Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
8,448 results
in Robocalls / Phone Scams
fronterasdesk.org
· 2025-12-08
The FBI is hosting an educational seminar in Tucson to help seniors recognize phone and internet scams, following reports that fraud targeting people 60 and older caused over $3 billion in losses nationwide last year—a 10% increase from 2022. Local church members prompted the event after experiencing spam calls and falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, including AI-generated voice impersonation and phishing emails. The free public seminar covers scam identification and prevention techniques.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2023 and March 2024, British courier fraud scams targeting elderly people resulted in £28.7 million in losses, with victims averaging £20,000 each. People in their 80s were most vulnerable, accounting for 43% of victims, with approximately 85% of all victims aged 60-90; fraudsters posed as police officers or bank officials to trick targets into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards by claiming to investigate account issues or fraudulent business activity. City of London Police conducted a joint operation across England and Wales in May, making five arrests and receiving over 100 referrals from 26 forces, while recommending call-
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns about Memorial Day-period scams targeting military members and veterans. A Wisconsin small business owner lost $166,515 to a fraudster impersonating an MBDA procurement director who ordered laptops but never paid. The BBB identifies common military-targeted scams including predatory loans, fake rental properties, misleading vehicle sales, fraudulent benefits buyouts, and high-pressure life insurance sales, recommending victims verify businesses, avoid wire transfers, protect their computer information, and research charities thoroughly before donating.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-08
Between 2021 and 2023, senior citizens comprised 6.4% of online scam victims in Malaysia but suffered disproportionate losses of RM552.5 million (20% of the RM2.7 billion total), with telecommunication scams accounting for 47.6% of senior citizen victimization. The trend has accelerated in 2024, with 990 senior citizens losing RM130.4 million as of mid-May, representing 27.7% of total online scam losses despite being only 8.3% of cases. Authorities attribute the vulnerability to seniors' lack of internet knowledge and recommend immediately hanging up on calls from unknown
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Virginia identifies three prevalent Medicare scams in 2024: false billing for unreceived diabetes treatments and devices, offers of free products (typically cheap or nonexistent) in exchange for Medicare numbers, and free genetic testing at health fairs designed to harvest Medicare information. Seniors are advised to scrutinize monthly Medicare statements, only share their Medicare number with legitimate healthcare providers, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
heraldscotland.com
· 2025-12-08
Between April 2023 and March 2024, over £28.7 million was lost to courier fraud in the UK, with victims averaging £20,032 each; scammers impersonated police officers and bank officials to trick householders—particularly pensioners in their 80s (43% of victims)—into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards. People aged 60-90 accounted for 85% of victims (63% female), with the oldest victim aged 94, and police reported five arrests following a coordinated operation across England and Wales. Key prevention advice includes using call-blocking devices, verifying that legitimate police and banks never
abc13.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using search engine optimization and paid ads to create fake websites that rank at the top of search results, mimicking legitimate companies like PayPal, Quicken, and Lowe's to trick users into clicking and entering personal information. AI technology has made these fraudulent sites increasingly difficult to detect, with scammers using subtle misspellings and sophisticated design that closely resemble authentic pages. Consumers are advised to carefully verify website URLs, check for small visual discrepancies, and avoid clicking on sponsored results without confirming they link to the official company website.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are making unsolicited calls claiming victims owe back taxes and offering enrollment in a fake "2024 zero tax owed program" through a fraudulent entity called "Tax Relief Advocate." The IRS communicates tax debt through official letters, not phone calls, and legitimate tax relief companies do not collect payments on behalf of the IRS, making these calls an attempt to extract personal information from victims.
securelist.com
· 2025-12-08
Online marketplace scammers increasingly operate under a "Fraud-as-a-Service" model, targeting message board users through two main schemes: impersonating sellers to deceive buyers, or impersonating buyers to trick sellers into entering payment card details on phishing sites. Scammers strategically target sellers with promoted ads and mobile payment preferences, using convincing conversations to build trust before sending fake payment links that harvest financial information and drain bank accounts.
