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in Tech Support Scam
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 37-year-old woman named Rashmi Kar was arrested in Navi Mumbai for defrauding her 34-year-old widow neighbor of approximately Rs 7 lakh (approximately $8,400 USD) using an AI voice-changing app to impersonate a male named "Abhimanyu Mehra." Kar, working with her husband Dipanjal Biswas, posed as a job recruiter, developed a romantic relationship with the victim over seven months, and convinced her to transfer money without ever meeting in person. The victim became suspicious when the impersonator avoided in-person meetings and reported the scam to police, leading to
wgal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a growing scam targeting smart TV users, where fraudsters display pop-ups claiming device problems and requesting payment or remote access to fix them. If victims comply, scammers may install malware to steal personal information or convince them to pay fake activation fees. To protect yourself, verify any support numbers directly with the manufacturer's official website, never pay unsolicited activation fees, and refuse remote access requests.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
**AI-Powered Scams and Protective Measures**
This educational piece identifies two primary AI-enabled scams targeting vulnerable individuals: voice cloning of family members to solicit emergency financial assistance, and personalized phishing emails using AI-generated text customized with stolen personal data to increase credibility. The article recommends verifying suspicious communications by contacting the person through normal channels, avoiding attempts to detect fake voices, treating unknown contacts as suspicious, and remaining skeptical of personalized messages that reference recent purchases or locations.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting summer travelers through online booking scams, with popular destinations like Fort Myers Beach, Sandusky, and Chicago being the most frequently exploited. Common scams include AI-generated fake accommodations, fraudulent booking websites, impersonation schemes, phishing emails, and public Wi-Fi data theft. According to McAfee research, 25% of Americans have lost over $1,000 to travel scams, 15% experienced fraudulent charges after using fake sites, and 13% arrived to find their booked accommodations didn't exist.
occrp.org
· 2025-12-08
Internet fraud losses in the United States exceeded $12.5 billion in the past year, a 22% increase from the previous year, with common scams including identity theft, phishing, romance scams, and investment fraud. INTERPOL's Operation First Light arrested 3,950 suspects and identified 14,643 potential suspects worldwide while intercepting $135 million in cash and seizing assets worth over $120 million. International collaboration has proven effective in combating cybercrime, including one case where coordination between Singapore, Hong Kong, and local banks prevented a 70-year-old victim from losing $281,200 in savings.
wcax.com
· 2025-12-08
Rachel Chen, 25, of Massachusetts was arrested and indicted in three counties for her role in tech support scams targeting New Hampshire seniors. In one case, a Grafton County elderly resident lost $20,000 after being deceived into believing their bank account was hacked; Chen allegedly picked up the cash on behalf of the scam operation. The case is ongoing with Chen scheduled for court appearances later in 2024.
12news.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona seniors have lost over $82 million to fraud, with tech support scams causing average losses of $23,000 per victim and affecting people 60+ at 500% higher rates than younger adults. The Peoria Police Department is actively combating the "Phantom Hacker Scam," where criminals use pop-ups to trick seniors into sending money via cryptocurrency ATMs while posing as fraud detectives, and authorities are installing warning signs at crypto machines and urging community members to educate elderly relatives about avoiding such scams.
candgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido held an educational workshop in June to inform the public—particularly seniors—about common scams and fraud tactics, highlighting how personal information shared online is often sold to third parties and exploited by scammers. The workshop identified four key components scammers use (pretend, payment, prize/problem, and pressure) and covered various fraud methods including spoofing, phishing, vishing, and impersonation of authorities, banks, and tech support. Lucido recommended using "opt out" selections when filling out forms and published a 30-page guide called "S.C.A.M.S." to help prevent identity theft and financial fraud in
drgnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FTC received nearly 500,000 reports of business and government imposter scams, revealing that fraudsters increasingly use text messages and emails rather than phone calls, persuade victims to pay via bank transfers or cryptocurrency, and often impersonate multiple organizations simultaneously. The five most prevalent imposter scams involve fake account alerts, bogus subscription renewal notices (particularly impersonating Geek Squad), fraudulent discounts or prize offers, false crime allegations paired with payment requests, and fake delivery notifications designed to steal financial information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
An IAS aspirant in Delhi lost Rs 1.2 lakh (approximately $1,440 USD) in an online dating scam involving a woman named "Versha" he met on Tinder. After arranging to meet at Black Mirror Cafe to celebrate her birthday, he received an inflated bill of Rs 1,21,917 for minimal orders; when he disputed it, cafe staff confined, threatened, and beat him into paying. Police arrested the perpetrators and identified the scam operation: a 25-year-old woman named Afsan Parveen used dating apps to lure male victims to the cafe, where colluding staff force
govinsider.asia
· 2025-12-08
Singapore has joined the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) to combat the rising tide of scams in Southeast Asia, with scam cases in Singapore increasing 46.8% from 2022 to 2023 (31,728 to 46,563 cases). The GASA Singapore chapter, led by Mastercard and Amazon with participation from tech, finance, and academic sectors, aims to protect consumers through information sharing, public awareness campaigns, and anti-scam solutions targeting threats including e-commerce fraud, phishing, job scams, and AI-generated deepfake extortion (ranging from S$700 to over S$2,000). The initiative
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
An X user shared screenshots of how he outsmarted a romance scammer who attempted to extract Rs 1,000 (approximately $12 USD) via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. Instead of sending the requested amount, the user convinced the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test transaction," then blocked the scammer after receiving the money. The incident highlights the prevalence of dating app scams, which typically involve fake profiles building emotional connections before requesting money for emergencies or other expenses, and underscores the importance of skepticism, identity verification, and trusting one's instincts when using dating platforms.
wsiltv.com
· 2025-12-08
Older adults are frequently targeted by scammers who impersonate government officials, bank employees, Medicare representatives, or tech company workers to steal personal information. The Better Business Bureau recommends protecting seniors by establishing open communication with loved ones and including their caregivers in conversations about fraud awareness.
newstalkkzrg.com
· 2025-12-08
Grandparent scams, also known as emergency scams, target older adults by impersonating grandchildren or loved ones over the phone or text, claiming they need money urgently for an emergency. Modern versions of these scams increasingly use AI-generated messages and voice cloning technology to sound authentic, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, pause before reacting to urgent requests, verify the caller's identity by calling them directly, limit personal information on social media, and never send money through untraceable methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency if you have any doubts.
rd.com
· 2025-12-08
Work-from-home job scams are fraudulent job postings designed to steal personal information or trick applicants into paying upfront fees for fake background checks, training, or equipment. According to the Better Business Bureau, approximately 14 million job seekers encounter these scams annually, resulting in over $2 billion in losses. To protect yourself, job applicants should verify company legitimacy through official websites, watch for red flags like requests for payment before employment or overly quick hiring processes, and be cautious of positions advertised on social media or through direct messages rather than official job boards.
secureworks.com
· 2025-12-08
The film "Thelma" depicts a 93-year-old woman who loses $10,000 to a grandson impersonation scam, reflecting a real crisis: the FBI reported over 101,000 elder fraud victims aged 60+ in 2023, with tech support, romance, confidence, and investment scams being the most common types. Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology and create artificial urgency to manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or making payments, and victims often experience lasting emotional harm including shame and loss of confidence. Key prevention strategies include educating oneself about scams, trusting instincts when requests seem unusual, verifying the identity of callers, an
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams—a 10.6% increase from 2022—with 101,068 reports filed, according to FBI IC3 data. Criminals obtained victims' personal information through data brokers and used it to perpetrate tech support scams (18,000 victims, $589.8 million lost), investment fraud (6,400 victims, $1.2 billion lost), and romance scams (6,700 victims, $356.9 million lost). The article advises seniors to use data removal services, place fraud alerts with credit agencies, and remain cautious of phishing
indiatoday.in
· 2025-12-08
An X user shared a story of successfully turning the tables on a romance scammer who attempted to con him out of Rs 1,000 via Google Pay by posing as a dating app match. The user outsmarted the scammer by pretending payment failed twice, then convincing the scammer to send Rs 20 first as a "test," after which he blocked them. The article outlines common dating app scams including romance scams, location scams, and fake investment schemes, while offering protective measures such as identity verification, skepticism toward early money requests, and use of app security features.
