Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
4,606 results
in Tech Support Scams
madriverunion.com
**Title:** Online Fraud Protection for Seniors
Seniors face increasing risk from online fraud due to their trust and limited tech experience, with common scams including phishing, grandparent scams, and tech support fraud. The article recommends protective measures such as verifying sender identity, confirming requests through known contacts, never granting device access to unsolicited callers, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and reporting suspected scams to banks, the FTC, or local authorities. The McKinleyville Senior Center offers free computer assistance and is hosting a fraud prevention seminar with Coast Central Credit Union on June 27.
states.aarp.org
AARP Illinois is offering a free two-part virtual educational series called "Fraud Watch 101" scheduled for June 23rd and 27th to help older adults recognize and avoid scams. The program covers common fraud tactics, emerging threats like cryptocurrency scams, red flags in suspicious communications, and psychological manipulation techniques used by fraudsters. This is an awareness and educational initiative designed to equip seniors and their families with knowledge to protect themselves from fraud.
financialpost.com
Financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse in Canada, with experts warning of rising vulnerability as the country's aging population holds over $1.1 trillion in assets. While digital scams targeting seniors are increasing, the greater threat comes from trusted individuals—family members, friends, and those with power of attorney—who exploit their positions, with approximately 81 percent of reported cases perpetrated by someone the victim knows. Seniors with cognitive decline, women, and those from marginalized communities face heightened risk, and many victims remain silent to avoid disrupting family relationships.
abc7chicago.com
Actor Chris Carmack and his wife Erin partnered with McAfee to raise awareness about AI-powered scams after both were recently targeted by fraudsters; Erin lost approximately $2,000 to a fake online furniture vendor, while Chris nearly fell victim to a tollway phishing scam. McAfee launched a free Scam Detector tool that uses AI to analyze URLs, text messages, and emails to identify scams, with similar tools now offered by Norton 360, Bitdefender, and Google. Experts advise people to verify website URLs (checking for "https" and ".gov" endings), pause before clicking links or sending money, and contact trusted sources before responding to financial
cityam.com
In 2024, over £1 billion was stolen through fraud in the UK, with 3.3 million confirmed fraud cases representing a 12 percent increase from 2023, though banks prevented £1.5 billion in unauthorized fraud. Investment fraud caused the largest losses at £144 million (up 34 percent), while purchase scams were the most common type, with 70 percent of authorized push payment fraud beginning on online platforms. To avoid scams, consumers should watch for red flags including unsolicited contact, pressure to decide quickly, requests for payment upfront, and promises that seem too good to be true; victims should report incidents to police, Action Fraud, and their
digit.fyi
Nearly half of mobile users (44%) encounter scams daily, with the highest rates in the US (51%) and UK (49%), yet 66% struggle to distinguish scams from legitimate communications. Over half of victims experience financial loss (52%), while Gen Z faces particularly high rates of extortion and sextortion scams (28% victimization rate), and 75% of all victims report serious emotional consequences including anxiety and depression. Despite widespread impact, only 17% of victims report scams to authorities, and the rise of AI-powered scams makes detection increasingly difficult.
mashable.com
In 2025, text-based scams have become the most prevalent threat, with the E-ZPass scam leading the way—fraudsters send texts falsely claiming unpaid tolls and threatening license suspension to create urgency and trick recipients into clicking malicious links. Other major scams include DMV impersonation texts using similar tactics, fake job offer texts posing as employers or Indeed itself, and fraudulent Joann Fabric advertisements on Facebook and Pinterest directing users to counterfeit websites. The FTC recommends never clicking links or engaging with suspicious messages, contacting relevant agencies directly to verify claims, and reporting scams rather than responding to them.
therecord.media
Seven law enforcement agencies across Asia, led by Singapore Police Force, conducted a month-long multinational operation in April and May that shut down dozens of scam centers, arrested over 1,800 people, and froze approximately 32,000 bank accounts linked to at least 9,200 scam cases (including investment fraud, dating app schemes, and government impersonation) that collectively stole approximately $225 million from victims. Singapore alone arrested 106 people responsible for 1,300 scams totaling about $30 million, and authorities seized $20 million globally as part of the coordinated "Operation Frontier+" effort, which officials plan to continue with real-time
news.vumc.org
Attackers are using Microsoft Teams to conduct caller ID spoofing scams by manipulating display names to impersonate trusted coworkers and supervisors, with the goal of tricking recipients into complying with malicious requests such as installing software, accessing files, or sending payments. The scam typically involves the display name changing or revealing a suspicious number after the call connects. To protect against this fraud, users should verify callers through separate channels, avoid clicking links or downloading software from unsolicited calls, and never disclose personal or financial information over the phone.
