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A 75-year-old woman lost over $300,000 in a fake U.S. Marshal fraud scheme where a scammer posing as "U.S. Marshal Adam Peterson" falsely claimed she had a federal arrest warrant and convinced her to liquidate her assets and convert them into gold. The suspect, 21-year-old Mohit Mohit, was arrested in Bradford County, Florida, and faces charges including scheme to defraud and grand theft targeting a senior citizen. The scheme began with a fake Walmart fraud department call about an unauthorized Apple laptop purchase, which was used to establish false credibility before escalating to the federal impersonation scam.

Sen. Ashley Moody introduced the SWIPES Act to combat gift card fraud targeting seniors through physical tampering and online schemes, which involves scammers stealing cards, recording redemption details, and draining balances remotely, or using fake websites and phone impersonation to trick victims. The legislation strengthens federal penalties for gift card theft, adds automatic two-year prison sentences for crimes against people 60 and older, and closes legal loopholes, with recent cases involving losses ranging from $20,000 to $11 million. Recent Florida prosecutions include a South Florida grocery store gift card ring and an individual caught with over 6,100 unauthorized cards valued at $1.9 million.

A 67-year-old Florida man lost nearly $700,000 in a romance scam that began with an unsolicited text message from someone claiming to be "Aileen," who gradually built trust over thousands of messages before pitching fake investment opportunities in gold markets. The victim sold his inherited house, car, and business while making multiple deposits into the fraudulent investment scheme, only to have all contact cease once the scammer disappeared with the funds. Now at retirement age, Geissler is rebuilding his life from scratch, currently living in a hotel and using a bicycle for transportation.

A 67-year-old retired Florida man lost $700,000 in a "pig butchering" scam in which a fraudster posing as a woman named "Aileen" built his trust over time and gradually convinced him to invest in fake gold market opportunities using cryptocurrency. The scammer convinced Geissler to liquidate his inherited home and vehicle before disappearing with his money, leaving him living in a hotel. The FDIC warns that this type of confidence scam targets victims by slowly increasing investment requests in cryptocurrency under the guise of legitimate opportunities.

A North Carolina mother's personal information and image were used without her consent in a Florida extortion case, highlighting the growing threat of romance scams that have cost North Carolinians millions of dollars. Scammers are exploiting stolen personal information and photos to fraudulently establish fake identities for extortion purposes. The case demonstrates how victims can have their identities compromised and used to target others in romance-based fraud schemes.

A North Carolina woman's social media identity was stolen and used by Beverley Bejarano to conduct an online romance scam in Florida, where Bejarano allegedly extorted at least one victim out of multiple payments totaling at least $2,000 using a fake "Keisl Mary" profile. Bejarano, who was residing in Oregon, was extradited to Florida and now faces felony extortion and fraud charges for the scheme that operated between February and April 2025.

Financial scams targeting older adults are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters using AI-generated voice calls to exploit vulnerabilities like accumulated savings and fixed incomes, particularly as victims experience age-related cognitive changes. According to Florida State University researchers, seniors are especially at risk due to isolation and reduced ability to verify caller authenticity. Experts recommend treating urgent requests for money as a red flag—anyone asked to send funds immediately should pause, slow down, and consult a trusted person before taking action.

Financial scams targeting older adults are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters combining traditional tactics like targeting people on fixed incomes with new technology such as AI-generated voice calls, according to researchers at Florida State University. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because they have accumulated wealth, rely on fixed retirement income, and may experience age-related cognitive changes that make them easier targets. Experts emphasize that education is the most critical defense, recommending that people learn to recognize warning signs of fraud and that institutions teach students about elder financial abuse to create a generation of informed advocates.

Scammers are using AI-generated voices to impersonate Florida Power & Light employees and target South Florida customers with fake calls and text messages claiming they qualify for rebates or energy-saving programs. The fraudsters pressure victims to act quickly and share personal or financial information, exploiting the convincing nature of AI voices to make the scams sound legitimate. Customers should be cautious of any urgent calls or texts demanding immediate action—FPL advises that legitimate rebates are found on FPL.com/programs and the company never pressures customers to provide personal information over the phone.

