victims to immediately report incidents to their state attorney general's consumer protection division and the FTC to freeze funds and prevent further fraud.
al.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Quishing (QR code phishing) is an emerging scam where fraudsters post QR codes in public locations or send them via email/text to direct victims to fake websites impersonating legitimate organizations, collecting personally identifiable information like Social Security numbers and financial details for identity theft and fraud. To protect yourself, verify the source of QR codes before scanning, avoid scanning codes from unsolicited messages, contact relevant organizations to report suspicious codes, safeguard personal information, and block spam messages through your carrier.