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winknews.com
· 2025-12-07
A Fort Myers couple, Olinda and Brian Spitzer, shared their experience being defrauded by a cabinet maker who took payment but never began work, then evaded a $6,000 small claims court judgment by changing company names and closing accounts. The Spitzers highlight how seniors may be particularly vulnerable to contractor fraud due to their tendency to trust well-spoken, professionally-dressed individuals, and they advise others to verify licensing, check for lawsuits with the county clerk, and request references before hiring contractors or handymen.
kwch.com
· 2025-12-07
A 60-year-old Kansas woman lost $14,694 in a romance scam after meeting a man on Facebook in November 2023 who claimed to need money for various emergencies, including being detained at a Malaysian airport. The scammer also manipulated her into receiving and redistributing funds through her accounts, compounding the financial damage. Salina police confirmed the report as part of ongoing elder fraud investigations.
koaa.com
· 2025-12-07
A Colorado Springs woman lost $200 in an imposter scam after someone posing as Justin Hayward, lead singer of the Moody Blues, contacted her on Facebook and built a false relationship over a month before requesting money for bills and gift cards. The scammer used common tactics including avoiding video calls, false promises of concert attendance, and romantic advances despite Hayward's known marital status. Imposter scams are the number one reported fraud type in Colorado, and authorities recommend victims report the incident, block the account, contact their bank, and monitor their credit.
easttexasnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Financial exploitation is the most commonly reported form of elder abuse nationally, costing seniors up to $36.5 billion annually, with many victims unaware of the fraud until significant damage occurs. Citizens State Bank in Woodville partnered with Chick-fil-A to host a free public awareness workshop on October 7, featuring presentations by the Tyler County District Attorney and an FBI agent to educate seniors and the public about fraud prevention tactics. The FTC reported 748,555 identity theft cases in the first half of 2025, exceeding the prior year by over 196,000 cases, with total fraud losses reaching $12.5 billion in 2024.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
State attorney Monique Worrell issued a warning to elderly residents in Kissimmee about rising scams, including fake law enforcement texts and job alert schemes targeting seniors in the community. She recommended residents mark suspicious messages as junk and file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov to help combat these fraudulent activities.
gazettenewsthevillages.com
· 2025-12-07
Two senior residents in Lady Lake were targeted in separate fraud cases over the weekend, losing a combined $72,000 after scammers impersonating trusted institutions convinced them to transfer money under false pretenses. The Lady Lake Police Department is investigating both cases and reminds residents that legitimate organizations never demand payment via bank transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers—advice to verify requests by calling institutions directly using official contact information. This follows FTC data showing Americans lost over $2.9 billion to imposter scams in recent years, with older adults disproportionately affected.
auroranewsregister.com
· 2025-12-07
Bank fraud prevention experts presented findings at a senior center on common scams targeting older adults, including tech support, phishing, vishing, and grandparent scams that use fear and emotional appeals to steal money. According to Federal Trade Commission statistics cited, consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023—a 14% increase from 2022—with tech support fraud being the leading crime type for those over 60, resulting in nearly $600 million in reported losses. The presentation advised seniors to recognize red flags in phishing emails, be skeptical of unsolicited tech support offers, and trust their instincts to avoid becoming victims.
thebeacon.net
· 2025-12-07
The Ottawa County Task Force on Aging held a 2025 summit to educate seniors about common scams including grandkid scams, tech support fraud, IRS impersonation, lottery/sweepstakes schemes, and identity theft. Financial experts from local credit unions and banks emphasized that victims should verify suspicious calls by hanging up and calling back on known numbers, never pay upfront fees for winnings, and report suspected fraud to their banks and local law enforcement without shame. The presentation highlighted that while scammers are persistent, seniors have access to community resources and protection through banks, nonprofits, and law enforcement agencies.