Older adults in South Florida are increasingly targeted by scams—including romance schemes, fake tech support calls, government impersonation, and cryptocurrency fraud—which can devastate those living on fixed incomes where even small losses affect their ability to afford housing, food, and medications. A Palm Beach woman fell victim to a classic romance scam where a fraudster posed as a Hallmark actor to gain her trust and money. Experts recommend that seniors and their families take preventive steps to protect themselves, such as watching for common scam tactics and being cautious about unfamiliar technology and unsolicited contacts.

A Palm Beach woman fell victim to a classic romance scam in which a fraudster posed as a Hallmark actor and eventually separated her from money—a scheme emblematic of the growing threat seniors face across South Florida. Older adults living on fixed incomes are increasingly targeted by various scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, Medicare fraud, and romance schemes, with even small financial losses potentially jeopardizing their ability to afford housing, utilities, medication, and care. Experts recommend that seniors and their families take protective steps such as staying alert to common scam tactics, being cautious with technology, and verifying the identities of people requesting money or personal information.

Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create deepfakes and clone voices to impersonate trusted individuals and steal millions of dollars from victims. The FBI reported nearly $893 million in AI-enabled scam losses in 2025, with criminals targeting people through romance schemes, fake investments, emergency calls, and "grandparent scams" where they impersonate relatives in distress. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected calls or messages requesting money, verify requests through independent contact with known phone numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Florida's Attorney General and Jacksonville Sheriff's Office successfully recovered $710,000 for a victim of a cryptocurrency fraud scheme involving fake work-from-home product review jobs. The scammers convinced the victim to deposit increasing amounts of cryptocurrency under the promise of earning commissions and guaranteed returns, then disappeared after stealing all the funds and claimed the money was stuck in the blockchain. To protect yourself, be wary of work-from-home opportunities that ask for upfront fees, equipment costs, gift cards, or cryptocurrency deposits, and always independently verify any job opportunity directly with the company before proceeding.

A retired surgeon in Naples, Florida lost over $700,000 after scammers impersonating his bank convinced him his accounts were being fraudulently accessed and instructed him to convert his savings into gold and hand it to a courier. Consumer experts warn that legitimate banks, law enforcement, and financial advisors will never ask you to transfer money, buy gold, or purchase cryptocurrency for "safekeeping"—any such request is a scam. If you receive unsolicited fraud alerts, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on your official statement rather than any number provided in the alert.

Alachua County law enforcement and Florida Elder Options held a press conference warning residents about rapidly evolving scams—including jury duty, arrest warrant, unpaid toll, and romance scams—that are expected to increase 25% locally over the next year. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to create urgency and isolate victims through extended phone calls or threats, often demanding payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Authorities urged residents to simply hang up on suspected scammers, report attempts to police, and not feel ashamed if victimized, as every report helps law enforcement identify and stop criminal networks.

Scammers are targeting people across the country—especially in Florida—with fake job offers via text and messaging apps, promising remote work but ultimately pressuring victims to pay upfront fees to "receive" earnings they supposedly earned. One woman lost over $14,600 by transferring college and bank loans after building what she thought was a friendship with a recruiter online. The FTC reports that job offer text scams ranked third among all fraud complaints last year with over 411,000 attempts resulting in $76 million in losses, so if you receive unsolicited job offers by text, the Federal Trade Commission advises you to simply ignore and delete them.

Federal lawmakers, led by U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, are backing the Stop Scams Against Seniors Act to combat the growing threat of financial fraud targeting older Americans in Florida and beyond. The bill would establish Elder Justice Task Forces that unite local, state, and federal law enforcement to investigate scams, coordinate prosecutions, and build stronger cases against scammers as fraud schemes become increasingly sophisticated. Seniors should remain vigilant about unsolicited calls, texts, and requests for personal financial information, and report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.

