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Search across 22,013 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
An 85-year-old grandmother nearly fell victim to an imposter scam when scammers posing as her bank claimed she owed $50,000 in fraudulent charges, then connected her with someone impersonating an FTC official who pressured her to purchase prepaid debit cards for payment. According to the FTC, fraud losses for seniors have surged dramatically, with losses of $10,000 or more quadrupling between 2020 and 2024, as scammers exploit fear and use untraceable payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, and prepaid cards. Key protective measures include recognizing red flags such as unexpected contact from institutions, requests for unusual payment
phillyvoice.com
· 2025-12-07
**Article Type:** Educational/Awareness Piece
This educational article outlines common business fraud schemes targeting small business owners, including phony invoices, vendor impersonation, fake consultant services, and fraudulent online advertising schemes. The piece advises business owners to implement protective measures such as verifying vendor legitimacy, requiring multi-party invoice approval, avoiding signing blank documents, and recognizing urgency-based pressure tactics as red flags, noting that over 60% of businesses encountered scammers in 2024.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with older adults facing particular vulnerability. North Carolina's "Fraud Free Fridays" program offers free monthly educational sessions (broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube) covering emerging scams including cryptocurrency, AI fraud, and holiday schemes, while AARP's Fraud Watch Network provides resources, alerts, and guidance to help people recognize and report fraud in their communities.
cheapism.com
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost $12.5 billion to scams, with adults over 60 being frequent targets due to their savings, limited digital experience, and trust in official-sounding messages. Modern scammers employ sophisticated tactics like AI voice cloning and deepfake videos to impersonate loved ones and government agencies. The article provides ten practical tips for seniors to avoid scams, including not answering unknown numbers, never sharing personal information over the phone, recognizing pressure tactics, avoiding unusual payment methods, verifying identities through trusted sources, and enabling two-factor authentication on accounts.
wrif.com
· 2025-12-07
Oakland County (Southeast Michigan) experienced a surge in scams targeting bank customers, renters, and seniors, according to AARP Scam Tracker data. Scammers used multiple tactics including fake bank calls claiming account breaches, fraudulent rental listings with stolen photos, impersonation of medical device sellers targeting seniors for credit card information, fake utility workers, and phishing emails promoting bogus antivirus software. Authorities recommend verifying information through official sources, never sharing personal details with unsolicited callers, and contacting Michigan's Attorney General (877-765-8388) or AARP's Fraud Watch (877-908-3360) for assistance.
ew.com
· 2025-12-07
Netflix's docuseries "Love Con Revenge" features Cecilie Fjellhøy and private investigator Brianne Joseph exposing romance scams, with cases including Todd Dean (the "Selfie Scammer"), who defrauded at least eight women of tens of thousands of dollars for a fake wellness startup called Sanjara and was ordered to pay one victim $30,727.50 in court before filing for bankruptcy in December 2023, and Ricky Morrisey, who stole over $13,000 from victim Bridget Phillips while posing as a military veteran with a fabricated tragic backstory, resulting in fraud and larceny
thealabamabaptist.org
· 2025-12-07
Romance scams, increasingly prevalent on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, target vulnerable older adults—particularly widows and widowers—by creating fake identities to extract money and financial information. According to Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS), perpetrators use fabricated stories (such as being stranded overseas or in jail) to convince victims to send money, with one documented case involving a widow losing over $40,000. Scammers typically initiate contact on public platforms, move conversations to encrypted messaging apps to avoid law enforcement detection, and exploit emotional vulnerabilities and declining cognitive health in their victims.
presspubs.com
· 2025-12-07
Internet scams targeting seniors and vulnerable populations are increasing, employing tactics such as impersonating government agencies via phone/email, compromising contacts through hacked accounts, creating deepfake audio/video, and romance scams on social media. Protection strategies include verifying contacts through known numbers, avoiding links and downloads from unknown sources, and reporting suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP.
