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in Scam Awareness
cbn.com
· 2025-12-08
A new Pew Research report shows that 73% of U.S. adults have fallen victim to online scams, with credit card fraud being most common (48%), followed by non-delivery of purchases (36%), account hacking (29%), and phishing attacks (24%). The $16.6 billion in total losses in 2024 affected individuals significantly, with 57% reporting at least some financial harm. The report challenges stereotypes by showing younger Americans are slightly more likely than seniors to lose money to scams, while AI-enabled cybercrimes are surging 456% year-over-year, making fraud increasingly difficult to detect.
cnbc.com
· 2025-12-08
**Imposter Scams Targeting Older Americans Surge**
The Federal Trade Commission reported that imposter scams—where criminals pose as representatives from banks, tech companies, or government agencies to convince victims to transfer money—have dramatically increased among adults 60 and older. From 2020 to 2024, reported losses grew from $122 million to $700 million, with 8,269 reports of losses exceeding $10,000 in 2024 alone, representing a 362% increase; some victims lost their entire life savings and retirement accounts. The FTC recommends avoiding such scams by refusing to move money to "protect" it,
southernmarylandchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
Federal Trade Commission data reveals a more than four-fold increase since 2020 in reports from adults 60 and older losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams, with combined losses exceeding $100,000 jumping from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Common tactics include fraudsters posing as government officials, banks, or tech companies to convince victims to transfer funds via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or courier delivery under false pretenses of account protection or legal issues. The FTC reported $12.5 billion in total scam losses nationally in 2024, with older adults accounting for $2.3 billion an
miamitimesonline.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. Senator Rick Scott, who chairs the Committee on Aging, held a roundtable in Florida to address a "growing threat" of elder fraud targeting seniors through increasingly sophisticated schemes including grandparent scams, fraudulent investments, and government imposter emails, often originating from foreign call centers. Stakeholders reported that seniors lose significant sums—including one case where a victim lost over $400,000—and often fail to report crimes due to embarrassment, while Medicare fraud alone costs tens of billions through false billing. The roundtable emphasized that awareness, prevention, stronger penalties, and coordinated efforts among banks, government, and law enforcement are essential to combat what is described as a "national crisis" an
turnto23.com
· 2025-12-08
Reports of impersonation scams targeting adults 60 and older have surged dramatically, with losses exceeding $10,000 increasing more than four-fold since 2020, and losses over $100,000 jumping from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. These scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating government agencies or businesses, claiming urgent account or security problems and convincing victims to transfer money "for safekeeping," which the scammers then steal. The FTC recommends never sending money in response to unsolicited contact, hanging up to independently verify requests through official channels, and blocking unwanted calls.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Between 2020 and 2024, the FTC reported a dramatic surge in imposter scams targeting seniors ages 60 and older, with losses exceeding $100,000 jumping from $55 million to $445 million. These scams typically involve fraudsters contacting victims with warnings about account threats or fraud, then convincing them to transfer money for "protection," often resulting in victims losing their entire life savings. The FTC advises seniors never to transfer money in response to unsolicited calls or messages and to independently verify any claims before acting.
elderlawanswers.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, older adults lost significant amounts to scams, with those in their 70s losing an average of $1,000 compared to $417 for people in their 20s, according to FTC data. Scammers target seniors through phishing schemes impersonating government agencies like the SSA, IRS, and DMV, using fake text messages about unpaid tolls or traffic tickets to create urgency and trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal financial information. The FTC recommends verifying suspicious messages by contacting relevant agencies directly (not via links in the message), consulting trusted individuals, and reporting scams through phone reporting tools.
plansponsor.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reports that scams targeting adults over 60 have grown exponentially, with total fraud losses climbing to nearly $700 million in 2024 from $122 million in 2020, and losses exceeding $10,000 increasing eight-fold during this period. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to romance scams and other fraud schemes because they typically have larger retirement savings and are perceived as less technologically sophisticated. Congress introduced legislation to allow penalty-free early withdrawals from qualified retirement plans for fraud victims, while the FTC recommends that seniors avoid sending money to unsolicited callers, verify government officials' identities, and block unwanted calls to protect themselves.
