Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 19,276 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
10,158 results
in Scam Awareness
herald-dispatch.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers commonly target adults 55+ with investment/cryptocurrency scams, online purchase fraud, romance scams, and home improvement schemes. The article outlines key warning signs including unsolicited calls from those claiming to be government officials or bank employees, requests for unusual payment methods, pressure to act quickly, and too-good-to-be-true offers. Recommended protections include registering with the National Do-Not-Call Registry, hanging up on unsolicited callers, researching investments thoroughly, avoiding clicking suspicious links, and verifying unexpected claims by contacting official sources directly.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Virginia hosted an interactive "Whodunnit: Spot the Scammer" event in Richmond on April 10, 2025, attracting over 30 participants to learn about common fraud schemes affecting older adults. The educational event featured a fictional case study of a retiree targeted by romance, sweepstakes, and IRS scams, with volunteers providing information on how to recognize and avoid these frauds, addressing the 57,867 fraud reports filed in Virginia during 2024. AARP's Fraud Watch Network offers free support through their helpline at 877-908-3360, answering approximately 500 calls daily to help fraud victims and provide
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Chase Bank held an educational seminar in Chicago to help senior citizens protect themselves against fraud, which cost U.S. consumers over $12 billion in the previous year with a 25% increase from 2023. The seminar covered five common scams targeting seniors: impersonation, romance scams, family emergency schemes, computer virus scams, and prize/inheritance claims, with Chase advising consumers to verify suspicious communications before sharing information and recognize pressure tactics used by scammers. Attendees learned the "four Ps" framework for identifying scams—imposters pretending to be trusted sources, fake problems, pressure to act quickly, and requests for payment—and were encouraged to report any fraud to authorities.
southwestledger.news
· 2025-12-08
Christine Joan Echohawk, 54, of Pawnee, Oklahoma was charged with five felonies for laundering approximately $1.5 million obtained through online romance scams targeting four elderly women (ages 64-79) in Florida, Utah, and Texas between September and December 2024. The victims, who believed they were in romantic relationships with a man using the alias "Maurice Dinero," sent funds via Apple gift cards, cash, checks, and wire transfers to accounts Echohawk controlled, which she converted to cryptocurrency and forwarded to an unknown suspect. If convicted, Echohawk faces 24 to 62 years in prison and up to $260,
wbir.com
· 2025-12-08
Residents of Tennessee received fraudulent text messages claiming they had unpaid toll balances requiring immediate payment to avoid fines, registration suspension, or collections action. The Tennessee Attorney General's Office confirmed the texts are scams designed to steal personal information and money, advising recipients to delete them and report suspicious messages that come from unknown numbers and direct to non-government websites. According to the FBI, scams of this type cost Tennesseans over $190 million in 2024, with seniors accounting for one-third of those losses.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting trusted platforms like Google Forms and legitimate company domains (Google, PayPal) to conduct phishing scams that steal personal and financial information from victims. Recent sophisticated campaigns targeted university students, faculty, and staff at 15 U.S. institutions by mimicking school communications with authentic branding and requesting credentials under the pretense of account maintenance or financial aid distribution, particularly around high-stress academic calendar dates. To protect against these attacks, users should never submit sensitive information via Google Forms, scrutinize unsolicited form requests for spelling/design errors, verify requests directly with organizations, and immediately change credentials and monitor accounts if information has already been compromised.
6abc.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the Department of Motor Vehicles and contacting people via unsolicited messages and social media to steal personal information by offering fraudulent Real ID applications ahead of the compliance deadline. Officials warn people to ignore these solicitations and only apply for Real ID through their state's official driver's license commission.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Gift card scams cost Americans over $217 million in 2023, with scammers impersonating government agents, family members, or businesses to pressure victims into purchasing cards and sharing serial numbers and PINs. More than one-third of U.S. adults have been targeted by these scams, which exploit trust and urgency to steal money that cannot be recovered. AARP recommends purchasing gift cards directly from retailers, verifying balances before leaving stores, and never using gift cards as payment, while encouraging victims to report scams to local law enforcement.
lifehacker.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides consumer awareness about emerging tariff-related scams rather than reporting a specific fraud incident. The main scam types include: fake government emails impersonating U.S. Customs demanding direct tariff payments (identifiable by non-.gov domains and recent registration dates), fraudulent shipping company messages claiming packages are held for tariff fees, and counterfeit factory shopping schemes promoted on social media. Consumers should remember that tariffs are passed through higher prices, not paid directly, and should verify any suspicious communications through official company websites and customer service.
sweethomenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending phishing text messages impersonating Oregon's DMV and ODOT, claiming recipients have unpaid toll balances and threatening license suspension or fines to pressure immediate payment. The fake messages contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal and financial information; consumers should delete such texts, never click links, and verify toll status directly with ODOT at 1-888-Ask-ODOT or report the scam to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Hotline at 1-877-877-9392.
buckscounty.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Bucks County resident fell victim to an impersonation scam in which a caller falsely claimed there was an arrest warrant and threatened immediate arrest unless payment was made; the scammer reinforced the deception by sending a fabricated arrest warrant photo via text, causing the frightened victim to comply and pay money. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office and local police are investigating the case, which exemplifies how scammers use fear and urgency to manipulate victims into sending funds.
sjcda.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are creating fake JOANN Fabric & Craft websites advertising bogus clearance sales with 80-90% discounts, capitalizing on the company's actual store closures and in-person-only sales. Victims who purchase from these fraudulent sites pay money but receive no products, with charges appearing from entities other than JOANN on their bank statements. To protect themselves, consumers should verify sales directly through official company websites, be skeptical of unusually deep discounts, and pay with credit cards for greater fraud protection.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A Florida man was scammed out of $55,000 after a caller posing as a Wells Fargo employee claimed his account was under investigation and instructed him to withdraw cash and surrender it in person; the suspect, Terol Castel Lyn, also impersonated an FBI agent to pressure additional payments before being arrested in a sting operation. This case reflects a broader surge in elder fraud, with Americans over 60 reporting $4.8 billion in losses to internet crimes in 2024—a 40% increase from 2023—with impersonation scams being the most common tactic. Key protective measures include refusing cash withdrawal requests, independently ver
ice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A Nigerian national, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for his role in an international inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded over 400 elderly and vulnerable U.S. victims of more than $6 million. The scheme involved sending fraudulent letters falsely claiming victims were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased overseas relatives, then convincing them to send money for delivery fees and taxes that never resulted in any actual inheritance payments. The investigation was conducted by ICE, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and international law enforcement agencies from the UK, Spain, and Portugal.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office will present a free educational program on May 23, 2025, titled "Consumer Fraud Prevention Tips for Seniors" at Oak Park Arms Senior Living in Oak Park, featuring Assistant State's Attorney Rosa Abreu discussing how to identify and avoid common scams targeting seniors. The program highlights that fraud costs Americans approximately $100 billion annually, with seniors identified as particularly vulnerable due to factors including leisure time, isolation, anxiety, and discretionary income.
chicagotribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The City of Aurora is hosting a free educational workshop on May 15 to help seniors, families, and caregivers identify and prevent scams, featuring presentations from local officials including Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser. According to the city, fraud targeting seniors is increasing, with older adults in Illinois losing nearly $76 million to fraud in 2023 alone.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans aged 60+ reported approximately 147,000 cybercrimes totaling $4.885 billion in losses, averaging $83,000 per victim—representing 40% of all cybercrime losses despite being a portion of complainants. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to phishing, tech support scams, investment fraud, and romance scams due to declining digital literacy and social isolation, with investment scams causing the largest financial losses for this age group.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, Americans over 60 lost approximately $4.885 billion to cybercrimes in 2024—about 40% of all reported cybercrime losses—averaging $83,000 per victim, representing a 46% increase in complaints from the prior year. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to declining digital literacy and financial awareness, with investment scams, tech support scams, and romance scams causing the largest losses, often involving cryptocurrency. The most common cyberattacks targeting this demographic include phishing, spoofing, extortion, sextortion, and personal data breaches, with criminals exploiting loneliness and trust
ktnv.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors in Henderson, Nevada are being targeted by scammers using calls, emails, and AI-generated voices to steal money, with one woman's mother losing a quarter of her net worth over nearly two years before intervention stopped the fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, people lost $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with seniors particularly vulnerable to employment offers, loan scams, tech support fraud, and AI impersonation calls. Former FBI agent Thomas Quilty recommends seniors establish secret code words with family, limit WiFi connections, use strong passwords, and report fraud without shame to help combat the growing problem.