kristv.com
· 2025-12-07
Nueces County, Texas experienced five cyberattacks in July, with three resulting in approximately $2 million in losses, primarily through Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes where fraudsters impersonate vendors to redirect payments to their accounts. BEC scams are among the top three fraud schemes targeting organizations, along with bill pay fraud and phishing emails, and can be prevented by verifying payment requests through official contact information rather than using details provided in suspicious communications.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-07
A 64-year-old man in Mohali lost Rs 1.5 crore after clicking on a Facebook investment pop-up that redirected him to a fake trading group impersonating HDFC Securities and Upstox. The scammers used forged SEBI certificates and false CEO identities to build trust, initially showing him doubled returns on a small investment before requesting larger sums that were ultimately stolen. Authorities advise verifying company credentials through official channels, avoiding unsolicited investment groups, enabling two-factor authentication, and consulting certified financial advisors before investing.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-07
A cryptocurrency user lost approximately $180,000 through a phishing scam, part of a broader August 2025 trend where phishing attacks cost crypto users over $12 million and affected 15,230 victims, with a particularly sophisticated variant called EIP-7702 signature scams responsible for $5.6 million in losses. Scammers used deceptive emails and communications mimicking legitimate services to trick victims into signing fraudulent transactions that drained their funds. Protection measures include verifying URLs, using two-factor authentication, never sharing seed phrases or passwords, and remaining vigilant about suspicious communications.
observervoice.com
· 2025-12-07
An Indian woman named Anjali lost 58.5 million rupees (approximately $663,390) in a sophisticated digital arrest scam where fraudsters impersonating law enforcement coerced her into liquidating her savings over five days. Her case exposes significant failures in banking security, as HDFC Bank failed to alert her despite abnormally large transactions, and funds were subsequently funneled through multiple bank accounts with minimal detection; Anjali has filed a complaint with India's consumer court against the banks for deficiency of service, and this case reflects a near tripling of such digital scams reported in India from 2022 to 2024 (123,000
thenewsminute.com
· 2025-12-07
Cybercrime police in Coimbatore alerted the public after nearly 50 residents fell victim to a scam where fraudsters impersonated online travel company customer service representatives to steal bank account access. A 60-year-old woman from Kerala lost Rs 18 lakh after fraudsters posed as travel app agents, directed her to download a malicious APK file that granted them remote access to her phone, and then obtained her banking credentials through a fake "test transaction." Police emphasized that legitimate travel platforms never request third-party app downloads or direct transfers and advised citizens to only use official websites and apps for cancellations and refunds.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-07
Scammers use unsolicited voicemail and phone calls claiming recipients are "prequalified" for loans (such as a $52,000 loan in this example) to pressure them into revealing personal information like Social Security numbers or bank account details. The scam employs pressure tactics including urgency, fake caller IDs, multiple calls from different numbers, and offers to remove recipients from call lists if they call back. The article advises never calling back, using call-blocking services, and reporting suspicious calls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
Shengsheng He, a California man and co-owner of the Bahamas-based Axis Digital Limited, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for his role in an international digital asset investment scam that defrauded U.S. victims of more than $36.9 million. The conspiracy involved overseas scammers contacting victims through unsolicited social media and dating apps to solicit fraudulent digital asset investments, with stolen funds laundered through shell companies, international banks, and digital asset wallets connected to scam centers in Cambodia. He was ordered to pay $26,867,242.44 in restitution, and eight co-conspirators have ple
azcentral.com
· 2025-12-07
While Google's systems weren't directly breached, criminals obtained publicly available Gmail user data through a compromised Salesforce tool, giving scammers validated lists of names, emails, and phone numbers to craft more convincing phishing and vishing attacks. The article recommends several protective measures: use unique 16+ character passwords, enable passkeys where available, maintain two-step verification, review third-party app access, and remain skeptical of urgent messages claiming to be from Google or other organizations. Users should also monitor their accounts regularly and verify unexpected requests through trusted communication channels rather than clicking links in messages.
home.treasury.gov
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, Americans lost over $10 billion to Southeast Asia-based cyber scams operated by transnational criminal organizations, representing a 66 percent increase from the prior year. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 19 scam centers across Burma and Cambodia that used forced labor, debt bondage, and violence to coerce workers into conducting romance and virtual currency investment scams targeting American victims. These operations typically lure victims with promises of romantic relationships or investment opportunities, then steal funds deposited on fraudulent platforms designed to mimic legitimate investment sites.
