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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
nbcrightnow.com
· 2025-12-07
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office warned residents of a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officials, sometimes using real deputies' names, and demand Bitcoin, PayPal, CashApp, or gift card payments by falsely claiming residents owe money for missed jury duty or outstanding warrants. The sheriff's office advises victims to hang up immediately, block the number, and never provide personal information or confirm details to such callers, emphasizing that legitimate law enforcement will never solicit payment by phone.
unionprogress.com
· 2025-12-07
Pennsylvania residents are on track to lose more money to fraud in the current year than in the previous year, with Pennsylvanians having lost approximately $400 million to scams last year and ranking eighth nationally in total fraud losses. Artificial intelligence is enabling increasingly sophisticated scams—including the "grandparent scam" where criminals use AI voice technology to impersonate family members—making traditional detection methods like spotting typos ineffective, and most scams originate from organized networks outside the U.S., making investigation and prosecution difficult. The National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, launched this year with analysts based in Pittsburgh, is working to address this growing epidemic through coordination between private and public sector partners.
unica.ro
· 2025-12-07
This article is not about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse. It is a wellness and lifestyle piece by spiritual therapist Andrea Filip offering advice on happiness and relationship harmony, specifically addressing what women need to feel fulfilled (financial independence, family harmony, health, spirituality, careers, friendships) and what partners can do to support their well-being. This content falls outside the scope of the Elderus fraud research database and should not be summarized for that purpose.
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracked a sextortion scam operation targeting teenage boys, tracing the perpetrators to Lagos, Nigeria after a 16-year-old American, Evan Boettler, took his own life in January 2024 following a 90-minute sextortion extortion attack. Sextortion—where scammers pose as girls on social media to trick victims into sending intimate images, then threaten to release them unless paid—is one of the fastest-growing online crimes affecting teenagers in the US and Europe. The investigation revealed organized "Hustle Kingdom" operations in Lagos where gangs of young men systematically target victims, with scammers exploiting teenagers' fears about
bbc.com
· 2025-12-07
A BBC investigation tracks a sextortion scam operation targeting teenage boys, following the 2024 death of 16-year-old Evan Boettler from Missouri, who took his own life 90 minutes after being blackmailed by a scammer posing as a girl on Snapchat. The reporter traces the digital footprint to Lagos, Nigeria, where "Yahoo Boys" and organized "Hustle Kingdom" gangs operate sextortion networks—luring victims into sharing intimate images then threatening to release them unless paid. Law enforcement has made limited progress despite the FBI's involvement, and social media platforms have refused to cooperate without court orders.
thesun.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
A documentary investigation in Lagos, Nigeria reveals organized "Hustle Kingdoms"—training centers where young men are systematically taught to conduct sextortion and romance scams targeting British teenagers, with operators like "Ghost" claiming over £1 million in crypto earnings and taking 70% of victims' payments. Scammers use fake female social media profiles to solicit explicit images from minors, then extort thousands of pounds by threatening to share the photos with schools and employers, with some victims subjected to repeated demands. The scammers, including those as young as 14, display little remorse despite awareness that victims have committed suicide as a result of the blackmail.