Two Florida residents, Marie Tarah Carenan and Ronald Pack, are accused of operating unlicensed assisted living facilities where five patients died and vulnerable elderly residents were allegedly subjected to physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation including tasering, pepper-spraying, and mismanaged medical care. The couple faces multiple charges including elder abuse, fraud, and welfare fraud, and a judge ordered them held in jail pending trial. For protection, families should verify that any assisted living facility is properly licensed, staffed with qualified medical professionals, and conduct regular unannounced visits to check on elderly relatives in care.

This news update covers several Florida state issues including a Supreme Court ruling on temporary protected status for Haitian immigrants (prompting local pastors to urge political leaders to support protective legislation), details about Florida's back-to-school sales tax holiday running from July 20 through August 20 with tax breaks on computers, school supplies, and clothing, and federal approval of a pilot aquaculture project to raise red drum fish off the coast of Sarasota County. The article does not contain information about fraud or scams.

Four Florida residents were arrested and extradited to Nevada after posing as federal agents and bank fraud investigators to defraud elderly Nevada residents out of substantial cash and valuables in May 2025. The scammers contacted victims by phone, threatened arrest, and then traveled to their homes to collect money and items, with the investigation revealing numerous additional victims across Nevada and the country. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be federal agents or law enforcement, verify caller identities through official channels before providing information or money, and report suspicious activity to local authorities.

A Florida homeowner returned home to discover her driveway had been completely torn up by a contractor who was hired by someone posing as a real estate company representative using a fraudulent $15,000 check. Police traced the scam to internet addresses in Nigeria and believe the contractor—not the homeowner—was the actual target, as the scammer intended to defraud the contractor rather than damage the property. To protect yourself, verify all home improvement work through direct communication with legitimate companies, never allow work to begin without proper permits, and be cautious of third-party representatives claiming to hire contractors on your behalf.

A 79-year-old Florida woman lost over $200,000 to scammers posing as federal agents in a cryptocurrency fraud scheme, but authorities caught them when the criminals called back during a police investigation, leading to an undercover sting that ultimately exposed a $3.5 million scam affecting at least 40 elderly victims across the state. The perpetrator, Xin Liu, posed as an FBI investigator and collected cash in person from victims; she was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Older Americans should be especially vigilant about unsolicited calls pressuring them to make immediate payments in untraceable forms like crypto, cash, or gift cards, and can verify claims by independently contacting official agencies rather than using numbers from the caller.

A 79-year-old Florida woman lost over $200,000 in a cryptocurrency scam orchestrated by a woman posing as an FBI agent who collected cash from at least 40 elderly victims statewide, ultimately defrauding them of more than $3.5 million. Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, with those 60 and older reporting over $7.7 billion in losses in 2025 alone. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent calls pressuring immediate payment, never send money via untraceable methods like crypto or gift cards, and verify caller identity by hanging up and calling official agencies directly rather than using numbers provided by the caller.

Florida's Department of Elder Affairs is warning seniors about air conditioning repair scams, where dishonest contractors exploit the urgency of summer heat to pressure older adults into unnecessary repairs, expensive replacements, or confusing contracts. The scammers use high-pressure tactics to prevent consumers from comparing estimates or seeking second opinions. The agency recommends pausing to verify contractor credentials, getting multiple quotes, and reporting suspicious activity to help protect yourself and other seniors from financial exploitation.

A fraud ring operating across Florida stole over $3.5 million from at least 40 victims, primarily elderly residents, by having scammers pose as government agents and then sending couriers to collect cash from victims' homes. The investigation led to the arrest of Xin Liu and others, with Liu receiving a federal prison sentence of just over two years for her role as a courier collecting money from victims. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls or visits from people claiming to represent government agencies like the FTC, and should verify such claims directly with official government agencies before sending money.

A Florida couple, Marie Tarah Carenan and Ronald Pack, were arrested after a year-long investigation into their unlicensed assisted living facilities that allegedly exploited elderly residents through fraud, neglect, and abuse. The two operated multiple facilities without proper licensing or staffing and now face numerous charges including elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, and welfare fraud. Seniors and their families should verify that any assisted living facility is properly licensed by their state and staffed appropriately, and report suspicious conditions immediately to local authorities.

