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gazettextra.com
· 2025-12-31
Online scams continue to plague internet users, with celebrity impersonation and "pig butchering" schemes among the latest threats. Scammers create fake celebrity profiles on social media to build trust with victims before requesting money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—funds that are nearly impossible to recover once sent. To protect yourself, remember that legitimate companies never ask for payment via gift cards or crypto, and be cautious of unsolicited messages from celebrities or investment opportunities online.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-30
# AI-Generated Impersonation Scam Summary
The FBI has warned of an increasing scam where criminals use artificial intelligence to impersonate senior U.S. government officials, targeting individuals including family members and personal acquaintances of these officials. The scammers send fake voice and text messages to lure victims into encrypted messaging apps like Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp where they attempt to manipulate them further. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unexpected messages from officials, verify requests through official channels, and avoid moving conversations to encrypted platforms with unverified contacts.
americascreditunions.org
· 2025-12-29
This article highlights the most-read posts from America's Credit Unions Blog in 2025, covering how credit unions support members during crises, the importance of strategic planning, and community banking practices. Key takeaway: Members 1st Federal Credit Union demonstrated crisis preparedness during the federal shutdown by offering payment skips, deferred loans, and financial counseling—services that proved critical since previous shutdowns caused 27% of federal workers to miss mortgage/rent payments. For members facing financial hardship, the actionable advice is to proactively contact your credit union about flexible payment options and seek free financial counseling services rather than waiting until you fall behind.
kiro7.com
· 2025-12-28
A Black Diamond resident lost their entire life savings in a phone scam, prompting police to escalate the case to federal authorities. Scammers commonly impersonate the IRS, lottery officials, or family members in distress to trick victims into sending money or personal information. To protect yourself, remember that the IRS only contacts you by mail, never give money for lottery winnings or taxes you didn't expect, and always hang up and independently verify requests from family members claiming to be in trouble.
alachuachronicle.com
· 2025-12-26
Scammers are impersonating grandchildren in distress, calling or emailing seniors to pressure them into sending money urgently through wire transfers, gift cards, or cash, often while instructing them not to tell family members. The "grandchild in trouble" scam targets older adults by creating false emergencies like accidents or arrests to exploit their protective instincts. To protect yourself, establish a family password with relatives, always call back using a known number to verify the person's identity, and be suspicious of any request for immediate payment accompanied by a demand for secrecy.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-26
A brushing scam is when sellers send you unsolicited packages you didn't order, particularly during busy shopping seasons like the holidays when mysterious deliveries are common. The scammers use these shipments to post fake positive reviews under your name or address to boost their product ratings on e-commerce platforms. If you receive an unexpected package, you should verify whether you actually ordered it, check your account for unauthorized purchases, and report the item to the seller or platform if it's confirmed as a scam.
theoaklandpress.com
· 2025-12-25
Scammers are increasingly using texts, calls, and emails to target Oakland County residents by impersonating trusted sources like businesses, government agencies, and even celebrities, with recent victims losing anywhere from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald advises people to hang up on unknown callers and be cautious of urgent requests for money, threats of legal action or arrest, and demands for sensitive information like Social Security numbers. To protect yourself, ignore unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment and never share personal information with callers you cannot verify.
stormlake.com
· 2025-12-24
Iowa's Attorney General warns that scammers frequently target older Iowans through schemes like impersonating family members requesting emergency money or claiming the victim is involved in a crime requiring immediate payment. One victim, Lynne Caltrider, lost a considerable sum after being directed to deposit money in a cryptocurrency ATM, but authorities recovered some funds and arrested individuals involved after she reported the scam. The Attorney General urges Iowans to be cautious about unusual requests for money, recognize warning signs, and contact the office for help if they suspect they're being scammed.
