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in Government Impersonation
latimes.com
· 2025-12-08
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating whether banks offering Zelle are adequately protecting customers from scams, with JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo disclosing they've been contacted by the regulator. Zelle, which processed $806 billion across 2.9 billion transactions in 2023, is vulnerable to fraud because payments cannot be reversed once sent; while scams represent a small percentage of transactions (0.05% in 2023), the massive transaction volume means hundreds of millions of dollars and tens of thousands of users are affected, and banks currently refuse to reimburse victims who authorize payments to scammers.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial experts identify seven prevalent money scams targeting Gen Z, including phishing schemes, fake job offers, scholarship scams, online marketplace fraud, student loan forgiveness scams, and "get rich quick" investment schemes. Gen Z faces particular vulnerability due to their digital integration and inexperience with financial matters. Experts recommend verifying legitimacy of offers, avoiding unsolicited links, researching opportunities thoroughly, consulting certified financial advisors, and using strong passwords to protect against fraud.
wired.com
· 2025-12-08
A security researcher discovered a massive smishing campaign impersonating the USPS to steal credit card information, tracking down a Chinese-language group operating 1,133 fraudulent domains that collected 438,669 unique credit cards and over 1.2 million pieces of personal information from U.S. victims. The researcher hacked into the scammers' systems, gathered evidence, and provided victim data to USPS investigators and banks to prevent fraudulent charges, though he estimates the actual scale of the operation is significantly larger as the same group has conducted similar scams in multiple countries. The campaign demonstrates the widespread nature of smishing fraud, with some fraudulent websites collecting thousands of victims' personal details
commercialappeal.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers create fake passport renewal websites that mimic official government sites to trick consumers into paying fees for free services or stealing personal information. The Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission warn consumers to verify they're using the official government website (Travel.State.Gov ending in .gov), avoid paying fees for passport forms or appointments, and be suspicious of requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. One senior citizen lost $89 after unknowingly submitting personal information to a fraudulent site that provided no actual service.
reviewjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration legitimately notified recipients that accounts created before September 18, 2021 must migrate to Login.gov for continued access to online services. However, scammers may send fraudulent emails mimicking this notification with fake websites designed to steal personal information, so seniors should verify they're on the official ssa.gov or ssa.gov/myaccount before updating their accounts, and report suspicious emails to the SSA's fraud hotline at 800-269-0271.
waff.com
· 2025-12-08
The Senior Fraud and Scam Summit in Huntsville, Alabama brought together experts from the Better Business Bureau and local police to educate seniors on protecting themselves from fraud and identity theft, following a 14 percent nationwide increase in elder fraud reports during 2023. Speakers emphasized that victims should immediately report scams to police and local authorities rather than remaining silent, as doing so helps prevent fraudsters from targeting additional seniors. The summit provided resources and practical tips designed to help older adults safeguard their finances and identities.
journalrecord.com
· 2025-12-08
Fake tax scams impersonating IRS and other government agencies increasingly target older adults by using caller ID manipulation and creating false urgency to pressure victims into providing personal information or making payments via gift cards or wire transfers. Legitimate tax authorities initiate contact by mail, not phone or email, and victims can verify claims by calling the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040 or reporting scams to the Treasury Inspector General at (800) 366-4484. Those who have fallen victim to elder fraud can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) 372-8311.
grundycountyherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder scams exploited advancing technology in 2023, with banks reporting over $27 billion in suspicious activity and FBI reports indicating average losses exceeding $33,000 per case. Common scams targeting seniors employ two main tactics: creating urgency (tech support, government imposter, grandparent scams) or offering too-good-to-be-true opportunities (investment, romance, lottery scams). Experts recommend pausing when rushed, verifying identities through alternative contact channels, and consulting trusted contacts before making financial or romantic commitments to prevent fraud.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A financial planner identifies four prevalent scams targeting baby boomers: government impersonation scams (which increased 32% last year), voice impersonation scams using AI technology to impersonate family members, phantom hacker scams where fraudsters pose as tech support to gain computer access and steal funds, and email phishing scams that have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. The FBI reported a 14% increase in complaints and 11% increase in losses from those over 60 in 2023, with boomers particularly vulnerable due to less digital experience and reliance on retirement income that may be targeted by scammers.
knoxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with recent examples including attacks exploiting Microsoft365's "First Contact Safety Tip" feature through CSS manipulation and fake Amazon verification links embedded in Google Drawings graphics that steal personal information. These scams trick users into revealing passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive data by impersonating legitimate companies. Victims should verify breach alerts, contact financial institutions to freeze accounts, place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, monitor statements, and change all passwords immediately.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Article Title:** Scott Hermann on AI-Powered Scams
This educational piece identifies the top AI-enabled scams targeting consumers, including deepfakes (AI-generated videos and images impersonating real people) and AI-generated voice phishing (realistic synthetic voices used in fraudulent calls). The article provides protective measures such as verifying unsolicited video calls through trusted channels, approaching shocking online content with skepticism, and being cautious of urgent messages demanding money or personal information.
vpd.ca
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver Police warned the Chinese community about three scams that defrauded victims of nearly $6 million since January of that year, with 26 reported cases under investigation. The scams included impersonation of Chinese police officers demanding payment to Hong Kong banks, "blessing scams" targeting elderly victims through spiritual manipulation to extract cash and jewelry, and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that escalate into romance or investment schemes. Police urged community members to alert vulnerable family and friends and report suspected fraud to the VPD non-emergency line.
vancouversun.com
· 2025-12-08
Vancouver police are investigating 26 reports of three distinct scams targeting the Chinese Canadian community, resulting in nearly $6 million in losses since January. The scams include: impersonation of Chinese police officers demanding payment to Hong Kong to resolve fake legal troubles, "blessing scams" preying on elderly victims' spiritual beliefs through threats of misfortune unless they surrender cash or jewelry, and fake job postings in traditional Chinese that escalate into romance or investment schemes. Police urge community members to warn vulnerable friends and family and report suspected scam contact to Vancouver police.
abc12.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Davison, Michigan man lost nearly $130,000 in a sweepstakes scam that exploited his long-term relationship with Publishers Clearing House. Scammers contacted him claiming he had won $2.5 million and instructed him to wire over $58,000 to cover processing fees, then continued demanding additional payments and fraudulently obtained a loan against his checking account when funds ran low. The victim's family is warning others about the scheme and notes that similar issues persist despite the FTC's 2023 settlement requiring Publishers Clearing House to pay $18.5 million to defrauded consumers.
dailyhodl.com
· 2025-12-08
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is investigating JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and other major banks over their handling of fraud and scams on the Zelle instant payments platform. A Senate subcommittee found that these three banks reimbursed victims only 38% of the time in 2023 (down from 62% in 2019) and collectively refused to reimburse $880 million in disputed transactions between 2021-2023, though Zelle began requiring selective reimbursements in certain scam scenarios over the summer.
mypunepulse.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old senior citizen in Kothrud, Pune lost ₹10 lakhs after scammers impersonating Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited officials sent him a message about an overdue gas bill and convinced him to download a malicious APK file that gave them access to his bank account. Authorities have advised citizens to verify the authenticity of unsolicited messages and phone numbers, and to never download unknown files or share personal information with unverified sources.
etvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece advising seniors on a legitimate Social Security Administration email notifying users to migrate old "my Social Security" accounts created before September 18, 2021 to new Login.gov accounts for improved security and simpler access. The article warns readers to verify they are visiting the official SSA website (ssa.gov) rather than fraudulent scam sites mimicking the legitimate portal, and provides the SSA's fraud hotline (800-269-0271) for reporting suspicious emails or links.
straitstimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 21-year-old national serviceman's suicide in 2021 after losing $10,000 to a scam prompted Singapore's Government Technology Agency (GovTech) to intensify anti-scam efforts. GovTech's Scam Analytics and Tactical Intervention System (Satis) has taken down over 42,000 scam websites since July 2023, including fraudulent sites impersonating government agencies, banks, and concert ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, which victimized at least 2,000 people of $1 million from January to May alone. GovTech warns that scammers increasingly use artificial intelligence an
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
**Power Bill Scam Alert:** A Nova Scotia resident was targeted by scammers operating a fake utility payment line that appeared as a sponsored search result, where the fraudster obtained his personal billing information and credit card details before the bank blocked the transaction. Nova Scotia Power reports an increasing number of similar scams using sophisticated tactics that operate briefly to evade detection.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
Election officials across multiple states warned about voter registration scams ahead of the 2024 presidential election, where scammers posed as get-out-the-vote groups via text messages and other communications to trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing personal information like Social Security numbers. Voter registration fraud is one of the three most common election-cycle scams, and officials recommend verifying communications directly with local election officials and reporting suspicious contacts to the FTC. No specific dollar amounts or victim counts were reported in the warnings.
jamaicaobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, business imposter scams, and internet/email fraud are common schemes targeting older adults. Romance scammers exploit loneliness through fake online profiles to extract money for purported travel or emergencies, while business imposters use caller ID spoofing to pose as legitimate companies or charities to steal personal information and funds. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to internet scams, phishing emails, and fake anti-virus pop-ups due to lower technology adoption rates and unfamiliarity with online security features.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, sophisticated social engineering tactics and organized criminal syndicates continue to exploit human emotions and trust, particularly targeting Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Investment scams alone resulted in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though reporting remains low at 3,818 cases, suggesting significant underreporting. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, contact their bank immediately if funds are sent, and report incidents to increase awareness, noting that ANZ's fraud controls prevented over $100 million in losses during the year to March 2024.
bluenotes.anz.com
· 2025-12-08
Despite 94% of Australians surveyed feeling confident they could spot a scam, this article emphasizes that sophisticated scammers exploit human emotions and psychology, with particular targeting of Australians over 55 with substantial savings. Key scam types include romance, investment, and impersonation schemes, with investment scams alone resulting in approximately $79 million in losses in 2024, though under-reporting suggests actual numbers are higher. The article advises victims to pause before acting on urgent requests, immediately contact their bank if money has been sent, and report incidents to help raise awareness and prevent future fraud.
nextgov.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched VSAFE.gov, a new website and call center platform designed to help veterans and their families identify, avoid, and report scams targeting benefits, identity theft, and education fraud. The initiative was spurred by a surge in predatory schemes targeting veterans following the 2022 PACT Act expansion of benefits and healthcare services, with lawmakers pressing the VA to strengthen its anti-fraud protections. The platform consolidates resources from multiple federal agencies including the FTC, FCC, and Social Security Administration to provide veterans with fraud prevention tools and reporting assistance.
nbcwashington.com
· 2025-12-08
Gold bar scams targeting seniors in the D.C. area have resulted in millions of dollars in losses, with scammers impersonating law enforcement officers and convincing victims to convert cash into gold bars for purported "safekeeping." Montgomery County alone has identified approximately 20 victims aged 61-94, with individual losses reaching $2.3 million, and the FBI has received over 250 complaints nationwide; authorities have charged four men and linked the schemes to criminal organizations in India and China. Experts advise avoiding suspicious pop-ups and calls from unknown numbers, and warn that once funds are handed over, recovery is virtually impossible as money is quickly laundered and sent overseas.
malaymail.com
· 2025-12-08
A CelcomDigi survey of 10,893 Malaysians found that 65% have encountered fraud, with scammers increasingly targeting educated and higher-income individuals through impersonation calls claiming to be bank officials, government agencies, or service representatives requesting personal information or threatening legal action. The article documents common scam tactics including fake financial assistance offers, OTP requests, and fake ticket sales, and includes a case where a 70-year-old retiree lost money after receiving calls from scammers impersonating contacts in his phone list.
7news.com.au
· 2025-12-08
A Washington business owner nearly fell victim to an impersonation scam when a fraudster posing as a National Australia Bank representative called his assistant, requesting banking credentials under the pretense that his business credit card had been blocked due to activity in Darwin. The scammer targeted an account containing $3 million, but the business owner and assistant recognized red flags—including the scammer's inability to provide account details or the correct banker's name—and verified the call through official channels, preventing any loss. The article notes that impersonation scams are among the most common fraud tactics, with the Australian Tax Office receiving 22,000 reports of government impersonation scams in the past year, emphasizing the importance of vigilance
huffpost.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers target students and families during the academic season with scholarship scams, typically sending deceptive emails promising tuition discounts or scholarships in exchange for application or processing fees. These fraudulent schemes exploit families' financial anxieties about college costs and may also aim to steal sensitive personal data for resale; red flags include guaranteed scholarships, requests for social security numbers, upfront fees, and wire transfer or peer-to-peer payment methods. Victims should report fraud to authorities and their banks immediately to dispute charges, though recovery options may be limited depending on the payment method used.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Kari Melissa Morales, 51, of Milford, Michigan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after attempting to scam a Grand Rapids resident out of $60,000 using fake FBI arrest warrant and IRS receipt documents. Morales and a co-conspirator were conducting a text message-based fraud scheme, but law enforcement had reassigned the victim's phone number to an undercover federal agent, resulting in no actual financial loss and leading to Morales's arrest. Morales faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for her role in the scam, which was intended to exploit the victim into sending money by falsely claiming legal authority.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ari Tietolman, a Canadian resident, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a telemarketing fraud scheme from 2005 to 2014 that targeted tens of thousands of American senior citizens, defrauding them of millions of dollars by selling worthless or non-existent services such as fraud protection, prescription drug discounts, and legal services. Tietolman and his network of telemarketers, operating from "boiler rooms" in Canada and India, made false claims about their affiliations with banks and government agencies, misrepresented product costs, and debited victims' bank accounts without informed consent. He was ordered to pay $7
