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in Scam Awareness
m.economictimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted in digital fraud schemes, with scammers using sophisticated methods including automated IVR systems, social engineering, and fear-based tactics to manipulate victims into revealing OTPs or sensitive information that enable unauthorized bank transfers. The article identifies the banking system as both the vulnerability enabling these crimes and the potential chokepoint for stopping them, noting that current systems lack the speed and integration needed to trace and recover stolen funds effectively. The author recommends immediate protective measures including education about common scam tactics, two-factor authentication, avoiding sharing sensitive information over phone or email, and regular financial monitoring while calling for systemic improvements to banking and cybercrime infrastructure.
securityboulevard.com
· 2025-12-08
Phishing scams impersonating the U.S. Postal Service generate traffic volumes nearly equal to the legitimate USPS website, particularly during holiday shopping seasons, according to Akamai research. Scammers use "combosquatting" techniques—adding keywords to fake domain names—to deceive victims into revealing personal information or sending money, with smishing (SMS phishing) attacks impersonating delivery services ranking among the top three most common fraud methods globally. The FTC reported over 330,000 business impersonation scams in 2023 resulting in $1.1 billion in losses, with delivery service impersonation attacks being especially lucrative for fraudsters
29news.com
· 2025-12-08
Criminals are impersonating Social Security Administration officials in phone scams, claiming victims' Social Security numbers have been suspended or offering higher monthly benefits to obtain personal information. AARP Virginia warns that scammers, who often already possess the last four digits of victims' numbers from dark web sources, are targeting people daily to steal complete Social Security numbers for fraud; imposter scams resulted in over $617 million in reported theft in 2023.
headtopics.com
· 2025-12-08
A joint FBI and Highmark Health initiative reports that elder fraud targeting people 60 and older is rising, with over 88,000 complaints involving romance scams, tech support fraud, and grandparent schemes, though most cases go unreported due to shame and uncertainty about reporting. The report emphasizes that seniors are vulnerable targets because they tend to be trusting, and scammers use emotional manipulation—invoking joy, hope, or fear—to extract money and personal information, often victimizing the same person repeatedly. Key prevention advice includes hanging up on unsolicited calls, never providing financial information to unknown callers, and reporting suspected fraud to law enforcement and financial institutions.
foxrgv.tv
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The Better Business Bureau has issued a public alert about a bail impersonation scam targeting senior citizens in which fraudsters pose as grandchildren or other relatives in legal distress and request urgent bail money via untraceable digital payment platforms like CashApp or WhatsApp. Seniors should be alert to warning signs including unsolicited calls requesting money, urgent payment demands, and pressure to act quickly; those targeted can report incidents to the BBB at 956-969-1804 or bbb.org/scamtracker.
audacy.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud schemes cost the FBI-reported $3 billion annually, with losses to victims over 60 rising 84% between 2021-2022, prompting the FBI and Highmark to launch a public awareness campaign. Common scams include romance fraud, tech support impersonation, grandparent scams, and fake sweepstakes or charity schemes that exploit seniors' trust and desire for companionship. Protective measures include verifying caller information, resisting pressure to act quickly, and never sharing personal or financial information with unverified contacts.
wtae.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Pittsburgh field office and Highmark are warning of a surge in scams targeting people over 60, which represents a $3 billion annual problem nationally affecting thousands of victims. Common schemes include romance scams, tech support scams, and grandparent scams, all designed to exploit vulnerable populations. The agencies recommend never sharing personal or financial information with unknown callers, resisting pressure to act quickly, verifying caller identity through independent contact with authorities, and reporting incidents to law enforcement and financial institutions.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning about elder financial exploitation following a FinCEN analysis revealing $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder fraud reported by financial institutions between 2022 and 2023. The analysis identified two main categories of victimization: elder scams involving unknown perpetrators and elder theft involving known perpetrators. Michigan's Elder Abuse Task Force, launched in 2019 with over 55 organizations, has implemented reporting requirements and trainings to combat the issue, with an estimated 100,000 older adults in Michigan experiencing elder abuse annually.
miragenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Australia's banks reported a 13 percent decrease in scam losses in 2023, dropping approximately $400 million to $2.7 billion total, despite an 18.5 percent increase in scam reports, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre's report. The Australian Banking Association credited collective efforts from government, banks, telecommunications companies, and other industries for the progress, highlighting the industry's Scam-Safe Accord which includes a $100 million investment in confirmation of payee systems, biometric security checks, enhanced payment warnings, and improved intelligence sharing to combat scams. Banks are actively blocking transfers to fraudulent accounts and crypto exchanges while advocating for mandatory scams codes
techtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australian scammers cost citizens $2.3 billion across 601,000 reported cases, with investment scams being the costliest at $1.3 billion, followed by remote access and romance scams. Seniors over 65 experienced a 13.3% increase in losses, and social media and text messages emerged as primary contact methods, while government officials called for stronger safeguards including enforceable obligations on banks and digital platforms.