news.abplive.com
· 2025-12-08
A Gurugram resident named Pranay lost ₹8,000 after falling victim to a tyre repair scam at a petrol pump, where workers allegedly created fake punctures using pointed tools to overcharge customers. After taking his damaged tyre to a trusted shop and discovering the fraud, he posted a warning on Instagram that resonated with hundreds of users who reported experiencing similar scams. His advice to avoid the scam includes staying present during tyre inspections, monitoring the tools used, and seeking second opinions before authorizing repairs.
chimpreports.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Ghanaian nationals—Isaac Oduro Boateng, Inusah Ahmed, and Derrick Van Yeboah—were extradited to the United States in August 2025 and charged with leading a criminal network that stole over $100 million from American victims through romance scams and business email compromise schemes. The defendants, who allegedly targeted elderly Americans with fictitious romantic identities and deceived companies into wire transfers, face charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, with maximum penalties of 20 years in prison. A fourth suspect, Patrick Kwame Asare, remains at large.
thecable.ng
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals were indicted in the U.S. for operating an international fraud ring that defrauded victims of over $100 million through romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly people, and business email compromise attacks. Three of the defendants were extradited to the United States, while one remains at large; they face charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, with potential sentences up to 20 years. The stolen proceeds were laundered back to West Africa, with two defendants identified as coordinators of the criminal organization.
fox32chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chicago couple, Iris Smith and Dedric Vaughn, lost over $180,000 to FlyGirl World Travel LLC, a travel agency owned by Laticha Douglas, after hiring her to coordinate their July destination wedding; guests paid Douglas directly for travel and lodging that never materialized, with only 2% receiving refunds and the couple forced to cancel the wedding entirely. The FBI's Chicago Field Office is investigating the scam and seeking additional victims, while the Illinois Attorney General's Office is also mediating multiple complaints against the business, which has been listed as "not in good standing" and faces automatic dissolution if it fails to file required reports by January 2026.
wxyz.com
· 2025-12-08
A Troy, Michigan man lost $6,500 to an employment scam after receiving a fraudulent job offer posing as Pinhero Construction. The scammers used a fake email domain (pinherocareers.com) to convince him he was hired, then instructed him to deposit a check and wire $5,000 for office equipment, followed by an additional $1,500 request via Zelle or Apple Pay for supposed reimbursement. Troy Police report these scams occur one to two times weekly in the area and advise job seekers to independently verify offers and avoid making rushed decisions when pressure is applied.
wgme.com
· 2025-12-08
Impersonation scams targeting older Americans have increased exponentially since 2020, with losses among people over 60 jumping from $55 million to $445 million by 2024, according to FTC data. Scammers impersonate trusted government agencies or businesses to convince victims that their money is at risk, then pressure them to transfer funds for "protection," sometimes wiping out entire life savings. The FTC advises consumers to hang up on unsolicited calls making such claims, call the agency or business directly to verify, and block suspicious numbers.
leadertelegram.com
· 2025-12-08
A Wisconsin man nearly fell victim to a sophisticated pop-up scam impersonating Target's account suspension process, which directed him to call a fraudulent number and provide financial information. The incident illustrates the increasing sophistication of fraud schemes; the FTC reported over 6.47 million fraud complaints in 2024 (a 25% increase from 2023), with Americans losing over $12.5 billion, and seniors over 70 experiencing median losses of $1,600. Law enforcement and organizations like AARP warn that scams are becoming more professionally organized—with an estimated 80% originating from crime syndicates outside the United States—and recommend protective measures including credit monitoring
abc6onyourside.com
· 2025-12-08
The Ohio Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to be vigilant against scams, as the Federal Trade Commission reports consumers lost over $5 billion to investment scams in 2024. The article provides advice on protecting personal finances and keeping money secure from fraudulent schemes.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
American seniors lose over $28 billion annually to fraud, with only a fraction reported, according to AARP. Scammers target older adults with convincing "pre-qualified" retirement and annuity offers using personal data purchased from brokers, then request sensitive financial information or direct fund transfers; the FBI reported seniors lost a record $4.8 billion to scams in 2024, with losses often unrecoverable even when fraud is proven. Key protection strategies include verifying credentials through state regulators, being skeptical of unsolicited offers with pressure tactics or guaranteed returns, and never sharing sensitive information via unsolicited communications.
