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in Scam Awareness
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A 75-year-old South Korean woman nearly lost her life savings of 100 million won (approximately $92,500) to a voice phishing scam in which a fraudster impersonated a Financial Supervisory Service official and convinced her to withdraw funds and convert them to gold. A taxi driver became suspicious after overhearing her phone conversation with the scammer, noticing a male voice despite her claim she was speaking to her daughter, and alerted police who intercepted the vehicle and prevented the handover of the gold.
dailybulldog.com
· 2025-12-07
Maine Credit Unions released a collaborative educational video warning residents—particularly older adults—about rising fraud, featuring experts from the Maine Attorney General's Office, State Police, and other agencies. Recent FTC data shows that reports of adults over 60 losing $10,000 or more to impersonation scams quadrupled between 2020-2024, with many cases going unreported. The video aims to equip Mainers with practical knowledge to identify and prevent scams before they cause financial and emotional harm.
gilmermirror.com
· 2025-12-07
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides resources and tools to help older adults, caregivers, and families protect themselves from fraud and scams. Key resources include the BBB's Older Adult Resources page for recognizing red flags, ScamTracker for reporting and researching scams, credit monitoring through annualcreditreport.com, and the Do-Not-Call Registry to reduce unsolicited communications. The article also highlights warning signs of elder abuse—including unexplained injuries, financial manipulation, isolation, and declining living standards—and encourages families to use these tools to support safe, informed aging.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece highlights the rising threat of sophisticated online scams targeting seniors, noting that FTC data shows reports of victims aged 60+ losing $10,000 or more quadrupled between 2020 and 2024. Scammers use impostor schemes impersonating businesses or government agencies, increasingly leveraging AI-generated deepfakes and voice technology, with a notable 2024 case involving 16 defendants charged in a grandparent scam ring that defrauded victims of over $55 million. The article recommends verification through trusted channels, raising awareness of scam tactics, and implementing cybersecurity tools as key defenses against elder fraud.
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.
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.
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.
mcguirewoods.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers fraudulently use the McGuireWoords law firm name and lawyers' names in phishing emails and texts to solicit banking information and money, including fake "Roundup Lawsuit Claim" solicitations. Recipients should not click links, open attachments, provide personal information, or send money in response to suspicious emails claiming to be from McGuireWoods, and should instead report such messages to government authorities like the FTC.
freep.com
· 2025-12-07
Consumers Energy and utilities across North America are warning Michigan customers about a prevalent scam in which criminals call or email demanding immediate payment under threat of power shutoff, spoofing legitimate utility phone numbers and requesting payment via debit cards, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The scams are so widespread that over 150 utilities have formed a coalition called Utilities United Against Scams, and victims are advised to contact Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050, report to local police, and contact their bank immediately if they used a credit card, though recovery is unlikely for wire transfers or gift card payments.
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).
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.
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.
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-07
Two California men pleaded guilty to a $16.2 million fraud scheme in which they smuggled counterfeit Apple devices from China and returned them to Apple stores across Southern California, fraudulently claiming warranty coverage and receiving genuine replacements that were resold for profit. Shuyi Xing, 35, also admitted to conspiring to launder over $1 million from elder fraud schemes and faces up to 40 years in prison, while co-defendant Yushan Lin, 31, faces up to 20 years; the defendants returned or attempted to return at least 1,584 counterfeit devices using stolen serial numbers from genuine products.
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.
tomshardware.com
· 2025-12-07
An 80-year-old woman in Japan lost approximately $6,700 to a romance scammer who posed as a stranded astronaut, claiming he needed funds for oxygen supplies while trapped in space. After establishing an online relationship beginning in July, the fraudster convinced the victim to send money by fabricating an emergency situation involving his spaceship being under attack. This case exemplifies the broader threat of romance scams, with the FTC reporting that 64,000 Americans lost $1 billion to similar schemes in 2023.
netflixjunkie.com
· 2025-12-07
Cecilie Fjellhøy, a victim of the Tinder Swindler romance scam, partnered with private investigator Brianne Joseph to create Netflix's "Love Con Revenge" docuseries, which explores multiple romance fraud cases and the tactics scammers use, including fake professions, fabricated identities, and phony investment schemes. The six-episode series addresses systemic issues victims face, including law enforcement reluctance and shame, while helping fraud victims reclaim their narratives and pursue justice. Fjellhøy's shift from victim to advocate was motivated by the overwhelming global response she received after The Tinder Swindler documentary, revealing how prevalent
mitrade.com
· 2025-12-07
**Risk Factors and Prevention for Elder Fraud**
Research by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation identifies key risk factors that increase older adults' vulnerability to fraud, including exposure to unsolicited communications, loneliness, financial fragility, and preference for higher-risk investments. The article recommends protective strategies such as blocking unknown contacts, ignoring promises of guaranteed returns, researching sellers and products, combating loneliness through in-person connections, avoiding rushed financial decisions, building financial literacy, and staying informed about current scams through trusted organizations like AARP and the BBB.
taipeitimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Seven suspects were charged with defrauding 35 people through the Line messaging app by posing as cryptocurrency dealers, stealing nearly NT$97.43 million (US$3.18 million). Investment scams in Taiwan increased 21 percent year-over-year, with women aged 50 and older representing the majority of victims, and losses from such schemes comprising the largest share of all fraud-related financial losses. The article calls for strengthened government education campaigns and legislation empowering banks and technology platforms to intervene against fraudulent activity, particularly to protect vulnerable elderly populations.