markets.financialcontent.com
· 2025-12-07
Indian youth are being trafficked to Southeast Asia and forced to conduct cryptocurrency scams—including fake investment schemes, romance scams, and phishing attacks—while stripped of passports and subjected to brutal conditions. The criminals launder illicit proceeds through cryptocurrencies like USDT and ETH via platforms such as Binance, exploiting the speed and relative anonymity of digital assets for international transfers. This ongoing crisis, active since early 2023, has prompted increased regulatory scrutiny globally and eroded trust in the crypto ecosystem, potentially deterring institutional investors and spurring stricter AML and KYC requirements.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-07
The Placer County Sheriff's Office warned local businesses about a credit card fraud scheme where scammers purchase items using fraudulent or stolen credit cards, have them picked up by couriers, and then initiate chargebacks weeks later—leaving businesses without product or payment. Businesses are advised to scrutinize large or unusual purchases from new customers, verify the identity of pickup persons, and trust their instincts when transactions seem suspicious.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Kylee Dennis, a 55-year-old former Australian police officer, founded Two Face Investigations in 2023 after her own mother nearly fell victim to a romance scam, and now poses as "Samantha," a fake online persona, to identify and report romance scammers who target vulnerable adults. Romance scams have surged globally, with Australians losing A$23.6 million in 2024 and the UK reporting a 20 percent increase, with victims over 61 being particularly susceptible due to financial stability combined with loneliness and lower digital literacy. Notable cases include a 64-year-old retiree who lost $57
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A man named Kent encountered a web injection scam when a fake bank login pop-up appeared during an online financial transaction, successfully tricking him into providing his email and phone number before he recognized the "Credit Donkey" redirect as suspicious and closed his browser. Web injection scams hijack browser sessions to overlay fraudulent verification screens that feel authentic because they appear while users are already logged in, with the goal of capturing login credentials or two-factor authentication codes. To protect against such scams, individuals should monitor accounts daily with login alerts enabled, change passwords using a password manager, check for personal data exposure in breaches, and consider using data removal services to limit scammers' access to personal information.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-07
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson warns that scammers are exploiting the federal government shutdown by impersonating agencies like Social Security Administration, Medicare, and SNAP to steal personal information and money through unsolicited calls, texts, and emails. Residents should never provide personal information, make payments, or wire money in response to these contacts, and should instead hang up and call agencies directly to verify legitimacy. Complaints can be filed with the North Carolina Department of Justice at ncdoj.gov/complaint or 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are exploiting discarded airline baggage tags containing travelers' names, flight numbers, destinations, and booking references to commit identity theft and file fraudulent missing-item claims with airlines like Delta. The fraud occurs when scammers retrieve tags from airport and hotel trash, then impersonate travelers to claim reimbursement, complicating legitimate claims for actual passengers. Experts recommend shredding baggage tags and boarding passes at home after travel, as boarding passes also contain personal data vulnerable to barcode scanning and account hijacking.
fox61.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau is warning Connecticut residents about a "relief check" phone scam that has generated over 800 reports nationally in less than two months. Scammers call, text, or leave voicemails claiming victims have an unclaimed relief payment and direct them to fraudulent websites that steal personal and financial information, install malware, or enroll victims in unwanted services. The BBB advises residents to hang up on such calls, never visit caller-provided websites, verify information directly with government agencies using official contact details, and avoid sharing personal or financial information with strangers.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This opinion piece argues that Canada lacks adequate community-level protections against online scams, despite strong workplace defenses. The authors advocate for bringing scam awareness into homes through family conversations, simple verification habits (such as confirming suspicious messages with a quick call), and normalizing discussion about fraud to reduce victim shame and reporting barriers. They contend that scams exploit human psychology rather than just technical vulnerabilities, making education and behavioral change essential to closing this protection gap.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-07
A Quechee, Vermont resident nearly fell victim to a check scam when she received a fraudulent letter appearing to be from the IRS with a $2,473.70 check from the U.S. Treasury Department. Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark warns that scammers typically follow up by phone claiming they sent too much money and demanding wire transfers in return, while also potentially phishing for personal information like Social Security numbers. The victim avoided the scam by verifying the check at her bank and advises others to watch for red flags including unexpected money, inability to verify the sender's identity, pressure to act quickly, and emotional manipulation.