cnbc.com
Forty-two state attorneys general, led by New York AG Letitia James, are calling on Meta to combat investment scams on Facebook that use fraudulent images of celebrities like Warren Buffett and Elon Musk to lure users into pump-and-dump schemes on WhatsApp, with thousands of users losing hundreds of millions of dollars. The attorneys general report that criminals are repeatedly evading Meta's review systems, and the scams persist months after being reported to the company. Meta responded by stating it is investing in technology, facial recognition, and cross-industry partnerships to combat scams, while the AGs urged the company to increase human review of ads or stop running investment ads altogether.
hometownstations.com
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik highlighted Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June and emphasized the U.S. Attorney's Office commitment to combating financial fraud targeting seniors, noting that scammers use unsolicited communications and impersonation tactics to exploit older adults' savings. The office outlined common scams affecting seniors including cryptocurrency schemes, lottery fraud, grandparent scams, romance scams, government impersonation, money mule recruitment, and tech support fraud, and recommends vigilance and reporting suspected elder financial abuse to the FBI or Department of Justice.
channel3000.com
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection raised awareness about senior-targeting scams on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, noting that consumers aged 70 and over lost more than $1,000 per scam in 2024—double the losses of younger age groups—with investment, romance, and government imposter scams becoming increasingly sophisticated. The department recommends five preventative measures: staying informed about common scams, planning ahead to identify impersonation attempts, pausing before sharing personal information, consulting trusted contacts before acting, and reporting suspected fraud to authorities or the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 422-7128.
positivelynaperville.com
Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly through phishing and spear phishing techniques where fraudsters impersonate legitimate businesses via email, phone, or text to create urgency and pressure victims into sending money via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Crime Prevention Specialist Julie Smith recommends pausing when receiving suspicious communications, independently verifying through official channels, avoiding clicking links, and not hesitating to end the conversation with potential scammers. Common impersonated organizations include Microsoft, Amazon, Social Security, PayPal, and Illinois Tollway/IPASS.
lockhaven.com
Centre County reported over 350 cases of elder abuse in 2024, a five-fold increase over the past decade, with financial exploitation now surpassing self-neglect as the most commonly reported abuse type. Sophisticated scams using AI-generated deepfakes, voice spoofing, and impersonation have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars from local seniors, with statewide estimates between $260 million and $2.1 billion stolen from Pennsylvania residents over 60 in 2022. The Centre County Office of Aging is hosting educational initiatives and encouraging victims to report scams to local law enforcement to prevent further exploitation.
hometownstations.com
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik announced that the Northern District of Ohio is committed to combating financial fraud targeting seniors during Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June, noting that scammers use unsolicited communications and impersonation tactics to steal victims' life savings. The office highlighted common scams affecting older adults, including cryptocurrency schemes, lottery scams, grandparent scams, romance scams, government impersonation schemes, money mule operations, and tech support frauds, and urged seniors to remain vigilant while offering FBI and Department of Justice resources for reporting elder financial abuse.
postandcourier.com
Seniors age 60 and older face increasing vulnerability to financial scams facilitated by internet and smartphone technology, prompting the U.S. Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative to combat elder fraud through education and awareness. The article outlines four common scams targeting older adults: Social Security Administration impostor scams (using caller ID spoofing to request money transferred to gift cards), tech support scams (gaining remote device access and charging fabricated fees), lottery scams (requesting upfront fees for fake foreign lottery winnings), and romance scams (conducted through dating sites and social media to solicit money). Seniors should verify caller identities independently, avoid granting remote device access, reject unsolicite
corporate.vanguard.com
U.S. consumers lost over $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, driven by increasingly sophisticated "crossover scams" that combine multiple fraud techniques over extended periods. These scams employ social engineering, impersonation of trusted entities (banks, government agencies), and multi-channel contact methods to manipulate victims into transferring funds through untraceable means, with common variations including tech support/account security scams and fake investment schemes with emotional manipulation. Beyond financial losses, victims experience significant emotional and psychological harm, including depression, relationship problems, and diminished financial confidence.
justice.gov
Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik issued a press release for Elder Abuse Awareness Month highlighting the prevalence of financial scams targeting seniors in the Northern District of Ohio, including cryptocurrency, lottery, grandparent, romance, government impersonation, money mule, and tech support schemes. The statement emphasized that scammers use unsolicited communications and fraudulent tactics to exploit seniors' savings, with some victims losing their entire life savings, and urged vigilance and reporting through the FBI and Department of Justice resources.