A sophisticated cryptocurrency scam targeting elderly Floridians resulted in losses exceeding $3.5 million from more than 40 victims, with scammers impersonating government officials (FTC and FBI) and pressuring victims to send cash immediately. A 79-year-old woman lost $200,000, and remarkably, the scammers called her back to arrange another pickup while police detectives were in her home—leading to an undercover sting that arrested multiple couriers involved in the scheme. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies, never send cash or cryptocurrency based on phone pressure, and contact police immediately if you suspect fraud rather than following the caller's instructions.

A 79-year-old Florida resident's decision to record and report a suspicious visitor claiming to represent the FTC helped authorities dismantle a $3.5 million phone scam ring that targeted elderly people across multiple states. The operation used urgent, official-sounding calls and messages—threatening jury duty violations, fake billing alerts, or impersonating federal agents—to pressure victims into withdrawing cash, which couriers like 40-year-old Xin Liu collected in person. Authorities identified over 40 victims in Florida alone, and experts advise being suspicious of unsolicited urgent requests, recording interactions when possible, and contacting law enforcement rather than complying with demands.

A Florida man nearly fell victim to a scam involving fake Microsoft warnings that popped up on his computer, falsely claiming he was involved in illegal activities like child exploitation and gambling to pressure him into calling a fraudulent number. When scammers on the call demanded his bank account information, he hung up and reported it—but his neighbor lost over $2,000 to the same scheme. To protect yourself, ignore pop-up warnings claiming illegal activity on your computer, never call numbers provided in unsolicited messages, and contact Microsoft directly through official channels if you have genuine security concerns.

A Manatee County Sheriff's Office investigation uncovered a statewide elder fraud scheme that targeted more than 40 victims across Florida, resulting in losses exceeding $3.5 million. The scheme began when an elderly resident reported being contacted by a scammer posing as an FTC employee, leading detectives to arrest 40-year-old Xin Liu and two additional suspects connected to a larger fraud network; Liu was convicted and sentenced to 27 months in prison. Elderly residents should be cautious of unsolicited contacts claiming to be from government agencies like the FTC, verify caller identities through official channels, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately.

Seniors nationwide lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with Florida ranking second among states for elder fraud cases, affecting an estimated one in 10 to 14 older adults—and those with dementia face even higher risk. Local authorities and organizations like Elder Options are raising awareness about these scams, which are often perpetrated by family members the victims trusted with their finances, causing both financial and emotional damage. Experts recommend seniors stay vigilant about financial decisions, work with trusted community partners and law enforcement when suspicious activity occurs, and encourage open communication with family members about financial matters.

Manatee County authorities uncovered a major elder fraud ring that stole over $3.5 million from at least 40 victims across Florida, with scammers posing as government officials to trick seniors into sending money. One courier, Xin Liu, was sentenced to over two years in federal prison after being caught collecting cash from victims at multiple locations. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or visits from people claiming to represent government agencies, never send money to unknown parties, and contact local authorities if you suspect you're being targeted.

A Florida couple lost nearly $12,000 when they booked airline tickets through a fraudulent third-party travel website for a Caribbean vacation, receiving only 3 of the 14 tickets they paid for in March 2024. After two years of failed refund promises and even encountering a scam attempt when a fake "agent" tried to get them to download an app to verify their identity, they remain out nearly $9,800 with no resolution. To protect yourself, book directly with airlines or use established, verified travel agencies rather than third-party booking websites, and be wary of any requests to download apps or provide sensitive information to verify refunds.

Manatee County detectives uncovered and dismantled an organized elder fraud network that scammed over 40 victims out of $3.5 million across Florida through phone and online schemes. The operation targeted elderly residents with fake emergency messages and impersonations of federal agents, with couriers like 40-year-old Xin Liu collecting cash in person; Liu was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. Residents should be wary of unsolicited calls or messages creating urgency and requesting immediate payment, and should verify requests by contacting official agencies directly.

A Manatee County fraud investigation targeting elderly residents through phone calls and in-person cash collection schemes has resulted in multiple arrests and a 27-month federal prison sentence for suspect Xin Liu, who attempted to collect over $95,000 from more than 40 victims across Florida. The scammers impersonated government officials like FTC representatives to trick seniors into handing over cash, with one victim losing over $200,000 and being targeted repeatedly. Authorities advise elderly residents to be suspicious of unsolicited calls or visitors requesting money, verify identities independently through official channels, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement immediately.