kroc.com
· 2025-12-07
A fake permit invoice scam has been circulating across Minnesota, where fraudsters send convincing emails with forged letterhead, legal language, and signatures requesting payment via PDF instructions in an attempt to obtain banking information. Red flags include use of free email domains (such as USA.COM), requests for online payment, and instructions stating "no calls," and residents are advised to verify any suspicious invoices directly with the government agency rather than responding to the email.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
According to a 2025 report by KHOU, Generation Z and young adults aged 20-29 in Texas are losing more money to scams than seniors aged 70-79, driven by their high daily online activity and vulnerability to phishing, fake job, and rental scams when facing time pressure. The Federal Trade Commission findings highlight that young people's desperation during job or housing searches makes them susceptible to sophisticated scams, including those using AI. The article advises Texans of all ages to avoid sharing personal information online, verify trusted retailers and contractors, and research charitable organizations before donating to prevent falling victim to common scams circulating in the state.
gizmodo.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are impersonating Elon Musk to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment schemes, using tactics including fake livestreams during SpaceX/Tesla events, AI-generated videos, and fake endorsements from family members or political figures. FTC complaints reveal multiple victims, primarily elderly individuals, losing substantial sums ranging from $10,000 to $225,000, with some victims remaining confused about whether they interacted with the real Musk or impersonators. The scams exploit vulnerable populations, including those with serious illnesses or cognitive impairment, and often target victims through YouTube, Facebook, and fake cryptocurrency matching schemes.
wect.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece identifies common patterns across various scams targeting victims, including job fraud, Medicare fraud, and imposter schemes. Scammers typically create artificial urgency, demand secrecy, and isolate victims from seeking second opinions, with red flags including requests for Social Security numbers and instructions not to tell others. The most effective defense is to hang up and independently verify claims by contacting banks, police, or trusted family members, which often causes fraudulent schemes to fail.
pcmag.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses how scammers exploit legitimate class action settlement notifications by creating fake settlement websites that harvest personal data from victims seeking payouts. The piece provides broader privacy protection advice, including being cautious of app permissions, using passkeys instead of passwords, and understanding emerging security threats like post-quantum encryption vulnerabilities.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
During Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), scammers impersonate insurance providers through calls, emails, and in-person contact to steal beneficiaries' money, Medicare information, and personal identity using tactics like free gifts and limited-time offers. Beneficiaries should protect themselves by never sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts, only using official channels like medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227 to compare plans, and being cautious of unapproved medical devices. To report suspected fraud, individuals can contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1-877-908-3360.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-07
Sextortion scams, primarily perpetrated by Nigerian "Yahoo Boys," have targeted young boys online by impersonating peers on social media, coercing them into sending nude images, then blackmailing them for money—with at least 5 confirmed suicides in Canada and over 40 across North America in the past four years. Scammers openly share exploitation techniques and resources on encrypted platforms and flaunt their ill-gotten wealth, while victims like 12-year-old Carson Cleland, who was blackmailed for just $25, face devastating psychological consequences that sometimes result in suicide.
studyfinds.org
· 2025-12-07
Americans face approximately 100 scam attempts monthly—significantly more than any other surveyed country—encountering roughly 25 separate fraudulent messages weekly through calls, emails, and texts. Only 23% of people feel confident in spotting fraud, with financial scams cited as the top concern by 46% of respondents, while emerging threats like AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and fake apps pose increasing risks. Experts attribute heightened vulnerability to weak password practices and urge adoption of stronger authentication methods like passkeys to combat the growing "trust nothing era."
berkshireeagle.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece explains why fraud and scam victims deserve compassion rather than shame, contrasting them with armed robbery victims who typically receive community support. The article emphasizes that scams—particularly romance and relationship scams targeting lonely or recently bereaved individuals—are methodical crimes where criminals build trust over time, repeatedly extract money, and compromise personal information that can be exploited for years. Key warning signs include requests to move communication off dating platforms, claims of inability to meet in person, and repeated requests for money, with intervention best approached through trusted third parties when direct intervention may be rejected.
cknxnewstoday.ca
· 2025-12-07
A Hanover resident lost approximately $117,000 in an online romance scam that began in 2021, prompting police to warn the community about the growing frequency of such fraud. Romance scammers pose as romantic partners on dating platforms and social media, building emotional connections before fabricating emergencies or business opportunities to extract money from victims. Police note that investigating these crimes is challenging due to offshore perpetrators operating outside Canadian jurisdiction, and urge residents to report suspicious online interactions and remember that legitimate relationships should never require secrecy or repeated financial requests.