wpsdlocal6.com
In 2024, seniors aged 60 and older lost $4.8 billion to online scams—a 43% increase from the previous year—with an average loss of $83,000 per victim, according to FBI data cited by Paducah-based cybersecurity firm SOMA Cyber Inc. Investment scams were the costliest fraud type, taking nearly $2 billion from this age group, while romance scams and tech support impersonation schemes also caused significant losses. SOMA Cyber is launching awareness workshops and recommends seniors verify unexpected financial requests independently, use strong password practices, enable two-factor authentication, and immediately contact their bank if victimized.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office co-hosted the 3rd Annual Walk for Awareness in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 11, 2025, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, to raise awareness about financial, physical, and emotional abuse affecting seniors. According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crimes Report, adults over 60 suffered $4.8 billion in financial losses and filed 147,127 complaints, with investment fraud, tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation being the most common schemes. The U.S. Attorney's Office has prosecuted multiple elder fraud cases involving millions of dollars and continues partnering with community organizations to
bostonglobe.com
Teresa Rogg, a 74-year-old Massachusetts resident, lost approximately $140,000 from her retirement account after falling victim to an evolving "phantom hacker" scam that began with a fake security pop-up and escalated to in-person cash pickups over two months. The scammers convinced her that suspicious activity had been detected on her accounts and instructed her to withdraw cash and hand it to couriers using code words, while also sending fraudulent letters impersonating the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Tech support scams in Massachusetts have surged dramatically, with reported losses increasing from $1.2 million in 2019 to over $50 million in the most
woay.com
This article discusses three increasingly sophisticated scams enabled by AI and technology: "accidental text" phishing messages designed to validate phone numbers for future targeting, fraudulent QR codes placed in public locations to steal personal information, and SIM swapping where thieves redirect a victim's phone number to access their accounts. The article recommends avoiding responses to unsolicited texts, verifying QR code sources before scanning, and setting up PIN codes with phone providers to prevent unauthorized number transfers.
wyso.org
Ohio seniors reported 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in losses according to FBI data. Romance scams targeting older adults have grown significantly, with perpetrators using dating apps to build relationships before convincing victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fraudulent exchanges. Investigators advise seniors to verify any claims about compromised accounts directly with financial institutions, avoid secrecy in relationships, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities at 614-644-7381.
wosu.org
Ohio seniors filed 302 scam and fraud complaints to the Division of Securities in 2024, a 22% increase from 2023, with the state experiencing over $64 million in elder fraud losses in 2023 alone. The most prevalent scam targeting older Ohioans is the romance scam, where international criminals use dating apps to build relationships and eventually persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by liquidating retirement accounts or refinancing homes, with funds directed to fictitious platforms. Investigators urge seniors to report suspicious propositions to trusted contacts, verify financial institution communications independently, and report suspected fraud to local police and the Ohio Division of Securities.
bankrate.com
This educational article outlines common annuity scams and reporting options for victims. It describes four prevalent fraud types: churning (agents convincing clients to repeatedly switch annuities for commissions), unsuitable sales (pushing products that don't meet client needs), fake credentials (misleading titles without legitimate qualifications), and false claims/high-pressure seminars. The article provides real examples including a 2023 SEC case where advisor Jeffrey Cutter earned $9 million in undisclosed commissions through churning, and a FINRA case resulting in $7.3 million in damages after an advisor steered a nonprofit foundation into $47 million in high-cost variable annuities.
the420.in
A 73-year-old woman from Mumbai fell victim to a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam in which cybercriminals impersonated TRAI officials, police officers, and a judge via WhatsApp and video calls, convincing her to transfer ₹2.89 crore over two days by claiming she was under investigation and needed to pay for "security verification." Mumbai Police's cybercrime cell responded quickly to her report, successfully recovering ₹1.29 crore through coordination with banks and payment platforms. The case highlights a growing trend where scammers use multilayered impersonation, psychological manipulation, and digital technology to exploit elderly citizens' trust in institutional authority.
gulfnews.com
The FBI has issued a nationwide warning about a surge in phone scams where fraudsters spoof official FBI numbers and impersonate federal agents, threatening victims with imminent arrest to pressure them into sending money via prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Scammers have expanded tactics to also impersonate bank investigators, charity workers, and court officials demanding payment, often instructing victims to stay silent and threatening legal consequences if personal information like Social Security numbers is not shared. The FBI advises hanging up immediately on suspicious calls, never sharing personal or financial details, and reporting scams at ic3.gov.