news.azpm.org
· 2025-12-24
# Fraud Surge in 2024
Americans lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, with phone-based scams being particularly prevalent as criminals exploit the constant connectivity of mobile devices to target consumers anytime and anywhere. Older adults are disproportionately affected because they hold significant wealth, making them attractive targets for scammers who use texts, emails, social media, and even fake QR codes to deceive victims. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited contact on your phone or other devices, verify requests through official channels before sharing information or money, and report suspected scams to the FTC or local authorities.
pandasecurity.com
· 2025-12-23
Telegram scams have surged as the messaging app's user base has grown to over 1 billion, with scammers exploiting the platform's privacy features and anonymity to conduct various frauds—including crypto pump-and-dump schemes, fake investment projects, phishing attacks, and customer service impersonations. Users are particularly vulnerable because scammers use urgent language, exclusive opportunities, and technical-looking websites to appear legitimate. To protect yourself, verify identities independently, avoid clicking suspicious links, never send money upfront for guaranteed returns, and report fraudulent accounts immediately.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-20
# Holiday Scam Summary
During the 2024 holiday season, scammers are targeting shoppers with five main schemes—including fake shipping alerts, non-delivery scams, and too-good-to-be-true deals on social media—that cost Americans hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, experts recommend verifying links by going directly to retailer websites rather than clicking suspicious messages, being wary of urgent demands for payment, and checking URLs for signs of fraud. If a deal seems too good to be true or a message pressures you to act immediately, it's likely a scam designed to steal personal information or install malware on your device.
tbrnewsmedia.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old woman from North Dakota was tricked by scammers posing as her granddaughter and lawyer who claimed the granddaughter needed bail money after a car accident; she mailed $8,500 in cash, but authorities in Suffolk County intercepted the package before the scammers could retrieve it and returned the money. This "grandchild bail" scam specifically targets senior citizens by creating urgency and requesting secrecy to prevent victims from consulting family members. If you receive a similar call, authorities advise hanging up, verifying the caller's identity independently, and reporting the incident to local law enforcement rather than sending money via mail or wire transfer.
patch.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old grandmother from North Dakota was nearly scammed out of $8,500 after receiving a phone call from someone impersonating her granddaughter, claiming she had been arrested in Suffolk County and needed bail money. Law enforcement officials intercepted the cash before scammers could access it and arrested those responsible, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to protecting seniors from such predatory schemes. To protect yourself, be suspicious of urgent requests for money from family members, never send cash through the mail for bail or legal fees, and always verify claims by calling your family member directly at a known number or contacting local police.
valleynewslive.com
· 2025-12-20
An 80-year-old North Dakota woman lost $8,500 to a "grandparent scam" where callers impersonated her granddaughter and a fake attorney, demanding bail money be sent by mail, but authorities in New York intercepted the package and recovered the funds. The scam typically preys on seniors through tactics like creating urgency, demanding secrecy, and pressuring victims to send cash or gift cards by mail. To protect yourself, verify the identity of callers through official channels, be suspicious of requests for secrecy or immediate payment, and contact your bank or police directly if you suspect a scam.
telus.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers are increasingly using AI technology to clone people's voices from social media videos and YouTube, then impersonating loved ones in fraudulent calls to extract money. According to recent research, about one-third of people in North America and Europe encountered deepfake voice scams in 2024, with victims losing an average of $1,479 in Canada and over $6,000 in the U.S. To protect yourself, be cautious about sharing videos online, verify unexpected requests for money by calling the person directly using a known number, and alert your bank if someone pressures you to withdraw cash for an "emergency."
ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-20
Scammers in India are increasingly exploiting Telegram's encrypted channels to run fake investment schemes, lottery scams, and job offer frauds, resulting in over ₹1,100 crore in losses during the first half of 2025. The fraudsters use pressure tactics, deepfake videos, and "pig butchering" schemes to build trust before stealing money through fake trading apps and QR code redirects. Users should be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities on Telegram, avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes or downloading apps from private chats, and remember that private channels offer no guarantee of safety.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-19
An 86-year-old New York woman lost her entire $700,000 life savings to a scam that began with fake pop-up warnings claiming her bank accounts were hacked, then manipulated her into making unusual large withdrawals disguised as "safekeeping" measures, ultimately convincing her to convert her savings into gold bullion. Despite red flags—including withdrawals far exceeding her typical $5,000 limit and a co-trustee added for oversight—Bank of America and Merrill Lynch failed to block the fraudulent transactions, leading to a lawsuit seeking accountability and policy changes. To protect yourself, be skeptical of urgent warnings on your computer, verify any account security concerns directly with your bank through official channels, and allow trusted family members oversight of your finances.
nbclosangeles.com
· 2025-12-19
Scammers in Orange County have been targeting pet owners by posing as law enforcement and calling to claim their missing pet was hit by a car and needs veterinary payment before release. The criminals request payment through digital apps like Zelle or Venmo, sometimes claiming a nonprofit will cover part of the costs. To protect yourself, don't answer calls from unknown numbers, never send money without verifying the caller's identity through your local animal services or sheriff's office, and remember that legitimate agencies won't demand immediate payment via digital payment apps.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-18
An Ottawa senior nearly lost $6,000 in a "grandparent scam" on Tuesday, but quick action by family members and police prevented the theft. Scammers called claiming the victim's grandson was in a car accident and needed bail money, with a man later arriving at the home to collect the cash before being arrested. Police warn that these emotional manipulation scams target seniors frequently and advise people to never trust caller ID, verify requests by calling family members directly at known numbers, and establish a family "safe word" to confirm identities during urgent calls.
savingadvice.com
· 2025-12-17
A sophisticated phone fraud wave is targeting older adults, particularly during winter when seniors spend more time indoors and rely heavily on phone communication. Scammers are using spoofed local phone numbers and impersonating government agencies (Medicare, IRS, Social Security) or medical providers to manipulate seniors into sharing personal information or sending money through high-pressure tactics. Experts advise older adults to remain skeptical of unexpected calls, verify caller identity independently by hanging up and calling official numbers directly, and never provide personal or financial information over the phone.
ottawa.citynews.ca
· 2025-12-17
An Ottawa grandfather nearly lost $6,000 to a sophisticated scam in which a caller impersonated a lawyer, claimed his grandson was in a car accident, and demanded bail money—but his family's quick action and police intervention stopped the crime before money was handed over. The scammer used emotional manipulation tactics, insisting secrecy and mentioning a pregnant woman involved in the collision, then sent an accomplice to the home posing as a court-appointed trustee to collect the cash. Police and family officials warn seniors to verify emergency claims by calling family members directly and never to send money based on unsolicited calls, especially when the caller demands secrecy.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-17
# Holiday Scams Summary
The US Treasury warns that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting the holiday season through three main scams: business impersonation (fake emails and websites spoofing trusted companies), gift card draining, and fraudulent social media ads promoting discounted products that are never delivered. These scams are becoming more sophisticated as criminals use AI to impersonate trusted brands and companies, making them harder to detect. To protect yourself, verify websites directly before entering payment information, be skeptical of unusually low prices, avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails, and purchase gift cards only from authorized retailers.
fdic.gov
· 2025-12-16
During the busy holiday shopping season, identity theft and scams increase significantly, making December's National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month an important reminder for consumers to protect themselves. The FDIC offers free Money Smart educational resources that teach people how to recognize phishing attempts, protect personal financial information, and take action if they become victims—including steps like reviewing credit reports and freezing credit, with specialized guidance available for older adults who are frequently targeted by scams. Consumers can access these tools at FDIC.gov/MoneySmart, while educators and community groups can use the materials to conduct local workshops and help people stay vigilant throughout the year.