marbleheadcurrent.org
· 2025-12-08
A 72-year-old Marblehead woman fell victim to a tech support scam where fraudsters posed as federal investigators and convinced her that hackers had compromised her computer and identity, ultimately persuading her to withdraw $7,500 and mail it to California wrapped in foil and bubble wrap. Thanks to quick action by Marblehead Police, the package was intercepted and returned before delivery, allowing the victim to recover her money. The scam illustrates how perpetrators manipulate victims through urgency and fear, targeting their emotions rather than logic, and police emphasize that residents should never call numbers on suspicious pop-ups or provide personal information over the phone.
pmg-ky1.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau's June Hot Topics report highlights ten prevalent scams affecting consumers, including employment fraud on Facebook ($5,000+ loss), fake family emergency calls, medical bill scams, customer service imposters, invoice scams, sweepstakes fraud, phishing schemes, online shopping and hotel booking scams, and used car parts fraud. The BBB advises consumers to verify businesses at www.bbb.org before transactions, never send money over the phone or to unverified callers, check official accounts and court websites to confirm suspicious claims, and always pay with credit cards to enable dispute protection.
ibsintelligence.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-powered fraud is escalating rapidly, with deepfake fraud attempts jumping 3,000% year-over-year in 2023 as malicious actors exploit accessible generative AI tools to conduct sophisticated scams at scale. Key emerging threats include deepfakes targeting high-profile figures and biometric systems, increasingly convincing phishing and smishing attacks that exploit AI-generated authentic-appearing content, and social engineering schemes leveraging AI—all of which require businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and deploy AI-based defensive systems to keep pace with evolving fraud tactics.
greenvilleadvocate.com
· 2025-12-08
Spoofing and phishing scams are increasingly common, with scammers using disguised online identities to steal personal and financial information from victims. Law enforcement recommends three key prevention steps: never share personal information or send money via gift cards to unknown callers (legitimate companies don't request this), avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, and verify caller identity by independently contacting the official organization. Victims can report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov or 877-382-4357, or to local law enforcement.
times-herald.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating the Coweta County Sheriff's Department in phone calls, claiming victims failed to appear for jury duty and threatening legal consequences to pressure them into paying money. The scam uses personal information and legal terminology to appear credible, creating a false sense of urgency that makes vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals, more likely to comply before verifying the caller's legitimacy. Law enforcement advises that courts and police never request personal information, Social Security numbers, or payment over the phone, and recommends hanging up and independently verifying caller identity if such a call is received.
newsregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, though actual losses are likely far higher due to underreporting and unreported crimes. Older adults are disproportionately targeted because they tend to be trusting, have savings, and may be less comfortable with technology, with tech-support scams, romance scams, and investment frauds being the most common schemes. Prevention through education—such as being cautious of unsolicited contacts, verifying businesses online, and never sharing personal information with unverified sources—can help mitigate the psychological and financial
bernama.com
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia's elderly population faces significant digital literacy gaps, with only 3.4% of those aged 60+ using the internet in 2020, making them vulnerable to scams and unable to access essential services. Senior citizens lost RM552.5 million to internet fraud between 2021-2023, highlighting the urgent need for targeted digital literacy programs that teach password security, phishing identification, and safe online practices. Improving digital skills among older adults would reduce fraud victimization while enabling them to access healthcare, maintain social connections, and participate in modern society.