baxterbulletin.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses the growing threat of scams and cyber security risks that have emerged alongside rapid technological advancement. It notes that over the past year, scammers have employed various new methods to steal personal information through email, text messages, and phone calls. The full content requires a subscription to access.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Americans aged 60 and above lost a record $700 million to scams according to the FTC, representing a 30% increase from 2023 and a sixfold jump since 2020, with the most severe losses occurring among those defrauded of over $100,000 each. The predominant scams involved criminals impersonating government officials, law enforcement, and major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon, using urgency tactics to pressure victims into transferring funds via Bitcoin ATMs or handing over cash and valuables. The FTC recommends that seniors never send money or share financial information to unverified sources and instead independently verify claims through official contact information
curlytales.com
· 2025-12-08
A Swiggy food delivery user nearly fell victim to a scam when a delivery agent arrived without her order and requested her OTP, falsely claiming it was needed to assign a new rider. When she contacted Swiggy customer support, she discovered the agent had lied to them about being in an accident; the agent was attempting fraud by obtaining her OTP without delivering the food. The incident highlights the importance of never sharing OTPs blindly with delivery personnel, as this information can be exploited for scams.
webpronews.com
· 2025-12-08
WhatsApp dismantled 6.8 million accounts linked to scam operations, many originating from call centers in Southeast Asia, in response to phishing, investment fraud, and other deceptive schemes targeting the platform's 2 billion users. The crackdown, powered by AI collaboration with firms like OpenAI, targeted fraud ecosystems including fake job offers and romance scams, with India alone seeing nearly 100 lakh accounts banned in January 2025. WhatsApp is introducing new safety features like in-app reporting and a "Safety Overview" tool, though experts note that scammers continue to adapt quickly and that international cooperation remains essential for long-term prevention.
chronicle.ng
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals have been indicted in the United States for their roles in an international fraud ring that defrauded victims of over $100 million through romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly elderly people, and business email compromise attacks on companies. Three of the defendants were extradited to the US in August, while one remains at large; they face multiple charges including wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy, with potential sentences up to 20 years for some counts. The stolen proceeds were laundered back to West Africa, with the operation coordinated by leaders identified as "chairmen" of the criminal enterprise.
guardian.co.tt
· 2025-12-08
Shiva Bissessar, managing director of Pinaka Consulting Ltd., is advocating for public-private partnerships to combat online scams, which disproportionately affect elderly and youth populations. According to FBI data presented at international conferences in 2024, investment fraud caused over $6.5 billion in losses in the U.S., while phishing remains the most frequently reported crime type, with emerging threats including romance scams and AI-enabled deepfakes. Bissessar noted that Trinidad and Tobago lacks adequate data collection and classification systems to measure the true prevalence of these crimes locally, and calls for stronger coordination between authorities and social media platforms to address online harms.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin issued a warning about romance scams, which are among the most frequently reported scams to their office. Scammers initiate contact via social media (Facebook/Instagram), move conversations to private messaging apps, quickly build romantic relationships through "love bombing," and request money from victims they've never met in person, often using AI-generated fake photos to appear legitimate. The article advises people to be cautious of online relationships and never send money to people they haven't met face-to-face.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin issued a warning about romance scams, one of the most frequently reported scam types in the area. Scammers initiate contact via social media (Facebook or Instagram), move conversations to private messaging apps, quickly build romantic relationships through love-bombing, and request money from victims who have never met them in person, often using AI-generated fake photos to appear legitimate.