ricochet.com
· 2025-12-16
Elderly individuals, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline, face significant vulnerability to scams and fraud—especially involving technology and phone calls. The author shares personal experience with his aging mother-in-law who nearly fell victim to a scam demanding $5,000 in cash, illustrating how seniors often lack skepticism toward exploiters despite warnings from family members. To protect elderly relatives, families should monitor financial activities closely, help set up call-blocking systems, and establish verification protocols (like always asking seniors to hang up and call you back) before any urgent money transfers are made.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-15
An 84-year-old grandmother fell victim to a travel scam in 2024 when fraudsters called her while she was searching for flights, offering discounted business-class tickets to Australia and Sri Lanka, which she paid for in installments totaling £3,670 before the company disappeared. The scammers used sophisticated tactics including spoofing a fake ATOL license and offering payment plans—tactics legitimate airlines don't typically use—to appear credible. To protect yourself this holiday season, verify travel companies through official channels rather than trusting unsolicited calls, check ATOL licenses directly on the Civil Aviation Authority website, and remember that airlines and legitimate travel agents typically don't offer installment payment plans.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-14
During the holiday season, scammers target families—especially seniors—through fake shopping sites, delivery scams, charity fraud, and impersonation schemes, taking advantage of increased online shopping and emotional vulnerability. Grandparents are particularly at risk when searching for gifts or receiving urgent messages claiming a relative needs help. To protect your family, use free verification tools like Link Checker to verify suspicious URLs and Scamio to review questionable messages or charity requests before engaging with them.
postandcourier.com
· 2025-12-14
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers about multiple holiday scams targeting shoppers and generous donors, including fake websites, phishing emails with malware, fraudulent charity solicitations, and impersonation scams claiming family members need emergency money. Those affected include online shoppers, parents receiving fake Santa letters, job seekers, and anyone approached for charitable donations. To stay safe, use credit cards on secure websites (look for https and lock symbols), verify charity legitimacy at give.org before donating, confirm emergency requests with family members before sending money, and be skeptical of unsolicited emails and shipping notifications.
lilifepolitics.com
· 2025-12-14
A WalletHub study ranked New York 30th nationally in elder abuse prevention, with below-average funding for eldercare services and protections, though the state performed well in nursing home quality and volunteer ombudsman programs. New York has an estimated 300,000 senior victims annually, with a concerning statistic that only 1 in 24 elder abuse cases are actually reported. To protect seniors, families should watch for warning signs like unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, isolation, and malnutrition, and report suspected abuse to local authorities or adult protective services.
desitalkchicago.com
· 2025-12-13
lilifepolitics.com
· 2025-12-12
New York ranks 30th nationally in elder abuse protection and prevention funding, according to a WalletHub study, with particular weaknesses in spending on elder care services and ombudsman programs. The state has an estimated 300,000 senior victims annually, with the concerning reality that reported cases represent only about 4% of actual abuse incidents. Residents should watch for warning signs of elder abuse including unexplained injuries, poor hygiene, isolation from loved ones, and signs of malnutrition, and report suspected abuse to local authorities or adult protective services immediately.
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-11
During the holiday season, scammers increasingly target senior citizens through charity fraud, fake online shopping websites, and phone impersonation schemes, exploiting the elderly's trust and less familiarity with modern technology while people are distracted by festivities and shopping. West Virginia's Secretary of State warns that fraudsters use emotional appeals and urgency to manipulate victims into donating to fake charities or providing credit card information for nonexistent purchases. To protect yourself, verify charities using the official list at erls.wvsos.gov, be cautious of unsolicited donation requests, avoid clicking suspicious links, and never share payment information without independently confirming the legitimacy of the organization or seller.
derbyinformer.com
· 2025-12-11
Seniors in the U.S. lost over $2 billion to financial fraud schemes during a recent reporting period, affecting more than one million older adults, according to a federal report that prompted local officials in Sedgwick County to issue a public warning. The scams often use tactics like creating false urgency (claiming a grandchild is in jail), demanding secrecy, and requesting unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards to prevent victims from verifying the situation. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, verify unexpected requests by contacting family members or banks directly, and report suspicious activity to authorities.