staysafeonline.org
· 2025-12-07
Social Security scams, among the most common frauds targeting Americans, involve criminals impersonating SSA, OIG, or DOJ officials through phone, email, text, or social media to steal money or personal information. Red flags include claims of suspicious activity or benefit increases, pressure to act immediately, and requests for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—methods the SSA will never use. Victims should hang up, avoid clicking links, never send money through untraceable methods, and report scams to SSA OIG, USA.gov, or the FBI's IC3 to protect themselves and others.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, the FBI recorded 147,127 scam reports involving Americans age 60 and over, resulting in nearly $5 billion in stolen funds. Arizona had the highest rate of fraud complaints among seniors (88.3 per 100,000 people age 60+), followed by Indiana and Nevada, with imposter scams and tech support scams being the most common types. Experts note that seniors should be alert to unsolicited contacts, unusual payment methods, and pressure to act urgently, as scam attempts and underreporting vary significantly by state.
501lifemag.com
· 2025-12-07
The Arkansas Securities Department reports a substantial increase in financial fraud targeting elderly Arkansans, with older Americans nationwide reporting $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints in 2024, including 1,063 Arkansas victims who lost $27.25 million. Common schemes include social media scams, romance fraud, and "pig butchering" scams that build trust before encouraging cryptocurrency investments, with seniors being targeted due to accumulated savings, higher trust levels, and social isolation. The ASD advises elderly investors to avoid unsolicited investment opportunities claiming guaranteed returns, secrecy, or low risk with high returns, and encourages reporting suspected fraud to 800.981.4
geekspin.co
· 2025-12-07
A 63-year-old Florida man, Charles Henry Williams, was arrested in connection with a multi-year timeshare resale scam that defrauded an elderly Georgia couple of over $1 million. The scheme targeted vulnerable seniors across multiple states, with the primary victims deceived into making payments for fraudulent property transactions over four years before the fraud was discovered. Williams faces charges including Theft by Deception and Exploitation of an Elder Person, and law enforcement urges seniors and their families to verify financial requests and remain alert to similar schemes.
brookline.news
· 2025-12-07
Two New York men, Amarjot Singh (30) and Jaykumar Raval (20), were arrested in July and charged in September for facilitating a scheme that defrauded a 71-year-old Brookline woman of $45,000 in June. The scam began with a fake Apple Pay alert text, followed by impersonation calls from fake Apple Security and Federal Trade Commission representatives who convinced the victim her accounts had been compromised and instructed her to withdraw cash for pickup by supposed undercover federal agents. Raval is also suspected in connection with nearly $200,000 stolen from elderly women across New York and New Hampshire through similar schemes.
wusa9.com
· 2025-12-07
The D.C. Attorney General sued Athena Bitcoin ATMs after one victim lost nearly $100,000 in a week to crypto ATM scams, with 93% of all D.C. deposits linked to fraud. Scammers used phone calls impersonating government or bank officials to pressure elderly victims into depositing money into crypto ATMs, which cannot be recovered, while Athena profited from undisclosed fees up to 26% and failed to stop fraudulent transactions despite knowing about them. The investigation found a median loss of $8,000 per scam transaction, with the company accused of violating consumer protection and elder abuse laws.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
A 63-year-old Florida man was arrested in August 2025 after a five-month investigation into a four-year timeshare resale scam that defrauded an elderly Georgia couple of over $1 million. Charles Henry Williams faced charges including Theft by Deception and Exploitation of an Elder Person, and authorities identified additional victims across multiple states, suggesting a broader fraud scheme. Law enforcement urges seniors and families to verify financial requests and remain vigilant against online fraud schemes targeting vulnerable elderly individuals.