fox5vegas.com
· 2025-12-08
The Solera Community Center in Henderson hosted a fraud prevention seminar called "Robbery Not Reported" to educate Las Vegas Valley seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves from sophisticated scams involving money theft, identity theft, and data breaches. An attendee shared that he lost $3,000 to a cryptocurrency scam and knew someone who lost $100,000 to a romance scam, emphasizing the importance of community communication and reporting without shame to combat fraud.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau held educational classes during Older Americans Month to teach community members about fraud prevention, with imposter scams and identity theft identified as the most common threats overall, while cryptocurrency investment, romance, and employment scams pose the greatest risk to those 55 and older. The BBB emphasized that technology gives scammers an advantage, particularly against older adults less fluent with digital tools, and offered resources including a Scam Tracker for reporting incidents and a free Scam Survival Toolkit to help victims recover both financially and emotionally from fraud.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Kingsley Sebastian Ibhadore, a 40-year-old Glendale resident, was sentenced to 17 months in prison in May 2025 for serving as a "money mule" in online romance scams, laundering over $500,000 in fraud proceeds through 24 bank accounts under false names while structuring withdrawals to evade federal reporting requirements. Between July 2019 and March 2020, Ibhadore deposited victims' money into accounts opened with fraudulent identities and withdrew it in small amounts to avoid detection, continuing the scheme even after acknowledging the funds came from romance scams. The U.S. Secret Service investigation revealed he conducted transactions
washingtontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity experts warn that digital REAL ID scams are targeting immigrants, seniors, and time-pressed individuals as the TSA enforced stricter identification requirements for domestic air travel beginning May 7, 2025. Scammers use fake websites, phishing emails, and text messages impersonating government agencies to steal personal information and financial data, with losses from government imposter scams surging from $171 million in 2023 to $789 million in 2024. Experts emphasize that REAL ID can only be obtained in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles office with original government-issued documents, and legitimate government agencies never request personal information electronically.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are exploiting confusion around the Real ID deadline by creating fraudulent websites and sending unsolicited messages promising quick access to Real IDs in exchange for sensitive personal and financial information. Real ID applications can only be obtained in person at the DMV, which will never contact individuals via text, email, social media, or phone to request personal information. Consumers should avoid entering information on suspicious sites and report suspected scams to the BBB Scam Tracker or the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General.
katc.com
· 2025-12-08
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is alerting residents to a text message scam in which fraudsters impersonate the OMV and claim recipients owe toll penalty fees, with the goal of stealing personal information and charging unauthorized fees. The OMV does not collect toll violations via text or email and recommends residents delete suspicious messages, report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov, and avoid clicking links or sharing personal information with unverified sources. Residents are advised to use only the official OMV website (expresslane.org) for online vehicle services to avoid unofficial sites that may collect personal data and charge excessive fees.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers targeted Chicago residents rushing to meet the REAL ID deadline by sending fraudulent texts and emails impersonating government agencies, with messages offering to expedite the process for payment, claiming fines were due, or directing people to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information. Security researchers warned that the Department of Homeland Security and DMV never request personal details via email or text, and that victims should report suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission and expect these scams to continue even after the deadline passes.
about.fb.com
· 2025-12-08
Investment and payment scams exploit current events and economic anxieties through fraudulent schemes promising quick returns on cryptocurrency, real estate, or other assets, often contacted via email, social media, or calls. Common tactics include fake investment coaching groups, advance payment schemes on resale platforms, and overpayment-refund fraud where scammers reverse legitimate payments after receiving refunds. Protection strategies include verifying investment advisers through FINRA BrokerCheck or SEC tools, recognizing warning signs of suspicious accounts, and using platform safety features like payment warnings and facial recognition verification.
welivesecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Jury duty scams involve fraudsters impersonating government officials or court workers who contact victims by phone, email, or text claiming they missed jury service and must pay a fine immediately or face arrest. Scammers use threatening language, phishing tactics, requests for personal information (like Social Security numbers), and demand payment via untraceable methods such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps. Legitimate courts never request payment over the phone for missed jury service, and actual summonses and notices are only sent via USPS mail with fines issued only after repeated ignored notices.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
As the May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline approaches, fraudsters are exploiting consumer urgency through fake DMV websites, phishing texts, and social media scams designed to steal personal and financial data by posing as expedited processing services. Scammers use pressure tactics, unofficial payment requests, and official-looking communications to deceive applicants unfamiliar with the process. Consumers should only use official state DMV websites, verify https security, avoid third-party payment methods, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or their state DMV.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Con artists are exploiting the Real ID deadline by creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer expedited online processing, which is impossible since Real IDs can only be obtained in person at the DMV. Scammers target confused and time-pressured applicants, attempting to steal personal and financial information such as Social Security numbers, birth certificates, and credit card details. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to avoid unsolicited Real ID offers online and to verify they are visiting legitimate DMV locations, noting that valid passport holders have alternative options to avoid the rush.