cutoday.info
· 2025-12-08
Reports of high-value impersonation scams targeting adults 60 and over have surged dramatically since 2020, with losses exceeding $100,000 increasing eight-fold from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024, according to FTC analysis. Scammers impersonating government agencies, banks, or tech companies (including fake FTC agents) trick victims into transferring money by claiming urgent security threats or suspicious account activity, when the funds are actually stolen. The three primary deception tactics involve falsely claiming someone is using the victim's accounts, that their personal information is being used for crimes, or that their computer has security problems.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Steve Wozniak became a victim of a cryptocurrency scam when fraudsters used deepfake videos of him on YouTube to solicit bitcoin, claiming they would double any amount sent to them. Victims like Jennifer Marion lost significant sums—Marion lost $59,000 in bitcoin with nothing returned—but Wozniak's five-year lawsuit against YouTube has stalled due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields social media platforms from liability for user-posted content. Wozniak argues the law is too broad and enables platforms to ignore fraudulent activity without consequence.
wifr.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau reports a rising trend in pet adoption scams involving fake online listings and AI-generated videos designed to deceive potential pet buyers. These scams are particularly harmful as they exploit people's emotional investment in acquiring a pet while also posing physical safety risks when scammers arrange isolated pickups. The BBB recommends verifying sellers through their database, meeting pets in person or via video before payment, using reverse image searches, comparing breed prices, and considering local shelters as alternatives.
express.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Lloyds Bank warned of a surge in football ticket scams ahead of the Premier League season, reporting over 2,400 fraud cases among its customers in the past two years with losses exceeding £500,000, and estimating at least 12,000 nationwide victims have lost over £2.5 million since the 2023/24 season. The scams, primarily targeting fans aged 25-34, involve fraudsters posting fake ticket listings on social media offering discounted or sold-out game tickets, then disappearing after victims pay via bank transfer without delivering tickets. The UK government joined Lloyds' "Stop! Think Fraud" campaign to advise supporters to purchase
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology, powered by AI, poses a growing fraud threat to financial institutions and individuals, with estimates suggesting potential losses of Rs 70,000 crore in India in 2025. Fraudsters use hyper-realistic synthetic videos and cloned voices to impersonate executives or loved ones to authorize fraudulent transactions, with an average loss of $450,000 per business incident globally in 2024. Financial institutions are implementing advanced AI detection, blockchain-based identity verification, and employee training programs to counter deepfake fraud, as traditional KYC and facial recognition methods have become vulnerable to these sophisticated attacks.
inkl.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors are increasingly targeted through crypto ATM scams using seven common tactics: fake tech support calls, grandparent emergency scams, romance fraud, government impersonation, fake investment schemes, utility bill threats, and QR code tricks. These scams exploit the irreversible nature of cryptocurrency transactions and the emotional vulnerability of older adults through urgency, authority, and personal relationships. The article advises seniors to verify requests independently through official channels, avoid sending cryptocurrency for emergencies or payments, and consult trusted contacts before transferring money.
newskarnataka.com
· 2025-12-08
A retired elderly woman in Mangaluru was defrauded of ₹3.09 crore between January and July 2025 through a "digital arrest" scam, where fraudsters impersonated a postal official and falsely claimed her identity was used to send drugs to China, threatening her with 75 years imprisonment. The victim was coerced into transferring money in multiple instalments under the threat of arrest, with fraudsters maintaining control through intimidation and instructing secrecy. The scam was discovered only when the perpetrators stopped communicating, and police have registered a case under cybercrime laws.
fortbendstar.com
· 2025-12-08
Fort Bend County Libraries hosted an educational program titled "The Truth About Scams" on August 15 at their University Branch Library in Sugar Land, designed to educate seniors and family members about fraud prevention. A panel of experts moderated by senior real-estate specialist Liz McNeel covered common scams targeting seniors, psychological manipulation tactics, red flags in communications, identity protection strategies, and reporting procedures.