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-07
A senior in Windsor was defrauded of $8,500 in a bail scam after a suspect convinced them a relative had been jailed and needed immediate bail money; when the suspect returned the following day demanding additional funds, the victim's refusal led to a home invasion and physical assault. Police are seeking a white male suspect between 18-25 years old and advise seniors to hang up on urgent bail requests and verify claims with trusted family members or authorities.
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-07
A 92-year-old Brooklyn man lost $10,000 in a phone scam on September 18 when multiple callers impersonating Amazon representatives convinced him his account was compromised and instructed him to withdraw cash for "safeguarding." The victim placed the money in a box and handed it to an in-person collector who fled the scene; the suspect remains at large and police warn seniors to be cautious of similar unsolicited phone calls.
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-07
Digital literacy programmes in Malaysia are helping seniors bridge the "grey digital gap" and reduce their vulnerability to online scams and fraud. Participants aged 73-83 reported gaining practical skills in smartphone usage, cybersecurity awareness, fact-checking, and e-wallet management, enabling them to independently access government services, identify fraudulent schemes (including impersonation of banks and tax authorities), and navigate the cashless economy. A 2024 study found that elderly Malaysians, particularly those 75 and above, remain highly vulnerable to cyber victimization and financial loss, highlighting the critical need for such protective education.
onlineathens.com
· 2025-12-07
An Athens man was threatened in a sextortion scam involving a fake prostitution site, while an elderly Athens woman was defrauded after being told she had won a Publishers' Clearing House prize. Both incidents were reported to Athens-Clarke police in September 2025, though no suspects have been identified in either case.
abc7ny.com
· 2025-12-07
New York State announced inflation refund checks ranging from $150-$400 for over 8 million eligible residents, but scammers have begun targeting recipients with fraudulent text messages impersonating the Department of Revenue and requesting payment information. Red flags include non-U.S. area codes, non-dot-gov links, and threats of disqualification; legitimate inflation checks require no action from recipients, and the state will not contact citizens via unsolicited text messages.
freep.com
· 2025-12-07
Criminals are impersonating banks via fake texts and calls to convince customers their debit cards have been compromised, then intercepting replacement cards sent by mail or hiring accomplices to steal them from porches. In a metro Detroit case, David Andrew Williams was arrested in September 2024 after attempting to steal a Chase Bank customer's replacement debit card from a UPS delivery, and was charged with identity theft and theft of financial transaction devices. Debit card fraud ranked as the top payment method for both attempted fraud and actual dollar losses in 2024, with criminals using various tactics including card skimming and exploiting information obtained through spoofed communications to drain bank accounts.
wgal.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers targeted Amazon user Kate Rudy with a fake account lock message claiming suspicious activity and a fraudulent $500 iPhone purchase, then attempted to trick her into sending $200 by falsely claiming it would verify her identity. Rudy recognized the scam and avoided financial loss by ending contact with the fraudsters. Amazon advises customers never to provide payment information via third-party gift codes and recommends verifying account issues by logging in directly rather than responding to unsolicited messages.