newjersey.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
An older woman from Alexandria Township, New Jersey lost $13,000 in a tech support and bank impersonation scam where a fake Microsoft/TD Bank representative convinced her to withdraw cash to "protect" her account, with an accomplice posing as a courier collecting the money from her home. State police are seeking an Asian male suspect, approximately 5'9" and 30-35 years old, described as having black hair and a mustache.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate utility companies with urgent calls claiming unpaid bills and demanding immediate payment via barcodes, QR codes, gift cards, or wire transfers—payment methods legitimate utility companies never require. To protect yourself, contact your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website, never the caller's number, and report suspected scams to the FTC and your utility company immediately.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Jim Williams lost $25,000 to cryptocurrency fraud after being lured by a website promising high Bitcoin returns and directed to use a Bitcoin ATM with his bank debit card. His son, a pastor, attributed his father's vulnerability partly to cognitive decline and organized fraud prevention presentations at his church to educate older adults about scams and available resources. The case illustrates how even tech-savvy and financially literate seniors can fall victim to fraud, particularly when cognitive changes make them more susceptible to deception.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A woman in northeast Delhi lost Rs 2 lakh in a "digital arrest" scam in which three fraudsters posed as CBI officials, falsely claimed her husband had been arrested on rape charges, and kept her on the phone for six hours to extort the payment. The three scammers from Bihar were arrested following police raids based on technical surveillance. A "digital arrest" scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement to threaten victims into transferring money by claiming legal action or public exposure, and victims can protect themselves by verifying caller authenticity through official channels and avoiding unsolicited payment requests.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Kari Morales, a 51-year-old from Milford, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for acting as a money mule in an IRS impersonation scam targeting a Kent County woman for $60,000. Morales was recruited online by a co-conspirator known as "Tom" to collect the fraudulently obtained cash in Grand Rapids while posing as a federal agent with fake FBI and IRS documents, unaware the victim's phone number had been reassigned to an undercover federal agent. Morales was promised $2,500 for her role in the scheme and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court.
galvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Check fraud costs the U.S. banking system $10-50 billion annually, with independent bankers arguing that major banks' failure to enforce "know your customer" requirements and adequately police accounts allows fraudsters to deposit stolen checks that are quickly withdrawn before detection. Galveston County has been particularly hard hit, with criminal enterprises stealing over $1 million in postal checks in 2022, and 90% of independent bank association members reported difficulty obtaining reimbursement from larger banks that improperly accepted fraudulent checks.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
The Google Voice scam involves fraudsters posing as buyers on Facebook Marketplace who request verification codes from sellers, claiming to confirm identity and prevent fraud. Once the seller provides the six-digit verification code, scammers use it to create a Google Voice account linked to the seller's number, generating a disguised phone number to conduct additional scams while leaving a trail leading to the innocent victim. The FTC first warned of this scam in 2021, and it remains the most commonly reported fraud to the Identity Theft Resource Center, accounting for 60 percent of scams reported in 2023.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns consumers about several back-to-school scams that surge in August and September, including fake websites that duplicate legitimate retailers to steal money or personal information, clickbait ads with nearly-identical URLs offering unrealistic discounts, and fraudulent payment requests. Victims often receive outdated or counterfeit merchandise, nothing at all, or lose money entirely when paying through digital platforms like Zelle that offer no fraud protection. The article advises shoppers to verify deals directly on official websites, check for red flags like suspicious URLs and missing contact information, use credit cards instead of payment apps, and contact their bank before completing questionable transactions.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article highlights five emerging phishing scam tactics that security experts recently identified, including state-sponsored attacks targeting 40,000 high-level business professionals using sophisticated Microsoft impersonations and multi-factor authentication bypasses, and a 183% surge in weight-loss drug scams with 176,871 phishing attempts targeting individuals seeking discounted Ozempic and similar medications. Additional tactics include tricking users into running malicious PowerShell commands through fake error dialogs, hijacking legitimate customer portals to send trusted phishing emails, and exploiting Windows Search functionality to deploy malware, demonstrating how adversaries continuously evolve their methods to evade detection.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
Ari Tietolman of Montreal, Canada, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for operating a massive telemarketing fraud scheme from 2005 to 2014 that targeted tens of thousands of American senior citizens, defrauding them of millions of dollars through worthless or non-existent products like fraud protection services, prescription drug discount cards, and legal services. Tietolman and his co-schemers made unauthorized debits from victims' bank accounts after making false claims about affiliations with banks, insurance companies, and the U.S. government, while he was ordered to pay $7,042,898.22 in restitution; two co-defendants also