english.news.cn
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Australians reported over 601,000 scams—an 18.5% increase from 2022—though total losses fell 13% to 2.74 billion AUD, marking the first year-on-year decline since 2016. Investment scams were the most costly at 1.3 billion AUD (47% of total losses), followed by remote access and romance scams, with seniors aged 65+ being the only age group to lose more money than the previous year. Job scam losses surged 151.2% to 24.3 million AUD, disproportionately affecting culturally and linguistically diverse communities
technode.global
· 2025-12-08
Malaysia experienced a 37% increase in e-commerce fraud cases from January to November, with total losses reaching RM1.13 billion, affecting 8,800 victims primarily through fake motorcycle advertisements and impersonation of legitimate sellers. Scammers exploit sophisticated tactics including fake listings, stolen identities, and artificial urgency to defraud buyers seeking motorcycles for business, transportation, or livelihood purposes. Combating these crimes requires enhanced consumer awareness, thorough research before online purchases, and addressing root causes of fraud to create a safer digital marketplace for Malaysians.
irishexaminer.com
· 2025-12-08
Sophisticated scams targeting terminally ill individuals seeking illegal barbiturates to end their lives have proliferated online, with hundreds of fraudulent websites operating and new ones constantly emerging. Tom Curran, European coordinator for right-to-die movement Exit International, reports receiving multiple reports monthly of these scams, including cases where his own identity and photograph were stolen; victims are particularly vulnerable because they are unlikely to report the fraud to police given the illegal nature of their intended purchase. The scammers exploit elderly victims unfamiliar with internet safety, some of whom receive fake or inactive drugs only discovering the fraud when attempting to use them, making these crimes difficult to prosecute and preventing victims from warning others due to legal and family
abc.net.au
· 2025-12-08
Jenny and Jian Lim lost $138,000 to an HSBC "spoofing" text message scam in October 2023, in which scammers impersonated the bank using authentic-appearing SMS messages and knowledge of account details to gain access and extract funds. This scam alone defrauded HSBC customers of $6.3 million between July 2023 and March 2024. While Australian authorities cited a 13% decrease in reported scam losses ($2.74 billion in 2023 versus $3.1 billion in 2022), consumer advocates argue the remaining losses remain "unacceptably high" and call for
cbc.ca
· 2025-12-08
Austrian weatherman Sigi Fink discovered his photos were being stolen and used by romance scammers to deceive victims across multiple platforms, with scammers creating dozens of fake profiles using his image and real name. Romance scams have grown dramatically, with reported losses in Canada increasing from $15.6 million in 2013 to over $52 million in 2023, and victims have sometimes reached out to the real Fink after discovering the deception. The unauthorized use of his likeness has left Fink feeling violated and concerned about his reputation, while experts note that image theft in romance scams can be traumatic for innocent people whose photos are misused.
marketrealist.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI issued a warning to Houston residents about a hospice care scam in which fraudsters illegally enroll seniors in Medicare's $22 billion hospice program without their knowledge or consent, then bill insurance thousands or tens of thousands of dollars before victims realize what happened. The scam involves doctors, recruiters, and company employees working together, and can prevent victims from accessing end-of-life care with providers of their choice when they actually need it. The FBI recommends residents avoid sharing personal information with strangers, hang up suspicious calls, and report them to authorities; meanwhile, Medicare has increased oversight in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas, and recently convicted a California hospice company owner who
kvnutalk.com
· 2025-12-08
People over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed by elderly victims—a 14% increase—and an average loss of $33,915 per person, according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type targeting seniors, while investment scams caused the highest financial losses at over $1.2 billion, with illegal call scams netting over $700 million. The FBI called on financial institutions to take greater responsibility in protecting elderly customers and announced efforts to arrest scammers operating from call centers internationally while
uk.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, people over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams, an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed—a 14% rise in reporting. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type targeting seniors, while investment scams caused the greatest financial losses at over $1.2 billion; the FBI urged financial institutions to take greater responsibility in protecting elderly customers and victims to report losses promptly for faster recovery.