swissinfo.ch
· 2025-12-08
A network of fraudulent investment platforms linked to Cyprus uses fake celebrity endorsements and fabricated news articles to lure victims into investing money that is never actually invested in stocks or real financial products. The scam, which includes platforms such as InvesaCapital, OBRInvest, and ForexTB, targets investors internationally—including many in Switzerland—who are pressured by manipulative phone calls to deposit increasingly larger sums, resulting in total losses ranging from tens of thousands to over CHF100,000 per victim. Swiss authorities have confirmed dozens of criminal charges related to this network, though prosecution is often difficult due to perpetrators operating abroad.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
A 93-year-old grandmother (the real-life inspiration for the movie "Thelma") nearly fell victim to a grandparent scam in which a caller impersonating her grandson claimed he was in jail and needed $10,000, though her family stopped her before she sent money. Imposter fraud caused $2.7 billion in losses in the prior year, with scammers increasingly using AI-generated voice deepfakes to exploit victims through fear and urgency tactics, affecting an estimated 25% of adults according to a 2023 survey.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed Apate, a system of conversational AI chatbots designed to intercept and waste the time of phone scammers by engaging them in prolonged conversations. The bots, which mimic elderly people with various accents and personalities, are deployed by telecommunications companies when they detect incoming scam calls, and simultaneously collect intelligence on scamming tactics, call patterns, and criminal networks to help disrupt the multi-billion dollar scamming industry. The initiative, funded with $720,000 from Australia's Office of National Intelligence, aims to protect vulnerable people from losing their life savings to telephone fraud schemes.
techstory.in
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost over $10 billion to scams in 2023, a 14% increase from the previous year, with investment scams ($4.6 billion) and imposter scams ($2.7 billion) leading the way. Older adults are disproportionately targeted, and the FTC estimates seniors lose $28.3 billion annually to fraud, with common schemes including romance fraud, grandparent scams, and technical support hoaxes. Law enforcement faces significant challenges combating overseas scammers who exploit cryptocurrency and other untraceable payment methods, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration between government agencies and private industry to strengthen fraud prevention and victim support.
itechpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud in the U.S. is surging exponentially, driven by advancing AI technology and the technological gap exploiting older adults, with common schemes including romance scams and technical support fraud that often result in victims losing their life savings. Law enforcement faces significant challenges investigating these crimes—particularly when perpetrators operate overseas and convert funds to cryptocurrency—and many cases go unreported because victims hesitate to come forward or police dismiss financial fraud as consensual transactions. The FBI recorded a 14% increase in elder fraud cases in 2023, prompting experts to declare the situation a "crisis level" problem in society.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scam reports surged 118% in 2023 compared to 2022, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, with artificial intelligence enabling scammers to create increasingly convincing fake job postings, profiles, and company websites. Victims were typically lured through legitimate job platforms, moved to private communication channels, and then asked to provide sensitive personal information like driver's licenses and Social Security numbers under the guise of standard onboarding procedures. The ITRC recommends directly contacting companies by phone using verified contact information to confirm job opportunities and protect against these AI-enhanced scams.
legalnewsline.com
· 2025-12-08
I appreciate you sharing this content, but I'm unable to provide the summary you've requested. The text appears to be a collection of incomplete article headlines and lead paragraphs on various legal matters (child welfare, pharmacy practices, employment disputes, music industry contracts, and election security) rather than a focused article about elder fraud, scams, or elder abuse.
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Could you please provide the full article text related to an elder fraud or scam incident?
fcpdnews.wordpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement impersonation scams involve fraudsters contacting victims by phone or email, claiming to be police officers and demanding immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to resolve fictitious legal obligations, using threats of arrest to coerce compliance. Fairfax County Police advise verifying caller identity independently, never providing payment or personal information to unsolicited callers, and remembering that legitimate law enforcement never demands immediate payment through alternative financial methods. Victims should report suspected scams to the Fairfax County Police Financial Crimes Unit's online portal or non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
theregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Australian authorities warned that scammers are targeting previous scam victims with fraudulent recovery services, claiming to help retrieve lost funds in exchange for upfront fees or percentages of recovered money. These "recovery scams" exploit victim databases maintained by criminals and use impersonation tactics (posing as government agencies, lawyers, or fund recovery services) along with requests for personal information or device access; people over 65 have reported 158 incidents with combined losses exceeding AU$2.9 million. The ACCC notes that most scammers move funds offshore quickly, making recovery unlikely, and warned that victims may face multiple successive scams including identity theft.