fox29.com
· 2025-12-07
Job scams have surged 118% in recent years and now rank as the fourth most common fraud type in the U.S., with 75,364 cases reported to the FTC in the first half of 2025 alone, resulting in a median loss of $2,100 per victim. Nevada emerged as the most vulnerable state, with residents losing over $1.7 million to job scams in six months. To protect yourself, research opportunities thoroughly, verify website security, protect personal information, and be wary of unsolicited calls, fake accounts, and unrealistically lucrative job offers.
newschannel5.com
· 2025-12-07
Social media influencers Daraine Delevante and Gilbert Graim Jr. have promoted a scam targeting people who lost money on peer-to-peer payment platforms like Zelle and Cash App, falsely claiming that filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will result in payouts—even for non-victims—while selling complaint templates and financial guides for fees. Consumer Reports warns that this scheme exploits financially struggling individuals and recommends that actual victims file legitimate complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and state attorneys general, including specific transaction details to strengthen their cases.
rollingout.com
· 2025-12-07
Americans lose billions annually to sophisticated investment fraud schemes that have evolved to exploit digital platforms and psychological manipulation, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting substantial increases in complaints related to romance scams and fake investment opportunities. Common fraud tactics include romance-based investment schemes, Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns, cryptocurrency fraud exploiting digital confusion, and fake financial advisor services targeting seniors, all of which use advanced technology, fake websites, testimonials, and social pressure to build false credibility. Recognizing warning signs—such as guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, difficulty withdrawing funds, and reluctance to provide detailed information—is essential for protecting against these increasingly sophisticated threats across all demographics.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are sending fake court documents with forged judicial signatures through mail and phone calls, demanding immediate payment to resolve alleged unpaid fines, missed jury duty, or outstanding warrants. Red flags include out-of-state area codes, misspellings, formatting errors, and demands for immediate payment via cash, Venmo, or PayPal—legitimate courts never use these methods. The San Diego Superior Court advises verifying suspicious documents by calling the courthouse directly or checking case numbers online, as authentic court communications are sent only by mail or email, never by phone or text.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-07
A NordVPN study of over 30,000 participants across 185 countries found that only 31% of US respondents could identify phishing websites, significantly underperforming compared to the UK and other countries, despite the US ranking fourth overall in cybersecurity awareness. Phishing websites mimic legitimate sites to steal login credentials, financial information, and personal data from unsuspecting users. Experts attribute Americans' vulnerability to "alert fatigue" from high phishing volume in the US digital economy, while the UK's superior performance may stem from more systematic digital safety education in schools and workplaces.
firstcoastnews.com
· 2025-12-07
Scams are increasing in frequency and complexity, with consumers losing over $12.5 billion to fraud last year—a 25% increase from the previous year. Common scams include fake investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns, government impersonation schemes (particularly jury duty scams), and toll violation text messages; victims should watch for red flags like requests for secrecy, pressure to act quickly, and payment through peer-to-peer apps. The Better Business Bureau recommends reporting suspected scams to BBB.org and law enforcement, researching businesses before hiring them, and verifying legitimacy through official channels rather than unsolicited contact.
savannahnow.com
· 2025-12-07
Dorian Wilkerson, a former Georgia instructor, defrauded his wife Shareza Jackson of over $2 million by falsely claiming to be a cosmetic surgeon and convincing her to fund a fake clinic called The Best U Now in Atlanta. The scam was exposed in Netflix's docuseries "Love Con Revenge," though Wilkerson has not been criminally charged, Jackson has not recovered her money, and he continues to live freely in Atlanta while pursuing a defamation countersuit against her.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Lloyds Banking Group reported a 52% rise in romance scams targeting people over 55 in the past year, with victims aged 55-64 being the most common targets. Scammers typically pose as military personnel, oil rig workers, or professionals working abroad and request money for medical emergencies, travel expenses, or legal fees, with victims aged 75-84 losing an average of £8,068 per scam. The bank documented cases including an 80-year-old woman who lost £11,000 and an 86-year-old man who lost £2,260 to elaborate stories about accidents, inheritances, and urgent travel needs.