aol.com
· 2025-12-10
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers who exploit their savings, home ownership, and relative unfamiliarity with technology to commit fraud. Common scams include unsolicited calls selling unnecessary products like medical-alert devices, lottery/prize schemes requiring upfront fees, and fake mobile health clinics that bill insurance and Medicare using stolen personal information. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls and emails, never pay upfront fees for prizes you've won, verify any medical services through official channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC.
kpbs.org
· 2025-12-10
Elder scams cost San Diego County seniors $149 million in a single year, with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated and targeting vulnerable populations during the holiday season and year-round. The San Diego District Attorney's Office is working to raise awareness about common scams and encourage reporting by removing the stigma and shame that often prevents seniors from coming forward, emphasizing that anyone—regardless of education or intelligence—can fall victim to these crimes. To protect yourself, stay vigilant about unsolicited contacts, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information or money, and report suspected scams to local authorities rather than suffering in silence.
audacy.com
· 2025-12-10
Criminals stole over $2 billion from more than 1 million seniors in a recent reporting period, prompting Sedgwick County officials to warn residents about sophisticated financial scams. Common tactics include creating urgency (like claiming a grandchild is in jail), demanding secrecy, and requesting payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers. If you suspect fraud, contact local law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 immediately.
▶ VIDEO
NBC 6 South Florida
· 2025-12-09
An elderly woman named Christine lost $6,000 in a grandparent scam after receiving a panicked call from someone claiming to be her granddaughter Addison asking for emergency money; authorities believe the caller used AI-generated voice technology to impersonate her granddaughter, who was actually safe at work. The grandparent scam is a widespread fraud affecting over 147,000 victims annually with losses totaling nearly $4.9 billion, and scammers are increasingly using readily available AI voice-cloning tools that require minimal audio samples to create convincing impersonations.
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-09
Georgia's Secretary of State reports that holiday scams remain widespread, with 1,140 cases of senior exploitation reported since the SPEAR Act took effect, including 81 victims in November 2025 alone. Common scams targeting holiday shoppers and donors include gift card fraud, impersonation scams posing as family members requesting money, fake online shopping sites that don't deliver goods, and document fraud. Consumers are urged to stay vigilant by verifying requests for money or gift cards through direct contact, shopping only on secure websites, and reporting suspected fraud to authorities.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly woman in Hokkaido, Japan lost approximately 1 million yen ($6,700) to a romance scammer who posed as an astronaut in distress and claimed to need money for oxygen while stranded in space. The woman met the fraudster on social media in July and developed romantic feelings before being deceived into sending the funds. The case highlights the growing threat of romance scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly elderly individuals in aging societies like Japan.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating local law enforcement officials in a jury duty fraud scheme, calling victims with claims of missed jury duty and threatening arrest warrants to extort payment via wire transfers or gift cards. The scam targets vulnerable individuals by using personal information and blocked numbers to appear credible, though legitimate jury summonses are always delivered by mail. Key protections include never trusting unknown callers demanding payment, verifying claims directly with official court or police numbers, and recognizing that government agencies never request payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
inquisitr.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread scam targets Social Security recipients, particularly vulnerable seniors living alone and dependent on benefits for survival. Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration officials via phone calls, texts, or emails, falsely claiming account problems or requesting verification of information to obtain personal data (Social Security numbers, bank details) or money directly through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The key warning signs include unsolicited contact, payment demands, pressure tactics, and suspicious links or misspellings; the legitimate SSA communicates only by postal mail and does not solicit sensitive information unsolicited.
escalontimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article reports that online scams caused a record $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, with 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments) and describes six prevalent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that specifically target seniors. Awareness of these warning signs can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
theriverbanknews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article reports that scams cost Americans $16.6 billion in 2024, with 73 percent of U.S. adults experiencing online scams or attacks. The piece outlines common red flags—unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments—and describes prominent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that particularly target elderly individuals.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-08
A 78-year-old man in Noida was defrauded of Rs 3.14 crore in a "digital arrest" scam where fraudsters impersonated government officials (TRAI, police, CBI, Supreme Court) and convinced him he was involved in money laundering, keeping him and his wife under virtual surveillance for 15 days before the deception was discovered. Cybercrimes against seniors have surged 86% between 2020-2022, with common scams including digital arrest, investment fraud, deepfakes, government impersonation, and OTP theft, exploiting seniors' vulnerability to trust-based and fear-based tactics.