jewishaz.com
· 2025-12-08
The National Council on Aging identifies five major scams responsible for over 65% of reported incidents targeting seniors, including government impersonation, sweepstakes/lottery schemes, robocalls, grandparent scams, and romance scams—with emerging threats like deepfake technology and pandemic-related fraud. Protection strategies include verifying caller identity, avoiding personal information sharing, and staying informed through resources like the FTC's "Pass It On" campaign and AARP Fraud Watch Network, while community education and family communication serve as the most effective defenses.
timesofsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
Assemblywoman Laurie Davies is hosting two Senior Scam Stopper educational events on July 10 in San Diego County in response to rising elder fraud, with law enforcement and local officials presenting information on tech scams and prevention strategies. San Diego County seniors lost approximately $97.3 million to elder scams in 2023, with over 77,000 Californians targeted by internet fraud that year. Both events will feature demonstrations, educational materials, and representatives from the Elder Justice Task Force available to answer questions.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Kansas enacted the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, joining over 40 states in authorizing financial advisers to pause transactions suspected of defrauding seniors. Older Americans lost an average of $33,915 to fraud last year with total losses exceeding $3.4 billion, with tech support scams being the most common fraud type against those over 60, followed by data breaches, romance scams, and investment schemes. The law requires financial institutions to notify the Kansas Department of Insurance when pausing transactions and includes timelines to prevent delays to legitimate transactions.
cjonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Kansas enacted the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act, joining over 40 states in giving financial advisers the power to pause suspicious transactions when elder fraud is suspected. The law addresses a significant problem: older Americans lost an average of $33,915 to fraud last year, with total losses exceeding $3.4 billion, and constitute 30% of consumer fraud victims despite being only 12% of the population. When advisers pause transactions, they must notify the Kansas Department of Insurance to investigate, with safeguards in place to prevent delays to legitimate transactions.
thetimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudsters are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes to impersonate FTSE company chief executives in sophisticated "CEO scams," with at least six major UK companies including WPP, discoverIE, and Octopus Energy targeted in 2024, according to cybersecurity experts who warn the true number of attacks is likely much higher. The scam typically begins with WhatsApp messages using the executive's official photo, followed by cloned voice notes instructing employees to transfer funds urgently for confidential acquisitions while maintaining secrecy, with voice cloning software and other AI tools now readily available to criminals through dark web marketplaces. These attacks represent a significant gap in UK
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 31-year-old IT engineer in Pune lost Rs 96.57 lakh (approximately $11,600 USD) to an online share trading scam between April and May after clicking a social media link that added him to a messenger group promising 1,000% returns on stock investments. The fraudsters used a fake trading app showing inflated profits and requested repeated deposits, claiming additional funds were needed for withdrawals; when the victim tried to withdraw money, he realized the fraud and filed a complaint with police. This case is part of a surge in online share trading fraud cases reported in Pune over five months, with scammers targeting victims through social media advertisements and posing as employees of
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
OCC official Hsu addressed the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, noting that while artificial intelligence enables new fraud methods, traditional scams remain prevalent, particularly those involving fraudsters impersonating banks or government agencies to trick victims into wire transfers that cannot be recovered. Banks can prevent such fraud through verification of wiring instructions, identity confirmation, authentication controls, customer education about trending scams, and staff training to identify unusual transactions. Financial institutions should also maintain strong internal controls, file timely Suspicious Activity Reports, and offer personal support to defrauded customers, as effective fraud prevention builds consumer trust and confidence in the banking system.
fox13news.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are conducting a phishing scam targeting iCloud users through text messages that appear to be from Apple, directing victims to a fake login page (signin.authen-connexion.info/icloud) to steal their email addresses and passwords. Once compromised, victims lose access to their iCloud accounts, which contain sensitive information including email passwords, banking details, and personal photos. Cybersecurity experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication, using unique passwords for each account, and verifying that links end with legitimate company domains (apple.com) to protect against these attacks.