wlbt.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over age 60 last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with nearly 6,000 losing more than $100,000 each, as criminals increasingly employ sophisticated tactics including tech support scams, romance frauds, investment schemes, and in-person courier pickups to collect cash and precious metals. The report highlights a rise in organized, transnational criminal enterprises targeting vulnerable older Americans, with some victims becoming destitute.
spectrumnews1.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over age 60 last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with increasingly sophisticated schemes including tech support scams, romance frauds, investment schemes, and in-person courier pickups to collect cash or precious metals. The report highlights the devastating impact on vulnerable seniors, including one case where an 81-year-old Ohio man fatally shot an Uber driver after being targeted by a court impersonation scam.
wjla.com
· 2025-12-08
The top three brands that scammers impersonate in 2024 are USPS, Microsoft, and Meta, according to a recent Guardio report. USPS phishing attacks typically come via email or text claiming package delivery issues and direct victims to fake websites to steal credentials; Microsoft impersonators urge victims to click malicious links that install malware or phish for information; and Meta scammers send fake account restriction warnings that lead to fake login pages. The FTC recommends protecting yourself by installing updated security software, updating your phone, enabling multi-factor authentication, and backing up data regularly.
kagstv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, an 11% increase from the previous year, according to an FBI report that documents increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. The FBI received over 100,000 complaints from older victims, with tech support scams being the most common fraud type, followed by rising schemes involving in-person couriers collecting cash or gold from victims deceived into believing their accounts were compromised. Investigators warn that organized criminal enterprises are using romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation tactics, with losses potentially underreported as many victims never report their victimization.
commercialappeal.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scammers, typically operating from overseas crime rings in West Africa, Russia, and Ukraine, deceived 64,003 victims in the U.S. in 2023, causing a median loss of $2,000 per victim and total losses exceeding $1.14 billion. Victims span all demographics and are often intelligent people seeking genuine connection; common tactics include creating fake profiles, requesting money for emergencies or investments, and threatening to publish intimate photos unless paid. Key prevention strategies include never sending money to people met online, conducting reverse image searches on profile pictures, and maintaining communication with trusted friends and family about new relationships.
ici.radio-canada.ca
· 2025-12-08
Austrian weatherman Sigi Fink discovered his photos have been stolen and used in dozens of romance scams targeting vulnerable people online, after a CBC journalist exposed one scammer who posed as "Bobby Brown," a wealthy oil rig engineer. Romance scams have grown dramatically, with reported losses increasing from $15.6 million in 2013 to over $52 million in 2023, and Fink now receives reports of fake profiles using his images almost daily, leaving him distressed about his image being weaponized despite his innocence.
whsv.com
· 2025-12-08
Older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to scams in the past year, a rise of 11% from the previous year, according to an FBI report showing increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics targeting victims over 60. The most common fraud was tech support scams, with a rising trend of in-person couriers collecting cash or precious metals from victims convinced their bank accounts had been compromised. Federal investigators warn of organized, transnational criminal enterprises using romance scams, investment fraud, and impersonation schemes, with nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each last year.
voanews.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported that scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older in the past year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with more than 100,000 complaints filed and nearly 6,000 victims losing over $100,000 each. The most common schemes include tech support scams and impersonation frauds where criminals convince victims their accounts are compromised and direct them to move funds or liquidate assets into cash or precious metals, with a rising trend of using couriers to collect money in person. Investigators attribute the rise to increasingly sophisticated tactics by organized criminal enterprises operating transnationally, targeting vulnerable older Americans who may lack the
wbbjtv.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, romance scams affected over 64,000 people and resulted in losses exceeding $1.1 billion, according to the American Special Investigative Group. Scammers use fake identities, AI-generated images, and fabricated online relationships to gain victims' trust before convincing them to invest in fraudulent schemes. To avoid becoming a victim, individuals should meet potential romantic interests in person, verify their identity through social media, and report suspected scams to their bank and the Federal Trade Commission.