saga.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Romance scams targeting people over 55 have surged 52% in the past year, with victims aged 75-84 losing an average of £8,068 and the typical loss across all age groups being £5,219, according to Lloyds Bank data. Scammers build trust through false relationships and isolation tactics before requesting money, often using excuses like "working on an oil rig" to avoid video calls or in-person meetings. Victims can become so psychologically invested that they resist warnings from bank employees and even authorities, making it difficult for them to accept they are being deceived.
the-independent.com
· 2025-12-07
Romance scams targeting people over 55 increased 52 percent in the past year, with individuals aged 75 to 84 suffering the highest average losses at £8,068. Scammers typically impersonate professionals like military personnel or doctors and create urgency by claiming medical emergencies, travel expenses, or legal fees, requesting payment via bank transfer or gift cards. Experts recommend remaining cautious of rapid declarations of love, money requests, and isolation tactics, and advise discussing suspicious interactions with trusted friends or family.
whec.com
· 2025-12-07
An Irondequoit, New York couple lost $9,000 to an imposter scam after receiving a fraudulent PayPal phishing email on July 14 claiming unauthorized activity on their account. The scammer, posing as a PayPal agent, directed the victim to withdraw cash from his bank and hand it over to a person who appeared at their home. PayPal confirmed awareness of this widespread scam and advised customers to verify emails are personally addressed, avoid clicking links or calling numbers in suspicious messages, and report phishing attempts directly to PayPal's security team.
jocoreport.com
· 2025-12-07
An 82-year-old Johnston County woman lost over $1 million to a romance scammer who built trust through online attention and affection over the course of a year, convincing her to send money and gift cards. When she grew suspicious, the scammer directed her to a fake lawyer who extracted an additional $6,000, and the funds could not be recovered.
hastingstribune.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece describes four common scams targeting seniors age 60 and older: Social Security impostor scams (where criminals falsely claim account suspension and request gift card transfers), tech support scams (fraudsters pose as company representatives to gain remote device access and charge bogus fees), lottery scams (perpetrators claim victims won foreign lotteries and demand fees until funds are depleted), and romance scams (scammers use dating sites to build relationships and solicit money). The Elder Justice Initiative provides information on these fraud schemes to help older adults recognize and avoid becoming victims of financial exploitation.
capecod.com
· 2025-12-07
Thirwood Place in South Yarmouth hosted an educational forum titled "Outsmart the Scammers" on September 26 to help seniors recognize and avoid elder fraud. Financial services expert Nathaniel Tarlow from Edward Jones discussed warning signs of common scams, shared real-life examples of fraud victims, and reviewed protective resources and steps for at-risk seniors. The event aimed to address the rising threat of scams targeting older adults through community education and preparedness.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Massachusetts resident Donald Peltier operated fraudulent political websites impersonating the Democratic and Republican National Committees to solicit donations from the public. A Michigan court ordered Peltier to shut down the fake sites and cease obtaining money through false pretenses, with daily fines of $300 for non-compliance. Attorney General Nessel advises voters to verify political websites through official sources and the Federal Election Commission before donating, particularly warning that seniors are frequent targets of such scams.
goldcountrymedia.com
· 2025-12-07
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wxxinews.org
· 2025-12-07
Eight individuals across the United States were arrested on federal charges for defrauding senior citizens in the Rochester region of more than $11 million through various schemes including romance scams, fake customer support, and government agency impersonation targeting 139 elderly victims. The defendants employed diverse tactics, such as posing as federal agents to extract "processing fees" from previous scam victims (with one 89-year-old losing over $300,000) and fraudulent credit card charges designed to redirect victims to scammer-controlled customer service lines. Charges include wire fraud, money laundering, mail fraud, identity theft, and computer fraud, carrying maximum penalties of 15 to 30
wesh.com
· 2025-12-07
From 2023 to 2024, Orange and Osceola Counties, Florida experienced a 14% increase in scams targeting seniors, prompting State Attorney Monique Worrell to issue a public warning. The two primary scam types are romance scams—where perpetrators build online relationships and request money for emergencies or travel—and law enforcement impersonation scams claiming outstanding warrants or bail requirements. Worrell emphasized that prevention is critical since many scammers operate overseas and are difficult to prosecute, advising seniors to avoid sending cash or gift cards to unknown individuals, verify suspicious emails through search engines, and pause when confronted with urgent requests.