san.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated accounts impersonating people with disabilities on social media to build followings and solicit donations, with at least 30 such accounts identified that often fail to disclose their artificial nature. This fraud trend is part of a broader epidemic in which Americans lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, with elder fraud complaints rising 14% that year and resulting in $3.4 billion in losses. Experts recommend triple-checking charity legitimacy before donating, staying informed about evolving cyber threats, and securing personal information, while lawmakers push for stronger protections including the Protecting Consumers from Payment Scams Act.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were arrested in Douglas County, Nevada in connection with extortion schemes using fraudulent emails impersonating Microsoft or offering unsolicited services, with threats escalating if payment was not made. Junyan Wu (22) and Lirui Diao (21) were arrested on May 2 in Genoa after arriving to collect money from a homeowner, while Quan Fu Ma (45) was arrested on May 7 in Gardnerville under similar circumstances; all three faced charges including extortion, exploitation of the elderly, and conspiracy. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office partnered with the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and other agencies on the joint investigation and is offering a free Senior
chicagocrusader.com
· 2025-12-08
Over 75 seniors and family members attended a Fraud and Scam Prevention Seminar in Chicago on May 6, presented by JPMorgan Chase, the Chicago Police Department, and Chicago Commons, to learn protective strategies against financial fraud targeting older Americans. Illinois residents lost over $324 million to scams in the previous year, with seniors remaining highly vulnerable, and the event educated participants on common tactics including romance fraud, fake IRS calls, tech support scams, and impersonation schemes using the "Four Ps" framework (Pretend, Problem/Prize, Payment, Pressure). Attendees received practical guidance on fraud prevention, including setting up account alerts, using unique passwords, enabling
sierradailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals were arrested in Douglas County for extortion schemes targeting local residents through fraudulent emails impersonating companies like Microsoft, with two suspects apprehended in Genoa on May 2 (Junyan Wu, 22, and Lirui Diao, 21) and a third arrested in Gardnerville Ranchos on May 7 (Quan Fu Ma, 45). All three face charges including extortion, exploitation of the elderly, and conspiracy, with bail ranging from $52,509 to $100,000. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the FBI and other agencies, hosted a free Senior Scam Seminar to educate residents on
katv.com
· 2025-12-08
A 68-year-old Little Rock man, David Nelson, was arrested for operating a sweepstakes scam that defrauded an Ohio senior citizen of over $89,000. Nelson posed as a Publishers Clearing House employee and convinced the victim she had won $3 million, then persuaded her to send personal checks for taxes before claiming the prize. He faces felony theft charges in Franklin County, Ohio, and is currently awaiting extradition from an Arkansas jail.
aikenstandard.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial crime specialists from SRP Federal Credit Union presented information to the Aiken Senior Men's Club about recognizing and reporting online scams targeting seniors. The presentation covered major scam types including investment scams, imposter scams, and romance scams, noting that reported consumer losses from scams totaled $12.54 billion in 2024, and identified red flags such as unsolicited contact, urgent pressure, requests for personal information, and unconventional payment methods.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Online scammers stole a record $12.5 billion from consumers in 2024, with text message scams alone accounting for $470 million in losses and phone scams averaging $1,500 per victim. Michigan Legacy Credit Union partnered with Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology to train employees in fraud prevention, enabling staff to identify and stop scams through careful questioning—such as one incident where a teller prevented a woman from withdrawing $20,000 after confirming her daughter was not actually in jail. The initiative focuses on educating consumers and front-line workers to recognize common impersonation schemes involving government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and local
klaq.com
· 2025-12-08
The "wrong number" text scam is surging in Texas, where scammers initiate contact with seemingly innocent messages like "Is this Kevin?" to verify active phone numbers, then build rapport over days or weeks before soliciting money or sensitive information through romance scams or investment schemes. Texans are advised not to respond to unknown numbers, to block and report suspicious texts to their carrier (7726), and to avoid clicking links or switching to other messaging apps, while warning vulnerable relatives of this social engineering threat.
wesh.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of discount medical insurance scams targeting individuals seeking affordable healthcare, with victims losing millions of dollars annually through fraudulent plans offered via calls, texts, and emails. Scammers used high-pressure tactics and false promises of reduced rates to pressure victims into prepaying for fake policies that failed to cover medical services, resulting in thousands of dollars in unexpected bills. The FBI recommends verifying insurance offers with state insurance commissioners and the Better Business Bureau, confirming provider acceptance, and avoiding high-pressure sales tactics and upfront payment requests.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece highlights the growing problem of senior-targeted scams, particularly romance and grandparent scams, which police departments report receiving complaints about daily. A notable case involved a romance scam where a victim lost over $100,000, though authorities face challenges helping victims who deny being scammed or refuse assistance. Law enforcement agencies are conducting community awareness events to educate seniors on warning signs and prevention tactics for internet-based fraud schemes.