Florida authorities arrested two suspects, Ronald Keith Pack and Marie Carenan, for operating a multiyear fraud and abuse ring targeting elderly and disabled adults across eight unlicensed facilities in Central Florida. The defendants allegedly stole Social Security benefits, confiscated identification and debit cards, denied residents food and medicine, and restricted their movement by locking doors and windows. If you or a loved one is in assisted living, watch for warning signs like restricted access to money, isolation from family, missing medications, or poor living conditions—and report concerns immediately to local law enforcement or Florida's Department of Elder Affairs.

Scammers operating a statewide elder fraud network in Florida targeted at least 40 victims and stole over $3.5 million by impersonating government officials and convincing seniors to withdraw cash for couriers to pick up from their homes. One courier, Xin Liu, was caught after a vigilant victim photographed her and was sentenced to 27 months in prison, though the broader criminal network remains under investigation. To protect yourself: be suspicious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from government agencies like the FTC, never withdraw large sums of cash for unknown people, and contact authorities immediately if someone asks you to transfer money or hand over cash in person.

The FBI has issued a warning about scammers using fake websites and alarming pop-up alerts to defraud people, with one North Fort Myers resident nearly falling victim after receiving fake "Microsoft" warnings claiming illegal activity on his computer and being pressured to provide banking information. Florida residents lost $1.5 billion to online scams last year, with criminals using fear-based tactics—such as claims involving child exploitation—to manipulate victims into paying money or surrendering personal information. To protect yourself, avoid clicking links in unsolicited pop-ups, never call numbers displayed in suspicious alerts, and contact companies directly using verified contact information if you're concerned about account security.

A Chinese national living in Apopka was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for participating in an elder fraud scheme that targeted seniors across Florida through phone calls and electronic messages, attempting to steal over $95,000 from vulnerable victims between July 2025 and July 30, 2025. The scheme caused significant financial hardship to at least one victim in an assisted living community, highlighting a growing problem of foreign nationals orchestrating elder fraud operations in the state. Federal prosecutors urge seniors and their families to be cautious of unsolicited calls and messages requesting money, and to report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.

An elderly Florida couple, Merdine and Fritz James (ages 74 and 87), lost over $141,000, their home, and their car to a scam in which a fraudster posing as a Publishers Clearing House representative convinced them they had won a $4 million prize and needed to pay "taxes" upfront to claim it. The scam devastated their finances and forced Merdine to give up her home-based hospice caregiving job just one year before she planned to retire. To protect yourself: be skeptical of unsolicited prize notifications, remember that legitimate lotteries never require upfront payment, and verify any claims directly with the organization by calling their official number.

A 40-year-old woman living in Florida was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for defrauding elderly residents across the state in a scheme that targeted at least six victims and attempted to steal over $95,000. The woman, who was on an H-1B visa, drove to multiple locations throughout Florida to collect money from seniors, including at least one victim from a Gainesville assisted living facility. Elderly residents should be cautious of unsolicited contact asking for money and verify requests through official channels before sending funds, and family members should regularly check in on elderly relatives to help prevent them from becoming victims of such scams.

A Florida couple in their 70s and 80s lost their home, savings, and car after falling victim to a sweepstakes scam that cost them over $141,000, leaving them homeless in 2025. Senior scams have surged dramatically, with reports of older adults losing $10,000 or more quadrupling since 2020, while law enforcement has provided little assistance and seniors are becoming the fastest-growing homeless population. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls about prize winnings, never pay upfront fees or taxes for legitimate prizes, and verify claims directly with official organizations rather than through caller-provided contact information.

Over 88,000 elderly Americans fall victim to fraud annually, with Florida ranking second nationally for elder fraud cases—costing seniors over $293 million in losses in 2023 alone. One Martin County couple lost their home, car, and life savings totaling $141,000 to a years-long sweepstakes scam, ultimately becoming homeless. To protect yourself or loved ones, be wary of unsolicited contact, urgent demands for payment via gift cards or wire transfers, claims of prize winnings, and any requests that seem too good to be true.