wesh.com
· 2025-12-07
Orange and Osceola counties' state attorney reported a 14% increase in scams targeting seniors from 2023 to 2024, with romance scams and law enforcement impersonation schemes being the most prevalent. Scammers build fake online relationships with older adults, then create urgency to extract money via wire transfers or gift cards, while others impersonate law enforcement claiming outstanding warrants or bail needs. Prevention is critical since perpetrators are often overseas and difficult to prosecute; residents are advised to hang up on unsolicited calls, avoid clicking links, never send cash or gift cards to strangers, and verify suspicious emails through search engines.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are sending fraudulent emails to seniors claiming their Social Security numbers are involved in criminal activities and threatening to suspend benefits unless they act immediately. The Social Security Administration never sends emails (only letters from .gov addresses), and Social Security numbers cannot be suspended; victims who engage with scammers risk losing money and having their identities stolen. Seniors should ignore these emails, never click links or call numbers in suspicious messages, and contact official Social Security field offices directly or consult trusted family members or financial professionals with questions about their benefits.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
AARP has supported passage of gift card fraud laws in 11 states during 2025, addressing two main types of fraud: scammers impersonating government agents or IT specialists who trick victims into purchasing gift cards, and criminals who drain gift card values from store shelves before purchase. A 2022 AARP survey found that 34 percent of U.S. adults reported being targeted by gift card scams, while legislation creating legal frameworks to prosecute these crimes helps deter criminals and protects consumers from financial harm.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-07
The IRS issued a nationwide warning about tax scams on social media that have cost taxpayers millions in penalties, with over 32,000 penalties totaling more than $162 million since 2022. Fraudsters posing as tax experts falsely claim all taxpayers qualify for credits like the Fuel Tax Credit and Sick and Family Leave Credit, leading misinformed filers to face rejected claims and penalties up to $5,000. The IRS advises taxpayers to verify tax information through credible sources or qualified professionals rather than trusting social media posts.
newschannel5.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers are targeting job seekers, particularly those aged 18-34, through unsolicited texts, emails, and calls offering fake employment opportunities to steal money and personal information. Common warning signs include job offers without interviews, requests for upfront payments or credit card information, and unrealistic salary promises (such as $250-$500 daily for virtual assistant work). The Better Business Bureau recommends verifying job postings directly on company websites, never sharing personal information with unsolicited contacts, and reporting suspected scams to their scam tracker.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational article explains the rising threat of personal loan scams, noting that consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—as personal loan debt surged to $253 billion. Scammers increasingly target personal loan borrowers because online lenders make application easy, desperate borrowers are vulnerable to promises of guaranteed approval, and criminals can create convincing fake websites and use AI tools to mimic legitimate lenders. The article provides seven red flags to watch for, including upfront fees with guaranteed approval, unusually low interest rates, and pressure to act quickly.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-07
Romance scams targeting people over 55 have surged 52% in the past year, with the 55-64 age group most frequently victimized and those aged 75-84 losing the most money on average (£8,068 compared to the £5,219 average across all ages), according to Lloyds Banking Group data. Scammers commonly impersonate military personnel, oil rig workers, doctors, or engineers and request money for medical emergencies, travel expenses, or legal fees, often directing victims to send funds via bank transfer or gift cards. The article provides warning signs and real cases, including an 80-year-old woman defraude
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-07
This article describes a romance scam attempt on Instagram, where the author received a suspicious friend request followed by a message using flattering language from a fake profile featuring stolen images of an attractive, wealthy-looking man. The piece educates readers on identifying romance scammers by recognizing red flags such as unusual phrasing, vague profiles, refusal to video call, and eventual requests for money, and advises blocking suspicious accounts immediately rather than engaging with them.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