mychesco.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission reported that losses to sophisticated impersonation scams among Americans aged 60 and over have skyrocketed eightfold since 2020, with losses exceeding $100,000 rising from $55 million in 2020 to $445 million in 2024. Scammers impersonate banks, government agencies, and tech companies to create false urgency and trick victims into transferring funds, with some older adults losing their entire life savings. The FTC recommends consumers never transfer money based on unsolicited requests, independently verify suspicious calls by hanging up and calling official numbers, and use call-blocking tools to prevent fraudulent contact.
lancs.live
· 2025-12-08
A pet fraud expert lost £500 to a puppy scam where a seller claimed the dog had died and disappeared without providing a refund or puppy. Scammers exploit peak puppy-buying season by posting fake listings with stolen photos, creating artificial urgency, and pressuring buyers into quick payments before they can verify legitimacy.
mundodeportivo.com
· 2025-12-08
A San Diego woman lost her entire savings of $5,700 when a scammer posing as a Wells Fargo representative convinced her to transfer funds to Apple Cash under the pretense of protecting her money. The fraudster claimed to have set up new accounts in her name, but the funds were permanently lost once García discovered the deception and contacted her actual bank. The case highlights key warning signs of phone impersonation scams, including caller ID spoofing, unverified transfers, and urgency tactics, with experts recommending victims hang up and call their bank directly using official numbers to verify caller identity.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin issued a public warning about a prevalent romance scam targeting local residents. The scam operates by having perpetrators initiate contact on social media (Facebook or Instagram), move conversations to private messaging apps, then rapidly build romantic relationships with victims using love-bombing tactics and AI-generated fake profiles before requesting money. Residents are advised to be cautious of online relationships with people they've never met in person and to never send money to strangers online.
govinfosecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
Four Ghanaian nationals were extradited to the United States and charged with stealing over $100 million through romance scams and business email compromise (BEC) attacks targeting U.S. victims and organizations from 2016 to May 2023, with particular focus on vulnerable older men and women. The criminals, operating as part of a "sakawa" criminal organization, used fake identities and forged email accounts to trick victims into sending money or laundering stolen funds through shell company bank accounts in the U.S. before funneling proceeds to West Africa; three defendants have been extradited and face up to 75 years in prison, while one remains at large.
chinadailyasia.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong reported over 50 cyber-romance scams in two weeks, including a "pig-butchering" scheme where a 47-year-old woman lost nearly HK$2 million ($255,000) after being lured into fake investment opportunities by someone she met online. Criminologists advise the public to remain vigilant in online relationships, insist on face-to-face meetings, reject unrealistic investment pitches, and immediately report suspicious activity, noting that scammers exploit loneliness by posing as educated professionals and gradually escalating financial requests.
chinadailyasia.com
· 2025-12-08
Hong Kong police received over 50 reports of online romance scams in two weeks with losses exceeding HK$16 million ($2.04 million). A 47-year-old woman lost nearly HK$2 million after being romantically manipulated by a scammer posing as a U.S. gold investor; she transferred her life savings and borrowed additional funds converted to cryptocurrency at his request before discovering the fraud. Police advised victims to insist on meeting contacts in person, maintain skepticism toward investment offers, and use the Scameter tool to assess fraud risks.
dos.ny.gov
· 2025-12-08
The New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection issued scam prevention guidance for college students as the academic year begins, highlighting six common threats: fake scholarship and loan schemes (which often guarantee pre-approvals), unpaid tuition phone scams, fraudulent job/internship offers requesting personal information, counterfeit textbook websites, rental property scams, and fake social media stores selling discounted products. The advisory warns students to verify information directly with official sources, avoid upfront fees, research sellers carefully, and protect personal information like Social Security numbers during financial transactions.