vice.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old Japanese woman lost $6,800 in a romance scam after meeting a man on social media who claimed to be an astronaut in orbit with an oxygen emergency. The scammer built trust over weeks of messaging before fabricating a crisis requiring immediate financial help, which the victim sent via electronic money because she believed she was saving someone she had romantic feelings for. Romance scams have surged in Japan, with over 20,000 cases recorded in 2024 causing $480 million in losses, predominantly affecting seniors, though people of all ages remain vulnerable.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-07
Singapore reported S$456 million in fraud losses during the first half of 2025, a decline from the previous year, though cryptocurrency scams remained a significant concern accounting for S$81.6 million (18% of total losses), with Tether, Bitcoin, and Ethereum being the primary targets. Victims were predominantly aged 30-49 and fell prey to investment scams, job fraud, and phishing schemes, while authorities recovered S$56.7 million in fraudulent funds and prevented S$179 million in potential losses through collaborative efforts.
coconutcreektalk.com
· 2025-12-07
Coconut Creek Police warned residents of a cryptocurrency scam targeting Bitcoin and Coinbase users after a local woman was deceived via text message into surrendering access to her Coinbase account when scammers falsely claimed her password had been changed. The incident is part of a broader trend where criminals contact victims through email, text, or phone calls using urgent language to extract sensitive information. Police advise residents to disregard suspicious messages and never share account details with unsolicited contacts claiming to represent financial or cryptocurrency institutions.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A 62-year-old retired government employee in Visakhapatnam lost over Rs 2.5 crore in a digital arrest scam after fraudsters posing as police officials called him claiming his Aadhaar was linked to money laundering and threatened him with arrest warrants. The victim transferred all his savings following the scammers' instructions before discovering the fraud through reading about similar cases and reporting it to cyber crime police. Police note that senior citizens are increasingly targeted in digital arrest scams, with many victims reluctant to report due to shame or lack of awareness.
thesun.my
· 2025-12-07
Modern scam syndicates exploit human psychology through social engineering rather than technical hacking, using fear, urgency, and authority to manipulate victims regardless of education level or professional background. A 28-year-old Malaysian woman lost RM10,000 after scammers impersonated Pos Malaysia and police authorities, pressuring her to disclose personal information and make deposits based on false accusations. Experts emphasize that awareness and questioning authority under pressure, rather than enforcement alone, are critical to combating these psychologically-driven scams that can cause severe financial and emotional consequences.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-07
The Chandigarh Police cyber crime branch arrested 103 cyber criminals and registered 102 FIRs between January and August 2024, recovering Rs. 7.5 crore of approximately Rs. 32.5 crore in frauds involving online trading scams, digital arrests, fake calls, and credit card fraud. Elderly citizens living alone have become primary targets due to lack of technical knowledge, prompting police to launch door-to-door awareness campaigns in senior-heavy residential areas. Authorities emphasize prompt reporting to maximize recovery and advise the public never to share banking details, OTPs, or passwords, and to verify that government agencies will never request money transfers
kfiz.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are conducting jury duty avoidance scams using fake government websites to steal personal information and money from targets. The scheme begins with a call or text impersonating law enforcement, directing victims to a fraudulent website that captures Social Security numbers and birthdates, then pressures them to pay via credit card or cryptocurrency ATMs. The article emphasizes that legitimate courts never demand immediate payment or sensitive personal information by phone, and advises victims to verify requests directly with official law enforcement contacts and avoid clicking unsolicited links.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-07
Phishing scam texts are circulating that falsely claim recipients have received parking penalty charge notices (PCNs) and urge them to click a link to pay, with some messages threatening license suspension or court action. Councils across the UK, including Cheshire West and Chester, warn that genuine PCNs are only issued as physical tickets on windscreens or by post, never by text, and legitimate messages include specific details like vehicle registration, time, and location of the offense. To protect yourself, verify the sender through official channels, check for HTTPS URLs and proper spelling, and never click suspicious links or share financial information; if compromised, restart your device, change passwords, and report the
soapcentral.com
· 2025-12-07
Cecilie Fjellhøy, a victim of romance scammer Simon Leviev who lost over £200,000, transformed her experience into activism by co-founding LoveSaid and appearing in Netflix's Love Con Revenge alongside investigator Brianne Joseph to expose romance scams and advocate for legal reform. The documentary highlights common romance fraud tactics including love bombing and emotional manipulation while revealing how the legal system often dismisses these crimes as personal disputes rather than serious offenses. Fjellhøy continues raising awareness about emerging threats like deepfake and AI-enabled scams while working to change public perception and policy surrounding romance fraud victimization.