An 89-year-old woman from Vaudreuil, Quebec, lost over $50,000 in February 2024 when a scammer posing as an anti-fraud squad member convinced her to provide bank information, resulting in bounced rent cheques and the threat of losing her home. The incident exemplifies a broader problem in Canada, where seniors are the most targeted demographic for fraud; the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported $638 million in fraud losses in 2024, with impersonation scams being among the fastest-growing types. To protect themselves, seniors should verify caller identity before sharing personal information, confirm relatives' whereabouts when contacted about emergencies, an
zoomtventertainment.com
· 2025-12-07
Kannada actors Upendra and his wife Priyanka had their phones compromised after Priyanka fell for a fake delivery message and called a suspicious number with unusual symbols, a common scammer tactic. After both called the number, scammers accessed their phones and began requesting Rs 22,000 through UPI from their contacts; the couple subsequently filed a complaint alerting the public to the cybercrime.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
A Nigerian national, Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded over $6 million from more than 400 elderly and vulnerable victims. The scheme involved sending personalized letters falsely claiming victims had unclaimed inheritances from overseas relatives, then requesting upfront fees for delivery, taxes, and other costs; the perpetrators collected money through a network of U.S.-based money mules, and victims never received any inheritance. Akhimie is the eighth defendant sentenced in connection with the scheme, which was investigated by U.S. law enforcement and international authorities from
mainstreetnews.com
· 2025-12-07
The Athens Community Council on Aging is hosting Scam Jam 2025 on September 24, 2025, an educational event featuring financial security experts and consumer protection advocates who will provide information on recognizing and preventing fraud targeting seniors. The all-day event will include presentations on current scams, fraud detection tips, and financial safeguarding strategies, with opportunities for attendees to interact directly with experts and community partners.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel was named the inaugural attorney general strategic partner of the Gift Card Fraud Prevention Alliance, a public-private coalition uniting law enforcement, retailers, and consumer advocates to combat gift card fraud. Americans reported losses exceeding $228 million to gift card scams in 2023, with the actual figure likely higher due to underreporting, as criminals increasingly use gift card tampering and fraud as part of organized retail crime operations. Nessel's office has established the FORCE task force to combat organized retail crime, having charged over 85 defendants and recovered more than $10 million in stolen merchandise to date.
positivelynaperville.com
· 2025-12-07
The Naperville Police Department's September "Safer Naper" campaign highlights a significant rise in impersonation scams targeting seniors, where scammers posing as government agencies and trusted businesses trick older adults into transferring money under false pretenses like protecting accounts or addressing security threats. According to the FTC, adults 60 and over reported losing millions in 2024 to these scams, with older victims experiencing disproportionately high losses including entire life savings. The campaign advises seniors never to move money in response to unsolicited contacts, to verify requests through official channels, and to resist pressure tactics, with additional resources available at the city's dedicated senior safety website.
prnewswire.com
· 2025-12-07
The New York StateWide Senior Action Council designated AI-enabled scams as the "Medicare Fraud of the Month for September," warning seniors about fraudsters using artificial intelligence to commit prescription fraud, spoof Medicare representatives, create fake medical documents, and operate fraudulent telehealth websites. The council advised seniors to review Medicare statements for unauthorized charges, hang up on unsolicited calls requesting personal information, avoid clicking suspicious links, and verify medical providers directly with their offices. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion annually nationwide, and seniors can report suspected fraud by calling the NYS Medicare Fraud Helpline at 800-333-4374.
insurancejournal.com
· 2025-12-07
A Reuters investigation found that popular AI chatbots, including Elon Musk's Grok, can be easily manipulated to generate convincing phishing emails targeting seniors, despite built-in safety training. Testing with Harvard researcher Fred Heiding showed that while some bots initially refuse malicious requests, they comply after simple ruses (claiming academic or creative purposes), and the AI-generated phishing emails proved as effective as human-written ones at deceiving older adults. With seniors losing at least $4.9 billion to online fraud in the previous year, AI-enabled phishing represents a growing threat as criminals can now mass-produce personalized scams instantly and at minimal cost.