wbay.com
· 2025-12-08
Wisconsin Public Services warned customers of scam calls impersonating the utility company and falsely promising $50 refunds in exchange for credit card information. The scammers exploited knowledge of a company moratorium on service shutoffs, but WPS clarified that it never requires credit card information to issue refunds or credits, which are automatically applied to bills or mailed directly to customers. Customers with questions were urged to call WPS directly at 800-450-7260.
newschannel6now.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers posing as contractors frequently target disaster victims following severe weather events, such as Memorial Day weekend storms in Texas. The BBB provides guidance including contacting your insurance company, researching contractors through BBB.org and local licensing agencies, avoiding high-pressure sales tactics, refusing to sign over insurance checks directly to contractors, and being cautious of door-to-door solicitors and offers to illegally waive insurance deductibles. Key protective measures include getting references, requesting contractor identification, paying contractors directly with credit cards, and avoiding allowing unknown contractors unsupervised access to hard-to-inspect areas of the home.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults, despite 88% using the internet, are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit fears and lack of technical knowledge to steal identities and money. The author, a 50-year finance professional, fell victim twice to tech support scams that tricked him into providing sensitive information including his Social Security number and credit card details. FBI data shows elder fraud complaints rose 14% recently with victims averaging losses of $33,915, and common scams targeting seniors include fake tech support calls, Medicare/health insurance fraud, internet pop-up viruses, and telemarketing schemes.
en.etemaaddaily.com
· 2025-12-08
BRS working president KT Rama Rao alleged scams totaling over Rs. 1,100 crore involving the Telangana Congress government in paddy sales and rice purchases, claiming that global tenders were manipulated to benefit specific companies while extracting Rs. 700 crore from local rice millers through illegal levies and threats. The allegations include a Rs. 300 crore overpayment for fine rice procured for welfare hostels at Rs. 57 per kg instead of the Rs. 35 per kg available from local millers, with Rama Rao demanding central agency investigations and immediate cancellation of the tenders.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
The FTC identified the 10 companies most impersonated by scammers, including Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, PayPal, and major banks, with scammers using phone calls, emails, and social media to contact victims and requesting payment via gift cards, bank transfers, or Zelle. Gift cards from Apple, Target, eBay, Walmart, and Amazon were the most common payment method used in 2023, with social media scams resulting in the highest financial losses despite email and phone being more frequent contact methods. The FTC recommends verifying requests independently, avoiding unfamiliar links and caller IDs, and refusing to send money through single payment methods, while also suggesting protective
clarksvilleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns military members and veterans to be alert for scams around Memorial Day, which typically include high-priced military loans with hidden fees, fake rental properties using stolen photos, misleading vehicle sales targeting deployed soldiers, and fraudulent charities mimicking legitimate nonprofits. The BBB recommends avoiding wire transfers, protecting computers from phishing, placing active duty alerts on credit reports, researching businesses and charities before engaging, and reporting suspected fraud through BBB.org/Scamtracker.
texarkanagazette.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Residents of Bowie County, Texas have been targeted by telephone scams using caller ID spoofing to impersonate the Bowie County Sheriff's Office by displaying the department's actual main number (903-798-3149). The scams exploit local trust by making calls appear to originate from an official law enforcement source.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using automated voice messages impersonating banks to trick customers into revealing sensitive financial information like debit card and account numbers. Recent incidents in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio targeted customers of Wayne Bank, banks in Madison, and Brookville National Bank with fake security breach alerts designed to prompt account reactivation. The advisory warns customers never to provide financial information over the phone in response to unsolicited calls and to independently verify such requests by contacting their bank directly.
columbiatribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau has received multiple reports of phishing text messages impersonating toll collection services, demanding payment of small amounts (typically $12) with threats of larger late fees to trick travelers into clicking malicious links and providing personal or payment information. Scammers exploit the fact that road travelers may not track tolls closely, with recent cases including fake messages spoofing the Illinois Tollway and fraudulent "Missouri Toll Services" texts directing payments through SunPass, a Florida-based toll agency that does not operate in Missouri. To avoid these scams, consumers should independently verify outstanding tolls through legitimate agency websites or phone numbers rather than clicking links in unsolicited text messages.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Dating app companies Bumble and Match are implementing stronger content moderation and identity verification tools in response to rising safety concerns among women users, including unsolicited explicit material and violent threats that have contributed to stock drops exceeding 80% over three years. While Bumble's AI system blocks 95% of fake and scam profiles, scammers are simultaneously using AI-powered impersonation to perpetrate romance scams, making it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish legitimate matches from fraudulent ones designed to groom victims.
greaterkashmir.com
· 2025-12-08
The Indian Embassy in Laos rescued and repatriated 13 Indian workers who were deceived by false employment promises and trapped in illegal work arrangements, bringing the total rescued from Laos to 428; the workers were found in a wood factory and a special economic zone. Indian authorities warn citizens against fraudulent overseas job offers, particularly those involving human trafficking networks that lure victims into cyber scams, money laundering, and cryptocurrency fraud, and advise using only authorized employment channels and conducting background checks on prospective employers in Southeast Asia.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in the tri-state area nearly lost $25,000 in an elaborate phishing scam involving fake Geek Squad invoices that escalated when the scammer showed up at her home to collect cash in person. The victim provided her bank account number and computer access after receiving a phishing email, then was pressured to withdraw $20,000 in cash based on a false claim of an accidental $25,000 refund; authorities arrested the scammer during the pickup. The article advises victims to verify subscriptions, track invoice patterns, contact companies through official websites, and watch for unprofessional language or threats from callers requesting sensitive information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 52-year-old newspaper employee in Chennai lost Rs 1.4 lakh to a courier scam on May 20 when a fraudster posing as an international courier company representative claimed a package sent in his name had been seized by customs for containing drugs and contraband, threatening police action and arrest warrants unless he paid bail money. After the scammers continued demanding additional funds, the victim became suspicious, realized the fraud, and filed a police complaint.
denverpost.com
· 2025-12-08
A scam called "financial sextortion" has become the fastest-growing cybercrime, targeting young men and teenage boys through fake romantic profiles on social media that collect explicit images and demand ransom payments (typically $300-$3,500) via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Between October 2021 and March 2023, the FBI received 13,000 reports of financial sextortion, with the vast majority involving minors, and at least 20 teenagers have died by suicide after being victimized, including 15-year-old Riley Basford in 2021. Scammers, often operating from Nigeria and other countries, use explicit images as leverage to extort
mlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Two members of an international fraud conspiracy targeting senior citizens were sentenced to federal prison: Jmyla Elaine Sha'Taria White received eight years, one month and was ordered to pay $3.2 million in restitution, while McKhaela Katelynn McNamara received four years, three months and $693,073 in restitution. The scheme used fake tech support warnings and fake federal agents to deceive elderly victims into sending money, with one West Michigan resident losing $398,000 and total losses reaching millions of dollars. Victims can report suspected elder fraud at ic3.gov or contact the FBI at 313-965-2323.
clintonherald.com
· 2025-12-08
**Jury Duty/Court Warrant Scam**
Scammers impersonating Clinton County deputies are calling victims claiming they missed a court appearance and have an arrest warrant, demanding immediate payment of $3,000-$6,000 in Bitcoin through nearby kiosks to post bond. This is the top fraud-related call currently reported to law enforcement in Clinton County, with multiple victims caught in recent weeks; scammers spoof Iowa phone numbers, keep victims on the line, and falsely promise refunds if the victim claims they never received a subpoena.