thehindu.com
· 2025-12-07
A 59-year-old homemaker in Mattancherry lost ₹2.88 crore in a "virtual arrest" scam in which fraudsters, posing as Mumbai police officers, accused her of money laundering and convinced her she was under "virtual arrest" and subjected to a "virtual trial." The victim transferred the money in multiple installments after being threatened and instructed to keep the matter secret, only discovering the fraud when she sought a police clearance certificate.
trmlabs.com
· 2025-12-07
This resource is a law enforcement guide for investigating cryptocurrency-enabled scams, which have caused at least $53 billion in losses since 2023, with figures likely underreported due to delayed victim reporting. The guide provides investigators with essential terminology, investigation methodologies, and blockchain forensics techniques to trace fraudulent cryptocurrency transactions and identify the real-world controllers behind pseudonymous addresses. It serves as a practical manual for police and law enforcement professionals to understand and combat crypto-related investment scams, phishing schemes, and other cryptocurrency fraud.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers impersonated St. Clair County Sheriff's Office staff by calling or messaging family members of jailed individuals, claiming to offer GPS tether release in exchange for payment via PayPal, Zelle, or Apple Pay. At least one victim lost nearly $1,000 to the scheme, which the sheriff's office emphasized it would never use to collect payments. Residents are urged to verify requests through official channels and report suspected scams to local authorities.
abc3340.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI warns seniors to remain vigilant against fraud schemes targeting older adults, noting that elder fraud remains a significant problem because criminals exploit vulnerable seniors who may be more trusting and often live alone. The agency recommends protective measures including shredding financial documents, avoiding unsolicited contact, resisting pressure to act quickly, and discussing investments with trusted individuals. Seniors are encouraged to report suspected fraud to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center or local field offices, as many victims do not report incidents due to shame and can suffer severe financial losses.
wsfa.com
· 2025-12-07
AARP warns of AI-enabled "grandparent scams" where sophisticated international crime rings use artificial intelligence to replicate grandchildren's voices and call seniors late at night claiming to be in trouble and requesting immediate money. To protect against these scams, AARP recommends establishing a family code word for verification, avoiding calls from unknown numbers, and keeping personal information off the internet.
atlantanewsfirst.com
· 2025-12-07
Fulton County launched ACT (Avoid Cyber Threats), a free online cybersecurity training program for seniors, in response to alarming fraud statistics showing that seniors lost approximately $5 billion to internet crimes in 2024, with Georgia ranking 7th nationally for such losses. The program educates seniors on recognizing digital scams including AI voice cloning, government impersonation, and phishing schemes, with the county aiming to train 2,000 seniors and caregivers by year-end. One local resident shared how she fell victim to a scam that resulted in $2,000 being stolen from her account, though her bank helped her recover the funds.
cullmantribune.com
· 2025-12-07
The Cullman Police Department reported a sharp increase in scams and financial crimes targeting seniors, including sophisticated phone, online, and fraudulent banking schemes. In response, CPD has prioritized fraud awareness through community outreach to senior groups, participation in U.S. Secret Service financial crime meetings, and partnerships with local banks to educate residents on warning signs and protective measures. The department encourages residents to contact their banks immediately and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-07
The U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts arrested 13 individuals involved in a transnational elder fraud scheme that targeted over 400 victims and resulted in more than $5 million in losses. Emergency scams—also called grandparent scams—use fake urgent situations (arrests, accidents, medical emergencies) to pressure victims into sending money via payment apps, often impersonating family members and using personal details found on social media or even voice cloning technology to appear credible. To avoid these scams, victims should resist acting immediately, verify stories by calling family members directly, avoid sending money through payment apps or gift cards without confirmation, and contact police if someone arrives to collect cash.