tomsguide.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warns that scammers are using fake "free" verification services on dating apps to steal victims' financial and personal information through recurring subscription charges. Scammers lure dating app users to encrypted platforms by claiming verification prevents contact with offenders, then direct them to fraudulent websites that request credit card numbers and personal data under the guise of safety verification. To protect themselves, users should avoid clicking links from new online contacts, refrain from moving conversations off dating platforms, and never provide financial information to unverified verification services.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Sixteen individuals—eleven from the Dominican Republic and five from New York—were charged in connection with a "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of elderly Americans out of millions of dollars. The defendants allegedly impersonated grandchildren in distress, claiming they had been arrested and needed immediate cash for bail or legal fees, with victims sometimes losing tens of thousands of dollars before authorities intervened. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies including HSI, the FBI, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
fox5atlanta.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report found that seniors over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scammers, representing a 14% increase in complaints, with Georgia accounting for approximately $92 million in losses. Tech support scams remain the most common fraud type targeting this age group, while investment scams cause the greatest financial damage; one victim, Joan Stone, lost $350 to an impersonation scam claiming to be law enforcement threatening license suspension. The FBI emphasizes that these are professional criminals and advises seniors to exercise caution with solicitations for money and report fraud to their bank and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
fortune.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI reported that scammers stole over $3.4 billion from Americans aged 60 and older last year, representing an 11% increase from the previous year, with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated tactics including impersonation of officials and in-person courier services to collect cash and precious metals. The FBI received more than 100,000 complaints from older victims, with tech support scams being the most commonly reported fraud, followed by romance scams and investment schemes, while investigators warned of organized transnational criminal enterprises targeting this vulnerable population.
abcnews.go.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans aged 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with 101,068 complaints filed—a 14% rise from the previous year—according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Tech support fraud was the most common scam type, while investment scams caused the highest financial losses at over $1.2 billion. The FBI is urging financial institutions to take greater responsibility in protecting elderly customers and working with international law enforcement to arrest perpetrators, while also noting an increase in violent threats and intimidation tactics used by scammers.
the-sun.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance fraud cost victims over $1 billion in 2023, according to a report that prompted Match Group's CEO Bernard Kim to defend the company's safety efforts. Scammers use catfishing and emotional manipulation to trick dating app users into sharing personal information and money, with 25-30% of profiles on Match's sites previously identified as fraudulent by the FTC. Cyber experts recommend users watch for red flags including requests to move conversations off-platform, avoidance of video calls, travel-related money requests, and requests for explicit photos or personal secrets.
mysuncoast.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, Americans over 60 reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses in 2023, an 11% increase from 2022, with tech support fraud being the most commonly reported scam type and investment scams causing the greatest financial damage. Florida ranked second nationally for elder fraud complaints and losses, with seniors reporting over $90 million in investment scheme losses, $51.5 million in tech support fraud, and over $40 million in romance scams. The FBI emphasized its commitment to investigating these crimes and encouraged victims to report fraud through their complaint center, hotline, or tip submission website.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting recent college graduates entering the workforce by posing as recruiters and faculty members, using fake job offers to deceive vulnerable job seekers. The scheme typically involves convincing applicants to pay upfront money for home office equipment or other expenses that goes directly to the scammers instead. The Federal Trade Commission warns job seekers to verify company information, request written job details, consult trusted advisors, and remember that legitimate employers never ask employees to pay money upfront.
mainstreetdailynews.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received over 100,000 complaints from individuals over 60, representing a 14% increase from the previous year, with scammers stealing $3.4 billion from seniors (an 11% increase from 2022). Tech support scams were the most common complaint, while investment scams caused the greatest financial losses at $1.2 billion, with the average loss per incident reaching nearly $34,000. California, Florida, and Texas experienced the highest concentrations of senior scam complaints.
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-08
Job scams in Australia experienced a dramatic 150% increase in financial losses in 2023, making them among the top ten scam categories despite an overall 13.1% decline in reported scam losses nationally. Scammers use fake job advertisements across social media, emails, and employment websites to extract upfront fees, personal information, or banking credentials from vulnerable victims—particularly targeting unemployed individuals, students, recent graduates, and immigrants unfamiliar with legitimate employment practices. To protect themselves, job seekers should use only legitimate job boards, verify employer information independently, and be wary of positions offering unrealistic pay, upfront fees, or requests for sensitive personal details.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Real estate scams are surging, with the FBI's IC3 receiving 9,521 complaints in 2023 resulting in $145.2 million in losses, primarily through business email compromise (BEC) schemes targeting homebuyers and sellers. Notable cases include a Connecticut homebuyer who nearly lost $426,000 after receiving a spoofed email posing as their attorney, and a Texas realtor who identified a fraudulent property listing scheme. Common tactics include fake closing/wire fraud emails, rental listing scams, and home warranty schemes, with scammers exploiting the busy March-June real estate season by impersonating attorneys, lenders, and property owners to steal money
wsaz.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational awareness piece promoting scam prevention resources. The article directs readers to the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) as a key information source for protecting themselves against scams, though specific protective measures are not detailed in the provided content.