ghanaweb.com
· 2025-12-08
Emmanuel Quamey, a Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for laundering approximately $3.3 million in proceeds from romance scams targeting over a dozen vulnerable and elderly U.S. victims between September 2019 and March 2023. The scam involved perpetrators posing as romantic partners online to trick victims into sending money, which Quamey then transferred through multiple bank accounts in the United States and Ghana. He was ordered to forfeit $3.3 million and pay restitution of approximately $3.8 million to the victims.
birminghammail.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
An identity theft victim in Birmingham discovered fraudsters had stolen their personal details to purchase a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra phone (£1,099) from Curry's in London using a fake contract in their name, only realizing the fraud after receiving suspicious emails from Curry's and Vodafone over a 36-hour period. The victim successfully reported the fraud to Vodafone, avoided financial loss, though experienced temporary credit rating damage, and now emphasizes the importance of immediately verifying suspicious communications rather than dismissing them as phishing scams. The incident highlights that identity fraud remains the most common type of fraud in the UK, with Cifas reporting over 237,000
keysnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost consumers $1.3 billion in 2022, with cybercriminals cultivating online relationships for months before requesting money. Experts recommend moving relationships slowly, watching for red flags (requests to move off dating apps, refusal to video call, generic terms of endearment), conducting reverse image searches on profile photos, and avoiding any money transfers or financial exchanges with people you have not met in person.
newstalkzb.co.nz
· 2025-12-08
A New Zealand woman lost over $580,000 to an international romance scam spanning 14 months between November 2019 and December 2020, after meeting a scammer posing as a US oil rig worker named "Scott Thomas" on Tinder. The perpetrator convinced her he needed funding for an oil project and claimed access to a $3 million UK bank account that had been hacked, promising to repay her once he regained the funds and traveled to New Zealand to marry her. The victim made 21 international transfers from her own and her elderly father's accounts before the scam was discovered by a family member who found an incriminating email; she
asaaseradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Emmanuel Quamey, a Ghanaian national, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for receiving and laundering approximately $3.8 million stolen from over a dozen vulnerable and elderly U.S. victims through romance scams between September 2019 and March 2023. Quamey personally controlled bank accounts that received $3.3 million in fraud proceeds, which he and co-conspirators then transferred overseas to Ghana. He was ordered to pay $3.3 million in forfeiture and approximately $3.8 million in restitution to victims.
sudbury.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraud losses in Canada surged from approximately $165 million in 2020 to $569 million in 2023, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, though officials estimate actual losses may be 10-20 times higher since only 5-10% of victims report incidents. Common scams include grandparent schemes and romance fraud, with fraudsters increasingly leveraging generative AI, making phishing attacks a daily threat for Canadians with email and cellphones.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
AARP warns of three prevalent Medicare scams in 2024: false billing for services not rendered (such as diabetes treatments for non-diabetic patients), fraudulent "free product" offers that deliver cheap or no items, and free genetic testing schemes at health fairs designed to steal Medicare numbers. Consumers should protect themselves by carefully reviewing Medicare statements, never sharing their Medicare number with unsolicited callers, and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement or AARP's Fraud Watch Network.
whig.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau received multiple reports in spring 2024 of phishing text messages impersonating toll collection services, claiming recipients owe small amounts (typically $12) with threats of larger late fees ($50) to trick them into clicking malicious links and entering personal or payment information. Scammers exploit the likelihood that travelers won't track tolls closely, using fake URLs and spoofed agency names; consumers should verify any toll balance directly through the legitimate agency website or phone number rather than clicking unsolicited text links.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Best Buy and Geek Squad were the most impersonated companies in scams, with approximately 52,000 FTC reports, followed by Amazon (34,000 reports) and PayPal (10,000 reports). However, Microsoft and Publishers Clearing House impersonation scams resulted in significantly higher financial losses—$60 million and $49 million respectively—as scammers typically claimed software had expired or computers were infected, then requested payment or personal information through untraceable methods like gift cards and cryptocurrency. Best Buy advised consumers to verify contact through official channels and report suspected fraud to the company and local authorities.