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.
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.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
A woman in her 80s in Japan lost approximately $6,700 (1 million yen) to a romance scam that began on social media in July 2024, when a con artist posed as an astronaut claiming to be under attack in space and needing money for oxygen. In 2024, over 7,600 people aged 60+ in the United States fell victim to romance and confidence scams, resulting in more than $389 million in losses, with seniors targeted because they tend to be trusting, have financial savings, and may be reluctant to report fraud due to shame.
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.
cbs2iowa.com
· 2025-12-07
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-07
Phishing scams targeting cryptocurrency users cost over $12 million in August 2024, a 72% increase from July, impacting 15,230 victims with one user losing over $3 million, according to Web3 anti-scam service Scam Sniffer. A particularly dangerous variant exploiting EIP-7702 Ethereum signatures drained an additional $5.6 million across three attacks, highlighting the escalating sophistication of crypto fraud schemes that have stolen $163 million in total malicious activity during the month.
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.
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.
toronto.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-07
In 2025, anti-fraud consultant Vanessa Iafolla highlights the often-overlooked emotional and psychological impact of financial fraud on victims, noting that shame, loss of self-worth, and mental health deterioration can be as damaging as the financial losses themselves. With over 17,000 Canadians falling victim to fraud so far that year, totaling $342 million in losses, Iafolla is pursuing counseling therapy certification to provide specialized mental health support to fraud victims and help destigmatize their experiences. She emphasizes that victims often avoid coming forward due to shame and societal judgment, which increases their vulnerability to being scammed again.
ainvest.com
· 2025-12-07
Social Security scams surged 46% in 2024, resulting in $4.885 billion in losses and disproportionately affecting retirees who were pressured through fake government alerts to transfer funds or deposit cash into ATMs or cryptocurrency accounts. The FBI and FTC reported that fraud losses for those aged 60+ skyrocketed from $122 million in 2020 to $700 million in 2024, with significant regional impacts such as $99.8 million in losses in Massachusetts alone. To protect themselves, retirees are advised to adopt strategic diversification, use Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, implement fraud detection technology, maintain social networks, and work with
wthitv.com
· 2025-12-07
The Social Security Administration's acting inspector general opened a review of the agency's call center wait times and service delivery following concerns raised by Senator Elizabeth Warren about performance changes under new Commissioner Frank Bisignano. The review was prompted after the agency removed dozens of performance metrics from its website and amid staffing changes from a Department of Government Efficiency reorganization, including the departure of over 5,500 employees, which sparked fears among the agency's 74 million beneficiaries about service disruptions. The inspector general aims to complete the audit before the end of the calendar year to assess whether wait times have worsened and whether the public is receiving accurate information about Social Security services.
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.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
World Liberty Financial's WLFI token, associated with the Trump family, launched on September 1st and experienced significant volatility, initially reaching $0.46 before plummeting to $0.16 within days amid accusations of being a "scam" from users, analysts, and Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok, with the project freezing 272 wallets including TRON founder Justin Sun's allegedly linked to phishing scams. Despite the controversy and lack of concrete evidence of insider fraud, WLFI has since recovered to trade at $0.238 with a $5.9 billion market cap, though it remains 48.5
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
wthitv.com
· 2025-12-07
Indiana State Police report a surge in fraud cases involving Facebook Marketplace and investment scams, warning the public against sending money via digital payment services or wire transfers to unseen sellers or remote contacts. Authorities recommend verifying sellers through in-person meetings, avoiding remote computer access requests, and refusing to share banking information, noting that spoofed phone numbers and unrealistically low prices are common red flags for scams.
nordicmonitor.com
· 2025-12-07
In 2021, Turkish authorities allegedly facilitated a sophisticated human smuggling scam in which nine Iraqi asylum seekers were flown from Istanbul to Italy aboard a private jet using forged diplomatic passports from Saint Kitts and Nevis, defrauding an aviation company of $43,000 through a fake payment confirmation. The Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office declined to prosecute in August 2022, citing jurisdictional concerns despite evidence of Turkish involvement, while Turkish traffickers continued operating the same scheme—charging $10,000 per migrant—until European law enforcement arrested five suspects in a 2022 international operation that notably made no mention of Turkish authorities' alleged complicity.