northjersey.com
· 2025-12-07
During government shutdown periods, fraudsters target federal employees, contractors, and benefit recipients with scams impersonating Social Security, Medicare, and food assistance officials, falsely claiming benefits are suspended and demanding fees or personal information to restore them. Common tactics include phishing emails with subject lines like "Government Shutdown Notice," requests for upfront payments via wire transfer or cryptocurrency for fake "relief programs," and malware-laden links designed to steal credentials. Authorities emphasize that most federal benefits are not actually cut off during shutdowns and that legitimate government agencies will never demand money or sensitive information via phone or email.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-07
Impostor scams in Ohio surged 47% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with scammers impersonating government and business officials. A Sheffield Lake business owner received a voicemail from someone claiming to be a Lorain County Sheriff's sergeant threatening arrest warrants and demanding payment, but he avoided the scam by contacting law enforcement directly. Law enforcement advises that legitimate government agencies contact residents by mail, not phone, and warns people not to provide personal information or make payments over the phone.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
In 2023, scammers stole approximately $158.3 billion from Americans ($434 million daily), making fraud prevention a critical concern for older adults. AARP's Fraud Watch Network combats this epidemic through community education, a free helpline (877-908-3360), podcasts, and legislative advocacy including the cofounding of the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center and passage of state laws targeting cryptocurrency ATM and gift-card scams. The organization emphasizes that victimization is not the victim's fault and encourages public participation in fraud prevention awareness campaigns.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of potential government imposter scams during the federal government shutdown, where fraudsters may pose as officials to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming issues with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits. Nessel advised consumers not to click links or download attachments in suspicious communications, and to verify any government contact directly with the agency, noting that legitimate government agencies never request personal information via email, phone, or text, and never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
owensoundsuntimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A Hanover resident lost over $117,000 to a romance scam that began in 2021, in which a scammer posed as a romantic interest on social media and gradually built emotional trust before requesting money for false emergencies and investments. Police report these scams are increasing across Canada with hundreds of thousands in annual losses, though many cases go unreported, and note that investigating these crimes is challenging since perpetrators often operate from offshore locations. Authorities advise residents to be cautious of online relationships that require secrecy or repeated financial requests and to report suspicious interactions.
stuttgartdailyleader.com
· 2025-12-07
Fraudsters in Arkansas and nationwide are increasingly targeting seniors by offering free medical equipment in exchange for their Medicare numbers, then billing Medicare for devices the seniors never ordered or needed. This scheme not only costs Medicare millions but can deny seniors legitimate coverage when they actually need medical care. Seniors should verify any medical orders with their doctors, return unsolicited items, contact Medicare to dispute fraudulent claims, and report suspected fraud to the Arkansas Attorney General or by calling 1-800-Medicare.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
**Educational/Awareness Piece**
Older adults lose billions annually to online scams, with phishing, tech support scams, and extortion topping the list—the FBI reported $4.8 billion in losses to people age 60+ in 2024 alone. Cybercriminals target seniors believing they have accumulated savings and exploit stereotypes about technological comfort, though scams can deceive anyone regardless of age or tech-savviness. Key protection strategies include avoiding suspicious email links, verifying unexpected messages directly with senders, installing security software, and resisting pressure to act quickly—treating internet navigation as defensive driving that requires constant vigilance.
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
The FTC has suspended consumer fraud complaint services during a federal government shutdown, leaving millions of Americans unable to report scams or register with the do-not-call registry. A recent Global Anti-Scam Alliance survey found that 70% of US citizens were scammed in the last 12 months, losing an average of $1,086.70 per victim, with only 44% recovering any stolen funds—highlighting the critical need for functional fraud reporting systems during this period of reduced consumer protections.
consumerreports.org
· 2025-12-07
Texting and messaging scam attempts increased by 50 percent in the past year, with young adults experiencing the highest rise, according to Consumer Reports' 2025 Cyber Readiness Report. The report revealed significant disparities in scam vulnerability: low-income households were three times more likely to lose money from scams than high-income households (29% vs. 10%), and Black Americans who encountered scams lost money at more than twice the rate of white Americans (37% vs. 15%), partly due to lower credit card usage and reliance on less-protected payment methods. Consumers can protect themselves by not replying to suspicious texts, blocking senders, reporting to their mobile provider
popsci.com
· 2025-12-07
Digital fraud and spam attempts in the United States have increased dramatically, with Americans receiving approximately 100 scam attempts per month—significantly higher than other developed nations. While older adults remain frequent targets, Gen Z is experiencing record levels of text message scams due to their heavy reliance on texting, difficulty distinguishing scammers from contacts, and limited scam identification experience. With regulatory protections unlikely to expand soon, consumers are advised to implement personal security measures including password managers, multifactor authentication, and blocking third-party trackers.