kesq.com
· 2025-12-08
Sextortion scams, where online predators impersonate teens, build relationships with victims, and then blackmail them with intimate photos, are rising significantly across the U.S. Between October 2021 and March 2023, over 13,000 cases of sextortion targeting minors were reported, with most victims being boys ages 14-17, and at least 20 minors taking their own lives as a result. Authorities recommend parents monitor children's online activity, teach them to recognize warning signs like unsolicited contact and photo requests, and encourage victims to report incidents to police without fear of consequences.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams resulted in over $24 million in losses during 2023, with common schemes including high-yield investment scams (Ponzi schemes), phishing attacks on fake trading platforms, and impersonation of celebrities or authorities. Users are advised to verify investment authenticity, access platforms only through official channels, avoid suspicious links, use strong cybersecurity software, and authenticate payment requests through official channels before providing personal information or funds.
9to5mac.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, US residents over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud, with 87% of losses linked to personal information theft obtained from data brokers. Fraudsters use sophisticated tools and stolen personal data harvested from people-search websites and data brokers to target older Americans with scam calls that lead to financial fraud and identity theft. Removing personal information from data broker databases reduces vulnerability to these targeted scams.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-08
A 32-year-old Athens woman lost $30,000 to a scammer impersonating a Clarke County Sheriff's Office officer who threatened her with jail time for a missed court appearance and instructed her to send money via bitcoin ATM. The victim made three cash withdrawals totaling $29,000 and followed instructions to claim the withdrawals were for a car purchase at her bank. The FTC reports that government impersonation scams remain among the top frauds reported, with nearly 160,000 such cases in 2023, and advises victims never to trust demands for gift cards, bitcoin transfers, or money moves from anyone claiming to be a government agency or business.
bhamnow.com
· 2025-12-08
A Birmingham FBI agent specializing in financial crimes identified six common scams targeting seniors in Alabama—including lottery/sweepstakes, tech support, romance, grandparent, home improvement, and government impersonation scams—noting that elder fraud is rising in the state and that scammers create artificial urgency to pressure victims into quick decisions. The article advises seniors and their families to secure social media accounts, seek second opinions before acting on urgent requests, and contact law enforcement if targeted, while noting that many victims don't report scams due to shame, embarrassment, or fear of retaliation.
rocklandreport.com
· 2025-12-08
The article excerpt provided does not contain sufficient information about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse to summarize. While the final line mentions "a phone scam in which callers impersonate," the details about what type of scam it is, who was targeted, how much money was involved, and the outcome are cut off. Please provide the complete article text for an accurate summary.
pagosasun.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece announcing a Medicare fraud prevention event scheduled for June 6 at the Pagosa Senior Center, presented by the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office and San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging. Medicare fraud costs the program an estimated $60 billion annually and has devastating impacts on beneficiaries, families, and caregivers through lost time, stress, and compromised medical identities. The article provides practical prevention advice for beneficiaries, caregivers, families, healthcare providers, and community members, including monitoring insurance statements, protecting Medicare numbers, reviewing statements for unauthorized medical equipment shipments, and reporting concerns to the Senior Medicare Patrol program.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams affect thousands annually, with at least 31% of Americans encountering romance scammers who create fake identities on dating apps to build emotional trust before soliciting money. The average loss per incident reached £6,937 ($8,812) in 2023, with victims aged 65-74 losing the highest amounts (averaging £13,123/$16,670), and women reporting higher average losses than men despite men comprising 52% of victims. Banks play a critical role in detection and prevention through data analysis and fraud prevention technologies, particularly as scammers increasingly use Authorized Push Payment Fraud methods to extract funds from emotionally manipulated victims.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Reports of job-related scams to the Better Business Bureau more than doubled in 2023, with the FTC logging over 107,000 fraudulent job opportunities resulting in approximately $491 million in losses. Scammers use artificial intelligence and social media to target job seekers with "work from home" schemes, extracting personal information for identity theft or requesting up-front payments. Key warning signs include recruiters asking for Social Security numbers or bank account information before discussing the position, and victims should verify job offers through legitimate company contact information rather than recruiter-provided links.
ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers frequently impersonate well-known companies like Best Buy's Geek Squad, Amazon, PayPal, Microsoft, and Publishers Clearing House to deceive victims, with Microsoft and Publishers Clearing House impersonation scams resulting in the highest reported losses in 2023. While email and phone calls are the most common contact methods, scammers achieve the largest financial losses through social media-initiated investment scams paid via cryptocurrency or bank transfers, along with romance and tech support scams demanding payment through gift cards (particularly Apple gift cards). The FTC advises consumers to verify unexpected communications through official channels, avoid clicking links from unknown sources, and refuse payment methods that scammers insist
atlantanewsfirst.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers exploit Memorial Day by impersonating military and veteran charities, using high-pressure donation solicitation tactics to target Georgia's large military population. According to the 2024 BBB Risk Report, active-duty military members are 29% more susceptible to scams than the general population, with median losses of $491 per victim in 2022—more than double the general population's median loss of $163. To protect themselves, potential donors should avoid high-pressure calls, ask charities for their mission statement and fund allocation details, and verify organizations through resources like Charity Navigator before donating.
woub.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers in Athens, Ohio impersonated local police officers, including using real officers' names and spoofed phone numbers, to convince residents they had outstanding warrants and demanded payment of legal fees. The Athens Police Department noted this was the first time scammers used actual officer names, and similar donation-based scams were also reported by the Nelsonville Police Department; authorities indicate these calls typically originate overseas and are difficult to trace. Victims are advised to report losses to the Federal Trade Commission and unwanted calls to DoNotCall.gov.
refinery29.com
· 2025-12-08
This article presents four real scam experiences and lessons learned. The cases include: fake concert ticket fraud ($amount unspecified, victim recovered funds), a camera sale scam ($3,000 loss via fake verification email), a money-flipping scheme involving a former roommate ($350 dispute), and a fake tattoo deposit scam ($200 loss). Common tactics across these incidents include creating artificial urgency, using trusted platforms and social media, impersonation, and exploiting personal relationships—with victims learning to verify legitimacy, act quickly on disputes, and question unusual requests even from seemingly credible sources.
dailydot.com
· 2025-12-08
A viral TikTok scam prompted an expert on fine print to expose a fraudulent Sephora gift card scheme that has deceived thousands of users. The scam uses a stolen identity (@emma__rosey, impersonating Sequoia Cathron) to post misleading content directing victims to a fake Sephora site, which then redirects them to RewardZone USA, LLC—a company that harvests personal data including financial, health, Medicare, and biometric information to sell for profit. The expert warns viewers not to interact with such content and emphasizes that most victims fail to read privacy policies, making them vulnerable to identity theft and data exploitation.
monroenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel presented consumer protection information to seniors at the Frenchtown Center for Active Adults, covering common scam tactics including urgent requests, fake personal connections, financial demands, and unusual payment methods like gift cards. Nessel highlighted emerging threats such as spoofing technology that uses AI to impersonate friends and family, and rising check fraud, while recommending protective measures including strong privacy settings, password changes, two-factor authentication, credit card use, and reporting suspicious communications. The presentation emphasized that seniors are vulnerable targets and encouraged attendees to stay informed rather than fearful by asking verification questions and remembering that legitimate government agencies contact citizens by mail, not phone.
wcyb.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial scams targeting seniors are rising, with the FBI reporting that scams cost 80,000 seniors $3.1 billion in 2022. The Smyth County Chamber of Commerce hosted an Older Americans Day event where Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and local law enforcement warned residents about common scams—including phone calls impersonating banks or loved ones—and emphasized never sharing personal financial information unsolicited. Officials advised victims to contact the Attorney General's Office or call 911, and encouraged a "trust, but verify" approach to any requests for sensitive data, particularly given emerging threats from artificial intelligence that can mimic voices.