Cryptocurrency fraud has become the leading cybercrime category in America, with victims losing over $11 billion last year, particularly affecting elderly Americans and residents of California, Florida, and Texas through investment scams and fake platforms. FBI Director Kash Patel has warned crypto fraudsters that law enforcement will pursue them across borders by following money trails and leveraging international partnerships, with recent successes including 300 arrests in Dubai and recovery of over $500 million in illicit assets. People should be especially cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities involving cryptocurrency, verify platforms through official channels before depositing funds, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

FBI Director Kash Patel has warned cryptocurrency fraudsters that law enforcement will pursue and prosecute them, as crypto-related scams have become the dominant form of cybercrime in America—with Americans losing over $11 billion to digital asset fraud last year alone, particularly affecting elderly citizens and residents in California, Florida, and Texas. The FBI is intensifying efforts by following money trails and partnering with foreign governments, recently freezing over 3,000 illicit crypto wallets and recovering more than $500 million in stolen assets. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities involving cryptocurrency, verify the legitimacy of platforms before depositing funds, and never send money to unknown parties or click links from unsolicited messages.

Florida residents lose approximately $1 billion annually to scams, with seniors being disproportionately targeted, prompting the Florida Attorney General's Office and Florida Bankers Association to launch a joint awareness campaign in June (Elder Abuse Awareness Month) to educate the public about fraud prevention. The state has been designated the "Fraud Capital of the United States," with scams becoming increasingly sophisticated and coordinated, causing elderly victims to suffer long-term financial and emotional consequences. The campaign encourages residents to recognize red flags, report fraud quickly, and work with banks and law enforcement to stop scams before money is transferred.

Americans lost a record $20.9 billion to cybercrime last year, with cryptocurrency fraud accounting for over half of that—$11 billion—through schemes like fake exchanges, investment scams, and "pig butchering" tactics that exploit victims' pseudonymity on blockchain. Elderly Americans were hit particularly hard, losing nearly a third of the total amount, with California, Texas, and Florida seeing the most crypto-related losses. In response, FBI Director Kash Patel vowed to intensify enforcement efforts, noting the bureau has already frozen over 3,000 illicit crypto wallets and recovered $500 million, with plans to expand these asset-recovery operations.

Florida seniors face growing threats from sophisticated cybercriminals using AI, cryptocurrency, and the dark web to commit identity theft and financial fraud. While Congress considers the CLARITY Act to help law enforcement combat these crimes, the author warns that the bill contains problematic exemptions that would allow certain cryptocurrency intermediaries to avoid the anti-money laundering oversight that traditional banks must follow, potentially making it easier for criminals to hide their tracks. The recommendation is for Congress to strengthen the bill by removing these exemptions and requiring crypto platforms to meet the same transparency and reporting standards as banks in order to better protect vulnerable seniors.

A Dollar Tree manager in Clearwater, Florida, stopped an elderly customer from losing $1,000 in a gift card scam by refusing to sell him a second $500 card after noticing he was on a phone call with someone claiming to be from Publishers Clearing House, who promised him a truck in exchange for the purchases. The manager persuaded the customer to hang up and refunded his first purchase, earning her the police department's Samaritan Award. The key warning sign was the customer's behavior at the register combined with the unlikely promise of a high-value prize—a common red flag for scams targeting older adults, so staying alert and questioning unusual requests can help protect vulnerable people from fraud.

A Dollar Tree manager in Clearwater, Florida, received a police commendation after stopping an elderly customer from losing $1,000 to a gift card scam where a fraudster impersonated Publishers Clearing House and promised a free truck in exchange for gift cards. The manager, Theresa Harmon, noticed red flags when the customer tried to buy multiple cards in quick succession, refused the second sale, and convinced him to hang up on the scammer and refund the first $500 purchase. The incident highlights a common tactic targeting seniors, and authorities recommend being skeptical of unsolicited calls promising prizes in exchange for gift cards.