southbendtribune.com
· 2025-12-08
College students are frequently targeted by scammers offering fake credit cards, apartments, employment opportunities, and scholarships, often exploiting their inexperience with major financial decisions. To protect themselves, students should verify offers through reputable sources, research companies and landlords, avoid upfront fees for jobs or scholarships, and report suspicious activity to the Better Business Bureau. Common scams include rental fraud, phony employment offers requiring payment, tech support cons, fake online stores, and scholarship schemes disguised as legitimate financial aid opportunities.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
In the first half of 2025, WhatsApp removed 6.8 million accounts linked to global scam networks, including operations run by criminal groups and forced labor camps in Southeast Asia. Scammers increasingly use multiple platforms (text, dating apps, WhatsApp, Telegram, crypto exchanges) to execute schemes, with a recent operation using ChatGPT to generate fake job offers that ultimately solicited cryptocurrency deposits. WhatsApp is countering these threats with new safety features including group safety overviews for unknown contacts and alerts for messages from non-contacts, while experts recommend a three-step prevention approach: pause before responding to unknown contacts, question suspicious requests for money or personal
bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Following the FCA's announcement of a forthcoming car finance compensation scheme, scammers have begun calling motorists and impersonating lenders to offer fake compensation in exchange for personal details. The FCA warned the public that no compensation scheme is currently in place and urged recipients of such calls to hang up immediately and not share any information, as the FCA never requests bank PINs or passwords.
wyff4.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP South Carolina promotes fraud prevention awareness, particularly targeting seniors who are frequently victimized by scammers seeking financial information. The article highlights that 40% of reported scams are credit-related, with common tactics including phishing and spoofing emails that impersonate legitimate businesses like Amazon or financial institutions. Red flags to identify scams include unofficial email addresses, grammatical errors, and requests for immediate sensitive information.
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pew Research Center survey of over 9,000 U.S. adults found that approximately 73% have experienced at least one online scam or attack, with 32% reporting victimization within the past year and 24% tricked into sharing personal information. The most common scams include credit card fraud, online shopping fraud, and ransomware attacks, with newer tactics involving unsolicited calendar invites and multi-factor authentication exploits that direct users to phishing pages or malicious downloads. Cybersecurity experts recommend disabling automatic calendar updates, verifying suspicious invitations directly with trusted contacts, and remaining vigilant against phishing attempts.
algona.com
· 2025-12-08
Iowa seniors face a significant threat from scam calls, with 85% of landline calls now classified as spam or unwanted, targeting the approximately 500,000 seniors in the state who rely on landlines. According to the FBI's 2022 Elder Fraud Report, 557 seniors over 60 in Iowa lost an average of $500 or more to scams, totaling over $12 million in losses statewide. The author calls for state and local authorities to develop comprehensive educational programs and anti-fraud resources to protect vulnerable seniors from increasingly sophisticated schemes.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article:** AInvest Newsletter - Elder Fraud and Financial Literacy Crisis
U.S. seniors aged 55+ lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 as financial literacy declined to 49.2% and cognitive impairment rates spiked, with 62.3% of older adults in federally qualified health centers exhibiting undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment. Global elder fraud losses exceed $36 billion annually, creating systemic risks to retirement security and healthcare systems, while simultaneously spurring a $10 trillion longevity market focused on AI-driven financial platforms, annuities, and cognitive intervention tools to mitigate
bankingjournal.aba.com
· 2025-12-08
From 2020 to 2024, the Federal Trade Commission reported a dramatic surge in impersonation scams targeting retirees, with reports of losses exceeding $10,000 increasing fourfold and losses over $100,000 rising sevenfold. Scammers posed as banks, government agencies, and even the FTC itself, using fake fraud alerts and Social Security warnings to trick victims into transferring funds to Bitcoin ATMs or giving cash to couriers. The FTC advises consumers to never send money in response to unsolicited contacts, to hang up and independently verify alerts, and to use call-blocking options.
nature.com
· 2025-12-08
This research study compared video-based versus text-based anti-fraud educational materials for older adults aged 60 and above, finding that video interventions significantly outperformed text-only materials in improving comprehension, emotional engagement, and fraud prevention intentions. Text-based materials provided more detailed information but generated lower emotional engagement, while the study validated a combined multimodal approach integrating both formats to better address older adults' cognitive and emotional needs in protecting themselves against sophisticated fraud schemes.