wral.com
· 2025-12-08
The Wake County Sheriff's Office is investigating a scam where callers impersonate law enforcement officers, claiming victims have outstanding warrants or missed jury duty and demanding money or gift cards over the phone. The sheriff's office has documented three active cases with numerous additional reports over several months, though no victims have reported losing money. The agency advises residents that legitimate law enforcement will never request payment by phone and recommends hanging up and independently contacting the agency to verify caller identity.
whio.com
· 2025-12-08
A Franklin County senior citizen lost nearly $90,000 in a sweepstakes scam after being told she won $3 million from Publishers Clearing House and needed to pay taxes upfront via personal checks sent to Arkansas. David Nelson, 68, of Little Rock was arrested and charged with felony theft in connection with the scheme. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office advised the public to be skeptical of unsolicited calls, avoid sharing personal information, resist pressure for immediate payments, and watch for high-pressure tactics and "free" offers.
kcci.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of growing discount medical insurance scams where fraudsters contact victims via phone, text, and email offering fake insurance plans at reduced rates with high-pressure tactics and upfront payment requirements. Victims have lost millions of dollars annually, including a Pennsylvania couple who discovered their policy didn't cover emergency care and a Maryland man who faced a $7,000 medical bill after his fake insurance was rejected by providers. To protect themselves, consumers should verify insurance offers through their state's insurance commissioner and Better Business Bureau, confirm provider acceptance, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received over 100 reports of scammers impersonating FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to defraud victims via email, phone, social media, and online forums. The scammers typically claim to have recovered lost funds or offer recovery assistance, then request upfront "recovery fees," sensitive personal and financial information (including Social Security numbers, bank account details, and cryptocurrency credentials), or payment for fake "extraction software." Victims can protect themselves by recognizing red flags such as spoofed email addresses, urgent language, unsolicited requests for sensitive data, and suspicious attachments or links, and by reporting fraudulent
blog.google
· 2025-12-08
Google is deploying advanced AI systems across its platforms to detect and block scams at scale, including blocking hundreds of millions of fraudulent search results daily and reducing airline impersonation scams by over 80%. The company is expanding protections through on-device AI models in Chrome's Enhanced Protection mode, Android's Google Messages and Phone app, and new warnings against malicious notifications—all designed to combat evolving threats like phishing, remote tech support scams, and sophisticated call/text message fraud.
people.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are creating fraudulent websites claiming to offer REAL IDs online without requiring in-person DMV visits, capitalizing on confusion and urgency as the federal REAL ID requirement took effect on May 7, 2025. To obtain a legitimate REAL ID, applicants must visit their local DMV in person with required documentation; consumers should avoid any online offers and never provide bank account or credit card information. The BBB advises reporting suspicious websites to the BBB Scam Tracker.
capenews.net
· 2025-12-08
The Cape and Islands District Attorney is requesting $580,000 in state funding to hire additional prosecutors and forensic examiners to combat elder fraud, which has become increasingly prevalent in the region. In 2023-2024, Barnstable County logged 397 elder fraud calls, but only 3.3% resulted in charges against perpetrators. A recent case in Falmouth involved a 79-year-old woman who received a fraudulent Publisher's Clearing House call promising $2,000 plus weekly payments and a car, though she recognized the scam when personal banking information was requested.
theglobeandmail.com
· 2025-12-08
A TransUnion study found that 85-87% of online dating users want platforms to verify key information like age and photos, with over 28% reporting catfishing experiences and one in five experiencing romance scams involving requests for money or personal information. Over 75% of users are willing to undergo identity verification and 40% would pay for verification services to enhance safety. LatamDate.com has implemented profile verification tools with "verified" badges to address these concerns and help users connect more securely.
nwitimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency investment fraud accounted for nearly $4 billion in losses in 2023 (71% of all crypto-related losses), a 53% increase from 2022, with victims often lured through "pig butchering" scams that build trust via dating apps and social media before directing them to fake investment platforms. Criminals exploit cryptocurrency's decentralized nature, irreversible transactions, and AI-enhanced deception tactics—including voice cloning and fake videos—to operate sophisticated call center operations that mimic legitimate businesses. While people aged 30-49 filed the most complaints, victims over 60 suffered the highest losses at over $1.24 billion.