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A 76-year-old Concord retiree lost over $190,000 in a tech support scam that began in March when a caller impersonated an Xfinity cybersecurity official, claiming his computer was hacked and crypto account fraudulently opened. The scammer escalated the scheme by posing as an FTC agent, threatening a wire fraud investigation and instructing Frilich to deposit his life savings into a "secure wallet" while monitoring him via computer camera and sending couriers to collect cash. This case exemplifies the broader elder fraud crisis, with Americans 60 and older losing over $3.4 billion to such scams in 2023, with
clarksvilleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are warning consumers about rapidly increasing QR code scams that direct victims to phishing websites, malicious downloads, and fraudulent payment portals. Common schemes include parking meter payment fraud, cryptocurrency wallet scams, utility/government impostor scams, and romance scams, which can result in significant financial losses and personal data theft. Consumers are advised to verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspected fraud to the BBB or FTC.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, post-disaster fraud cost Americans over $9.3 billion, with scammers impersonating government, utility, and insurance workers to solicit fees and upfront deposits from disaster victims by promising federal grants, priority repairs, or faster claim processing. Legitimate FEMA agents will never request payment and carry government-issued photo badges, and consumers should verify any offers through official channels before providing money or personal information. The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides free resources to help identify and report disaster-related scams.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A newspaper columnist lost £400 ($500 USD equivalent) after falling for a Taylor Swift ticket scam where she purchased four tickets at face value from someone vouched for by mutual acquaintances—a former teacher presented as trustworthy—who never delivered the tickets and subsequently blocked all contact before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author shares her experience to warn others that scams rely on social trust and word-of-mouth assurance rather than just online phishing or typical fraud tactics, emphasizing how even seemingly legitimate people can perpetrate fraud.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A newspaper columnist fell victim to a Taylor Swift ticket scam after purchasing four tickets at face value (£100 each) from someone introduced through a friend-of-a-friend who was presented as trustworthy and a former primary school teacher. The scammer ceased communication via WhatsApp and blocked calls before delivering the tickets, leaving two 12-year-old girls disappointed before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author emphasizes this as a cautionary tale about social engineering and trust-based fraud rather than typical online phishing or fake resale sites.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not relevant to the Elderus database. It is a business/HR feature about Synchrony's employee benefits strategy and workplace listening practices, with no connection to elder fraud, scams, elder abuse, or financial exploitation of older adults.
9and10news.com
· 2025-12-08
Two men, Jayesh Panchal and Vijaya Shetty, were sentenced to federal prison (78 and 63 months respectively) for their roles in an international tech support scam that defrauded over 40 elderly victims of more than $11 million across multiple states, including a West Michigan victim who lost $398,000. The scam involved fake pop-up warnings and impersonation of tech companies and federal agents to convince seniors to withdraw cash, wire money, or purchase gift cards under false pretenses. Panchal and Shetty were ordered to pay millions in restitution and were among the defendants who traveled throughout the U.S. to collect fraud proceeds from
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Jayesh Panchal and Vijaya Shetty were sentenced to 78 and 63 months in prison respectively for their roles in an international fraud conspiracy that stole over $11 million from senior citizens across multiple states. The scheme used fake virus warnings and fake tech support calls to trick elderly victims into withdrawing cash or transferring funds through various methods, with Panchal and Shetty traveling throughout the U.S. to collect proceeds and launder money on behalf of conspiracy leaders based in India. Panchal was ordered to pay $7.93 million in restitution to 40 victims, while Shetty was ordered to pay $596,800.
irs.gov
· 2025-12-08
The IRS, state tax agencies, and over 60 private sector organizations launched the Coalition Against Scam and Scheme Threats (CASST) in August 2024 to combat growing tax-related scams that exploit vulnerable taxpayers. The three-pronged initiative will expand public education about emerging scams, develop methods to identify fraudulent returns during filing, and improve infrastructure protections across federal, state, and industry tax systems. Modeled on the successful 2015 Security Summit that addressed tax-related identity theft, CASST aims to strengthen information sharing and coordinated responses to threats across the entire tax ecosystem.
denisonforum.org
· 2025-12-08
**Pig Butchering Scam Overview**
Pig butchering scams exploit victims' desire for connection and romantic relationships by having scammers pose as attractive strangers via text or social media, gradually building trust over weeks or months before introducing cryptocurrency investment schemes that result in complete financial loss. These scams, operated by organized gangs in Southeast Asia (primarily in Laos, Thailand, and the Philippines) using coerced workers, have generated an estimated $75 billion in losses and are particularly effective against older adults unfamiliar with digital deception tactics like AI-generated photos. Victims have suffered devastating consequences including suicide, with protection strategies including awareness of the sc