wcjb.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement agencies, the FBI, and the Better Business Bureau in North Central Florida are warning of a significant increase in scam calls and texts, with residents like Jacqueline Johnson experiencing multiple fraud incidents including unauthorized credit cards and cash app fraud. Officials recommend not sharing personal information, verifying caller identities, and spreading awareness about scams to friends and family, as advancing technology enables increasingly sophisticated fraud including voice cloning and impersonation schemes.
fox23.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting seniors 65 and older with fake IT technical support calls, texts, and emails claiming to be from Microsoft or other companies, using a "spray and pray" approach to contact many potential victims. Once victims grant remote access to their computers, scammers lower security settings to steal passwords, personal information, and money through payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Experts recommend seniors hang up on unsolicited contacts and independently verify any tech support claims by directly contacting the company themselves.
keyt.com
· 2025-12-08
Dozens of seniors in Goleta, California attended an anti-scam educational seminar featuring experts from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the Department of Justice to learn fraud prevention strategies. The seminar addressed increasingly sophisticated scams targeting older adults, including identity theft and financial fraud, with key advice being to verify caller identity by independently calling known numbers and to avoid providing sensitive information like bank account numbers or routing numbers over the phone. Attendees learned to report suspected fraud to local police, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311), or the Federal Trade Commission, and were encouraged to overcome shame and seek help if they become victims.
whitehavennews.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Martin Lewis and other high-profile figures including Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, and Adele have had their identities misused in celebrity profile scams, with analysis of Action Fraud data from 2022-2023 revealing that scammers impersonating Lewis's profile alone were responsible for over £20 million in reported losses, with individual victims losing up to £500,000. Scammers use these celebrity endorsements in fake investment and product advertisements to increase click-through rates and deceive victims into parting with money. The article advises victims to contact their bank, police, or Action Fraud immediately, and notes that many banks now offer a 159 hot
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Amazon Prime Day Scam Spike (July 16-17)**
During Amazon Prime Day, scam reports to Amazon spike dramatically—last year rising from approximately 5,000 to over 14,000 per week—as cybercriminals exploit shoppers' eagerness for deals through phishing emails, text messages (smishing), fake product reviews, and counterfeit merchandise posed as legitimate third-party seller listings. Criminals also create lookalike websites to steal personal information, and the psychological urgency of time-limited deals makes consumers more vulnerable to fraudulent activity, with abnormally low prices on expensive items serving as a red flag for counterfeit products that
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Money recovery scams are targeting previous fraud victims with offers to retrieve lost funds for upfront fees or percentages. Between December 2023 and May 2024, Australia's Scamwatch received 158 reports totaling over $2.9 million in losses, with adults aged 65 and older representing the largest victim group and suffering the highest average losses. Scammers impersonate government agencies, lawyers, and recovery services via multiple channels, requesting personal information and device access, while legitimate recovery is difficult since only law enforcement can seize criminal assets.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County has tracked nearly $98 million in elder-related scams, with a 70% increase in tax support scams, according to the District Attorney's office. Scammers commonly use pop-up warnings claiming computer compromise to trick seniors into calling fraudulent support numbers and withdrawing cash. Authorities recommend seniors close suspicious pop-ups, seek help from trusted contacts or professionals, and report scams to law enforcement to enable recovery efforts and prevent further victimization.
thomsonreuters.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder financial abuse has escalated dramatically, with fraud losses jumping from $2.4 billion in 2019 to over $10 billion in 2023, with those aged 60 and older experiencing disproportionately high victimization rates (101,000+ reported victims in 2023 versus 18,000 for those under 20). Scammers target elderly individuals because they typically have accumulated savings, are often less technologically sophisticated, may be lonely or seeking companionship online, and are reluctant to report fraud due to privacy concerns. Financial abuse extends beyond theft by close acquaintances to include complex fraud schemes involving dating apps, digital currency platforms,