easttexasradio.com
· 2025-12-07
Federal authorities arrested 13 individuals involved in a transnational emergency/grandparent scam operation that defrauded over 400 victims of more than $5 million. The scammers impersonated distressed family members via calls, texts, or social media, claiming arrests, accidents, or emergencies to pressure victims into sending money via payment apps, sometimes even using fake mugshots or voice-cloning technology to enhance credibility. To protect themselves, people should verify urgent requests by contacting family members directly, avoid sending money through untraceable payment methods, and alert police if anyone offers to pick up cash in person.
koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
· 2025-12-07
Korean consumers have been defrauded by overseas fake websites impersonating luxury fashion brands like Woo Young-mi and Stussy, offering steep discounts (60-90% off) through social media ads, accepting payments, but failing to deliver products or process refunds. Between January and July 2025, Seoul authorities received 137 reports of such scams, with 93.7% of cases traced to Instagram discount advertisements. The Seoul Metropolitan Government and Korea Consumer Agency recommend verifying official websites, avoiding suspiciously deep discounts, and pursuing chargebacks through credit card issuers within 120-180 days of purchase.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Pennsylvania State Police issued a warning about tech support scams in which fraudsters use fake browser pop-ups or unsolicited phone calls claiming the victim's computer is infected, then attempt to gain remote access to install malware, steal personal information, or demand payment for nonexistent problems. The scammers typically display fake Microsoft alerts with siren sounds directing victims to call a number, where they convince targets to install remote access software and subsequently extract money via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Authorities advise never trusting unsolicited contact, not calling numbers from pop-ups, and immediately disconnecting from the internet or restarting the computer if a scam is suspected.
today.com
· 2025-12-07
I cannot provide a summary of the Charles Shay article as requested, since the text provided does not contain the actual article content—only a headline and a list of unrelated news segments. However, I can summarize the one fraud-related segment included: NBC's Brian Cheung discusses rising scam emails, texts, and calls, offering protection strategies and scenarios to identify phishing attempts (Sept. 5, 2025).
wgal.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece provides strategies to reduce unwanted scammer calls, including registering with the national Do Not Call Registry, hanging up on robocalls without engaging, and utilizing phone features like blocking non-contacts and call-labeling services. The advice emphasizes that while these methods cannot eliminate all scam calls, they can significantly reduce unwanted contact from both scammers and legitimate telemarketers.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
AARP is hosting a free telephone town hall on September 4 featuring fraud prevention experts Liz Buser and Staff Sergeant Tara Hardin to educate older adults and caregivers about evolving scam tactics, how to identify red flags, and reporting procedures. The event will cover current fraud trends targeting seniors, response strategies for suspicious communications, available support resources, and practical protection tools from AARP and law enforcement.
clickondetroit.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers have been contacting Michigan residents by phone and email, impersonating Consumers Energy representatives and threatening service disconnection unless immediate payment is made via prepaid debit cards or gift cards. Consumers Energy clarified that it never demands specific payment methods or requests credit card information over the phone, and customers should hang up and call the official number (800-477-5050) to verify any such contact. Those who suspect they were scammed should report the incident to Consumers Energy or local police depending on whether payment was made.
govtech.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are increasingly using fake browser pop-ups and unsolicited phone calls that impersonate Microsoft alerts to trick victims into believing their computers are infected, then attempting to gain remote access to install malware, steal personal information, or demand payment for nonexistent problems. The scam works by displaying full-screen warnings with alarm sounds directing victims to call a number, where scammers convince them to install remote access software and subsequently demand payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Individuals should never call numbers from pop-ups, remember that Microsoft will not contact them unsolicited, and should disconnect from the internet or force-restart their device if suspected of being targeted by this scam.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are increasingly using AI voice-cloning technology to impersonate grandchildren and other loved ones, convincing seniors to send money by claiming emergencies such as accidents, arrests, or medical crises. These "grandparent scams" are becoming more realistic by incorporating personal details gleaned from social media, and scammers can now replicate voices with just seconds of audio. The BBB recommends families establish code words for verification, limit personal information on social media, avoid sending money through untraceable methods like gift cards or payment apps, and contact police if suspicious requests occur or money has already been sent.