healthline.com
· 2025-12-07
Medicare scams occur year-round but peak during the October 15–December 7 annual open enrollment period, taking various forms including spam calls and phishing emails to obtain sensitive health and financial information. These scams continuously evolve with new tactics each year, and individuals should learn to recognize and avoid them through awareness and education.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Medicare open enrollment (October 15–December 7) coincides with peak Medicare fraud season, when scammers pose as insurance providers via calls, emails, or in-person visits to steal personal information, Medicare data, or identities using offers of free gifts or limited-time deals. Beneficiaries should avoid sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts, only use equipment prescribed by doctors, and verify plans through legitimate channels like medicare.gov or 1-800-633-4227 to protect themselves from fraud schemes.
gbhackers.com
· 2025-12-07
In August 2025, Australian authorities issued scam alerts after fraudsters created fake Facebook groups promoting "active senior trips" to lure seniors into downloading the "Datzbro" Android Trojan malware, which operates as a device-takeover tool capable of stealing banking credentials, intercepting PINs, and enabling remote device control through fake credential-entry screens and overlay attacks. The scam, which operated across multiple countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, targeted vulnerable seniors by using AI-generated posts about social events and requesting nominal sign-up fees that led to payment-card theft via phishing. ThreatFabric researchers discovered the
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece observes International Day of Older Persons to highlight the vulnerability of seniors to online scams, including tech support fraud, phishing, investment schemes, and romance/grandparent scams that exploit their trust and relative unfamiliarity with digital threats. The article provides practical cybersecurity advice for older adults—such as pausing before clicking links, verifying urgent money requests, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication—and describes how comprehensive security solutions with multi-layered protections can help families safeguard seniors' digital lives.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-07
The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program issued a warning during Medicare's 2025 Open Enrollment period (October 15-December 7) about a surge in scams targeting beneficiaries, including unsolicited calls, fraudulent mailings, and misleading offers of free benefits or refunds. The program advises seniors to protect their Medicare numbers, avoid clicking suspicious links, hang up on unknown callers, and verify plan information only through official Medicare.gov channels or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Residents can receive free, unbiased assistance from SHINE counselors by contacting MassOptions at 1-800-243-4636 or report suspicious
nclc.org
· 2025-12-07
Consumers lose $158 billion annually to fraud affecting approximately 57,000 new victims daily, according to a National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention report. The report recommends that financial institutions, telecom companies, social media platforms, and tech companies implement stronger protections and accountability measures, while advocating for Congress to close consumer protection gaps, strengthen the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and hold VoIP providers accountable for facilitating scam calls and texts on their networks.
newindianexpress.com
· 2025-12-07
A retired banker in Delhi lost ₹23 crore (approximately $2.76 million) in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonated police and RBI officials via phone calls and WhatsApp, threatening him with false criminal accusations and coercing him to transfer funds over the course of a month. The article identifies this as India's largest elder cyber-scam and highlights how elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their respect for authority, social isolation, and unfamiliarity with digital fraud tactics, while advocating for comprehensive awareness campaigns and stronger legal protections similar to successful international models.
wrcitytimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Wisconsin Rapids police warned of a surge in scams targeting older residents, with victims losing tens of thousands of dollars through schemes where fraudsters impersonated government officials and banks via unsolicited calls, emails, and texts to convince victims to transfer funds via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Notable cases included a $600,000 Bitcoin conversion, a $30,000 Bitcoin ATM deposit, and a $14,000 cash handoff, with authorities noting that cryptocurrency transfers and overseas origins make these scams difficult to trace. Police advised residents that legitimate agencies never demand payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash, and urged potential victims to verify requests through trusted sources and contact law enforcement before sending money.