thecentersquare.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona is projected to lose over $4 billion to financial fraud in 2024, with the state ranking 11th nationally in fraud rates at 1,459 cases per 100,000 residents, according to a Common Sense Institute report. Common fraud types affecting Arizonans include grandparent scams, romance scams, gift card scams, skimming, and forgery, with experts noting that only about 14% of fraud is reported to authorities. Researchers recommend that families help protect older adults—who are at higher risk due to lower technological familiarity—by teaching them to verify sources before sharing financial information online.
nbcmiami.com
· 2025-12-08
An 86-year-old grandmother from South Philadelphia lost $6,000 in a grandparent scam after receiving a call from someone impersonating her granddaughter claiming to be in a car accident and detained by police; a man posing as a lawyer demanded money and arranged for someone to pick up the cash from her home. The scam is part of a larger trend of elder fraud that affected over 147,000 victims in 2024 with nearly $4.9 billion in losses, with criminals increasingly using AI voice cloning technology to make their impersonations more convincing. Experts recommend asking callers questions only real family members would know and establishing a family security word for emergencies.
wsoctv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
This educational piece explains why seniors are targeted by scammers—they tend to be trusting, have substantial savings, and keep finances private—and outlines key prevention strategies. The advice covers recognizing red flags (poor spelling, unusual payment requests, emotional manipulation, unsolicited contact), teaching parents what not to do (answer unknown contacts, click unsolicited links, share personal information), and implementing safeguards (monitoring accounts, using the Do Not Call Registry, freezing credit, and awareness of social media impersonation tactics).
greatnews.life
· 2025-12-08
This 2013 overview identifies the top scams affecting La Porte County and beyond, with phishing (stealing personal information for identity theft) ranked as the most prevalent fraud. The top ten scams include grandparent impersonation schemes targeting elderly relatives, doorstep contractor fraud using high-pressure sales tactics, work-from-home schemes, lottery scams, Nigerian advance-fee frauds, and account hijacking of email and social media platforms. The article emphasizes that internet growth and social networking have expanded scam delivery methods and increased victim numbers significantly, with many scams persisting or resurfacing over years despite awareness efforts.
amac.us
· 2025-12-08
The grandparent scam tricks seniors into sending money to scammers posing as distressed grandchildren or relatives in crisis. Scammers exploit grandparents' emotional vulnerability and willingness to help by researching personal information online, impersonating authority figures, and requesting untraceable payments via wire transfer or gift cards. Modern variants use sophisticated technology including caller ID spoofing and AI voice cloning to appear more convincing, making these scams increasingly difficult to distinguish from legitimate requests.
witl.com
· 2025-12-08
A study analyzing FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data from 2021-2024 found that Millennials in Michigan rank third nationally as cybercrime victims, averaging approximately 3,000 scam incidents annually compared to 2,385 for seniors. The higher victimization rate among Millennials is attributed to their greater digital dependence for networking, socializing, shopping, and banking, which makes them more vulnerable targets for criminals than seniors who use technology less frequently.
tulsapeople.com
· 2025-12-08
Scam losses in Oklahoma exceeded $72 million in 2024 and have tripled over the past five years, with increasingly emotionally manipulative tactics targeting older adults. Common scams include phishing, grandparent scams, tech support fraud, romance scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Protection strategies include pausing before clicking links, researching contacts independently, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, avoiding cryptocurrency and gift card payments, and reporting suspected fraud to the Oklahoma Attorney General, FTC, or AARP's Fraud Watch helpline.