wgme.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers stole $3.4 billion from Americans over 60 last year, an 11% increase, with nearly 400 Maine victims losing approximately $7.1 million combined. Tech support scams impersonating companies like Microsoft topped the list of fraud schemes targeting seniors nationwide. Experts believe actual losses are significantly higher due to underreporting, as many victims are embarrassed to come forward, and victims are encouraged to contact family, friends, or law enforcement to prevent further victimization.
fox17online.com
· 2025-12-08
An FBI report found that Americans over 60 lost $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, with fraud complaints against seniors rising 14% year-over-year. Tech support scams generated the most complaints, while investment scams proved costliest, with 6,000 victims each losing over $100,000. Experts recommend seniors verify payment methods, seek second opinions before transactions, and recognize that many scams are technology-based despite myths that older adults don't use digital platforms.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Georgia seniors lost $92.4 million to online fraud in 2023, representing an 18% increase in cyber crimes and fraud, with investment fraud ($32 million), tech support scams ($12 million), and romance scams ($10 million) being the top offenses affecting more than 2,100 victims. The FBI advises seniors to avoid sending money to unknown individuals, verify requests through legitimate vendors, and report incidents to their banks and trusted contacts, as these scams can cause severe emotional and financial damage.
foxbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud schemes, with 101,068 complaints filed—an 11% increase from 2022—according to an FBI report compiled by the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Tech support scams were the most common fraud type targeting this age group, followed by personal data breaches, romance scams, and investment fraud, with investment crimes alone costing victims over $1.2 billion. Cryptocurrency was involved in $1.1 billion of losses, while the FBI noted these figures likely underestimate actual fraud against seniors since only about half of all complaints included age data.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Sixteen people were charged in connection with a "grandparent scam" that defrauded hundreds of older Americans across the Northeast out of millions of dollars between January 2019 and December 2023. Scammers operating call centers in the Dominican Republic used spoofed phone numbers to call elderly victims, impersonating distressed grandchildren or relatives needing bail money, then posed as attorneys and officials to extract payments via couriers or mail. The charges carry penalties up to 20 years in prison, with elder fraud complaints rising 14% nationally and victims losing an average of $33,915 each in 2023.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. seniors over 60 experienced record elder fraud losses of $3.4 billion across over 101,000 reported complaints in 2023, with a 14% increase from 2022, according to an FBI report. Investment scams, tech support scams, romance scams, and "grandparent scams" were identified as the most costly schemes, with individual victims losing over $100,000 in some cases. The FBI urged financial institutions to implement stronger safeguards and emphasized that early reporting and public education are critical to preventing victims from completing fraudulent transfers.
wisbusiness.com
· 2025-12-08
Moving scams cost victims a median of $350 in 2023, with the Better Business Bureau receiving 5,918 complaints against moving companies that year. Common scams include no-shows, unexpected upcharges, weight-based extra fees, and theft of belongings or hostage-holding for additional payment. To protect themselves, consumers should verify a company's licensing and insurance, avoid large upfront payments, get all terms in writing, maintain an inventory of belongings, and check the company's FMCSA and DOT numbers before hiring.
murrayledger.com
· 2025-12-08
At least two people in Calloway County, Kentucky fell victim to an impersonation scam over the weekend in which fraudsters posed as sheriff's deputies and claimed victims had missed jury duty and had active arrest warrants, demanding immediate payment via electronic transfer, wire services, or Bitcoin to avoid arrest. One victim lost approximately $900. Sheriff Nicky Knight emphasized that legitimate law enforcement will never solicit money over the phone or in person for warrants or charges, and warned that scammers are becoming more sophisticated by spoofing official phone numbers and using publicly available information to appear credible.
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
Online vehicle scams have increased significantly, with reports rising to 256 cases in 2023, affecting predominantly buyers aged 45 and above who account for over three-quarters of victims. Scammers employ multiple tactics including listing non-existent vehicles on fake or real websites, creating fraudulent vehicle history lookup sites (up 30% in 2023), and impersonating dealerships—particularly targeting high-end classic car buyers—often using fake escrow companies to steal money before disappearing. The BBB advises consumers to view vehicles in person before purchasing and avoid sending money through payment services to unknown sellers.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Baby Boomers lost over $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, with the FBI receiving more than 100,000 complaints from Americans over 60—an 11% surge from the previous year. The most common scams involved phone calls from fraudsters impersonating tech support or banking officials, tricking victims into transferring funds to fake accounts, liquidating assets for gold, or using courier services and cryptocurrency transfers, with some victims losing over $100,000 and becoming destitute. The actual financial losses are likely higher, as only half of reported complaints included victim age data, and these schemes have expanded to include dangerous in-person courier pickups.