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.
paktribune.com
· 2025-12-07
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan arrested six suspects, including a Deputy Director of the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation, for a property fraud scheme involving forged co-ownership records in Rawalpindi that unlawfully added private individuals as beneficiaries and diverted millions from the national treasury. The FIA simultaneously dismissed five of its own employees for negligence and misconduct related to the investigation. The crackdown represents both external arrests of fraudsters and internal accountability measures aimed at addressing corruption in housing allocations and restoring public trust.
patch.com
· 2025-12-07
This is an educational event announcement rather than a news article about a specific scam. **Summary:** The Wayne Senior Center is hosting a free fraud awareness program on September 25, 2025, featuring experts from Pennsylvania's Department of Banking and Securities, District Attorney's Office, and other agencies to educate seniors on identifying and avoiding scams. The event includes interactive elements like Fraud Bingo, snacks, and prizes, with registration recommended through Representative Lisa Borowski's office.
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.
thehansindia.com
· 2025-12-07
A sophisticated dark web-orchestrated IPO investment scam targeting professionals across India defrauded victims by impersonating Axis Bank and Bank of Baroda through WhatsApp and Telegram, using fake investment dashboards and promises of high returns. Police arrested 34-year-old Bobbari Srinivasa Rao in connection with at least 19 cases and Rs 43 lakh in fraud, after a 63-year-old Hyderabad victim lost over Rs 43 lakh to the scheme between July and August 2025. The scam successfully targeted educated professionals including doctors, teachers, and bank managers by presenting fabricated profit statements and press
marketing-interactive.com
· 2025-12-07
Hang Seng Bank launched a public awareness campaign from September to December featuring four Hong Kong actors known for villain roles who formed the "Hang Seng Anti-Fraud Band" to promote fraud prevention through a reimagined Cantonese song and music video highlighting common scams including phishing, investment fraud, online shopping scams, and virtual romance scams. The bank's integrated campaign included live performances, a traveling educational bus, and social media content, supported by technology measures that detected over 1,200 fraud cases in the first half of the year and protected approximately HK$200 million in customer funds.
blavity.com
· 2025-12-07
**Love Con Revenge** is a Netflix docuseries that premiered September 5, 2025, following Cecilie Fjellhøy, a romance scam victim who lost $250,000 to Tinder scammer Shimon Hayut (who defrauded approximately $10 million total from multiple victims). Fjellhøy partners with private investigator Brianne Joseph to expose real-world romance scams, help victims recover emotionally and financially, and advocate for changing the cultural stigma around fraud victims who have had money stolen rather than "given away."
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-07
A 56-year-old Florida man, Cory Woodall, was arrested for organized fraud and grand theft after spending $30,000 from a romance scam victim, 70-year-old Carol West, who lost a total of $60,000 over six weeks to scammers impersonating a retired Army general on Facebook. Woodall admitted to spending the stolen money on a 2023 Hyundai Kona and other purchases, claiming he intended to "scam the scammer," though he denied being the person chatting with West online. According to the FTC, Florida residents reported nearly 3,400 romance scams last year, resulting in
plumassun.org
· 2025-12-07
The American Bankers Association Foundation and FBI released an educational infographic to help consumers recognize and avoid deepfake scams, which use AI-generated media to impersonate trusted individuals and pressure victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information. Since 2020, over 4.2 million fraud reports have been filed resulting in more than $50.5 billion in losses, with deepfake scams representing a growing portion of this fraud. The infographic provides practical guidance on identifying red flags (such as distorted facial features and audio-video mismatches) and protective measures including verifying identities through trusted sources and creating codewords with loved ones.
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.
oag.dc.gov
· 2025-12-07
The DC Attorney General sued Athena Bitcoin, Inc., one of the largest Bitcoin ATM operators in the U.S., for charging undisclosed fees (up to 26%) on deposits and failing to implement adequate anti-fraud safeguards while maintaining a strict no-refund policy for scam victims. According to the investigation, 93% of Athena BTM deposits in DC were scam-related, with victims having a median age of 71 and median loss of $8,000 per transaction (one victim lost $98,000 across 19 transactions). The lawsuit alleges Athena knowingly facilitates fraud, illegally profits from hidden fees, and violates
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.
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.
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.
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
americanbanker.com
· 2025-12-07
Illinois passed a new law in 2024 allowing credit unions to contact a client's "trusted contact" (typically a family member) when fraud is suspected, enabling faster intervention in time-sensitive scams that cost American seniors $4.9 billion that year. While this approach can effectively stop scams more quickly than traditional legal channels, experts caution that banks must carefully request trusted contact information to avoid offending customers and must be aware that scammers are sometimes family members themselves. Financial institutions are advised to frame the conversation around sophisticated scamming tactics rather than the customer's vulnerability, and to establish trusted contact lists before fraud occurs.