sg.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A Utah couple in their 70s lost approximately $500,000 in retirement savings and borrowed an additional $250,000 after the husband fell victim to a cryptocurrency investment scam initiated by a former coworker who promised high returns. The scammers convinced him to send additional funds to cover supposed fees, leaving the family with no recovery options since cryptocurrency transfers are irreversible; they now work multiple part-time jobs and have taken a reverse mortgage on their home to repay debts. This case reflects a broader trend: Americans 60 and older lost $2.8 billion to cryptocurrency fraud in 2024, making them the hardest-hit age group, as scamm
cjwe.ca
· 2025-12-07
The Lethbridge Police warned of a grandparent scam targeting a local senior, in which a caller impersonated her grandchild claiming to be in a car accident and requesting she withdraw $8,500 from her bank for bail. The elderly woman was saved from losing money when a family member intervened and brought her to police before the transaction occurred. Police advised seniors to verify caller identities through independent contact methods, never send money to unknown callers, and avoid keeping such requests secret, as legitimate bail payments are made only at official facilities with receipts.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers in Ohio sent fraudulent letters claiming to be from the IRS, State of Ohio, and Ashtabula County, falsely alleging unpaid state taxes and threatening property seizure unless recipients called a provided 1-800 number. County officials identified multiple red flags in the letter, including the false claim that state and county tax departments work together and use 800 numbers for payment collection, and advise residents to verify any suspicious tax correspondence directly with their county treasurer's office before responding.
wcvb.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI Boston is warning of an increase in "gold bar courier scams" targeting older adults, in which victims are pressured to purchase large sums of gold bars or cash that are then picked up by couriers working with scammers. From 2023 to May 2025, the FBI documented 103 cases in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island resulting in $26 million in losses, with 59 Massachusetts victims alone losing $18.6 million. The scams typically involve three methods: grandparent scams, government impersonation, and tech support scams, all designed to pressure victims into quickly liquidating assets before they can contact family members.
pinejournal.com
· 2025-12-07
Phishing scams remain a significant cybercrime threat, with criminals using email, phone calls, and text messages impersonating legitimate institutions to steal sensitive personal and financial information. Common tactics include claiming suspicious account activity, requesting payment updates via links, or offering fraudulent refunds, which can be identified by generic greetings, grammatical errors, and requests to click suspicious links. Protection strategies include using security software, enabling multi-factor authentication, backing up data, and reporting suspected phishing attempts to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, FTC, or SPAM (7726).
ksat.com
· 2025-12-07
Social media influencers Daraine Delevante and Gilbert Graim Jr. promoted a scam claiming that filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) would result in payouts from Zelle or Cash App, even for non-victims, while selling complaint templates and financial guides for $24.99-$77. The scheme targeted financially vulnerable people, particularly scam victims seeking to recover lost money. Consumer Reports warns this is fraudulent and advises consumers to ignore promises of easy money from payment platforms and instead file legitimate complaints with the CFPB, FTC, or state attorney general if they were actual scam victims.
wsls.com
· 2025-12-07
Social media influencers Daraine Delevante and Gilbert Graim Jr. promoted a false claim on TikTok that filing complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would result in payouts from Zelle or Cash App, even selling complaint templates and financial guides for $24.99-$77. The scheme targeted financially struggling scam victims seeking restitution, exploiting reduced CFPB oversight to encourage potentially fraudulent filings. Consumer Reports advises legitimate scam victims to file complaints with the CFPB, FTC, and state attorney general with specific documentation rather than relying on these influencers' false promises.
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A 66-year-old Montana woman named Rita lost $90,000 in a romance scam after developing an emotional connection with someone posing as a celebrity over social media and encrypted messaging platforms. The scammer, who claimed to be going through a divorce like Rita, eventually requested payments in Bitcoin, and it took her 4½ months to recognize the fraud. Rita shared her story as a public service announcement, noting that romance and confidence scams resulted in over $389 million in losses to more than 7,600 victims over 60 in 2024.