foxnews.com
Online scammers use fake login alert emails impersonating legitimate companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook to create urgency and fear, tricking victims into clicking malicious links that lead to fake login pages where attackers steal credentials and personal information. The scam is effective because it mimics genuine security notifications that these companies actually send, though scammers increasingly use AI to write professional-sounding phishing emails that lack the grammar errors once considered a red flag. To protect yourself, verify alerts come from official company addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and check your account directly through the company's official website rather than through email links.
dailyhodl.com
A 73-year-old Wells Fargo customer in North Carolina lost $61,000 to an impostor scam that began with a fake virus warning pop-up, which directed her to call a fraudulent Apple Care number. The scammers posed as Apple and Wells Fargo representatives, convincing her that her accounts were compromised and instructing her to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin over several days. The victim became suspicious when the scammers asked her to meet at a police station to recover funds and reported the incident to the sheriff's office, which is investigating the case.
nzherald.co.nz
This educational piece outlines common scam types affecting email and social media users, including phishing, romance scams, investment fraud, and ATM skimming, noting that scammers exploit vulnerable people in distressing situations. New Zealand's Banking Association is implementing protections by November that will require banks to reimburse fraud victims up to $500,000 under certain conditions and use new technology to detect suspicious transactions. The article emphasizes that awareness and family support are critical defenses, as even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to fraud.
irontontribune.com
In recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Month, Ohio's Department of Commerce Division of Securities and Department of Aging are addressing a significant financial exploitation crisis affecting older Ohioans, who lost over $64 million in 2024 with fraud complaints up 22% year-over-year. The state highlights common warning signs of elder financial abuse—including unexplained withdrawals, suspicious account changes, and unpaid bills—and notes that seniors are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, tech support impersonation, and grandparent scams that exploit loneliness and lack of technological familiarity. Multiple state resources are available for reporting suspected fraud and obtaining assistance, including the Division of Securities' hotline and Adult
usatoday.com
DMV text message scams, known as "smishing," are expanding across multiple states including Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, California, Michigan, and North Carolina, with earlier warnings issued in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, and New York. These fraudulent texts falsely claim recipients have unpaid traffic tickets or outstanding bills and threaten consequences like vehicle registration loss, driving privilege suspension, or credit score damage unless they click a link and pay. The Federal Trade Commission advises recipients not to click links or respond, instead contacting their state DMV directly through official channels and reporting the messages to their wireless provider, the FTC, and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
**Summary:**
The FBI issued a warning about phone spoofing scams in which impersonators pose as government agents or law enforcement to coerce victims into sending money by threatening imminent arrest or legal penalties. These scams employ intimidation tactics, demand various payment methods (prepaid cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency), and instruct victims to keep demands secret; the FBI advises hanging up immediately and reporting such calls to ic3.gov, as legitimate law enforcement will never demand money by phone or text.
the420.in
A victim in Mumbai lost ₹2.89 crore ($345,000 USD) to fraudsters who impersonated FedEx, CBI, and RBI officials using screen-sharing software and intimidation tactics, claiming he was under investigation for money laundering and convincing him to transfer his savings to a fake "safe RBI account" between January and March. Police registered an FIR and launched a probe to trace the funds, which included the victim's retirement and life savings, while authorities urged the public—especially senior citizens—to avoid engaging with unsolicited legal threat calls and report incidents immediately on cybercrime.gov.in.
technadu.com
A two-part docuseries titled "ROMCON: Who the F**k is Jason Porter?" premieres on Prime Video in June 2025, documenting a romance scam perpetrated by convicted criminal Jason Porter against Toronto real estate broker Heather Rovet over a three-year period. The documentary follows Rovet's investigation into Porter's schemes as she connects with other victims and exposes his sophisticated tactics of emotional and financial manipulation. The series highlights how one woman's determination uncovers a dangerous criminal network and seeks justice for multiple victims of romance fraud.
ibtimes.co.uk
Barclays UK released research revealing the top 10 scams affecting British consumers in 2024, finding that one in five people were scammed and a third know someone who was. The most common scams include fake delivery notifications (51%), HMRC impersonation (42%), purchase fraud (40%), and online marketplace scams (38%), with the bank advising consumers to verify companies, avoid pressure tactics, and be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. Barclays and tech companies like Google are implementing better detection tools, though consumers must remain vigilant with strong passwords and skepticism to protect themselves.
silversurfers.com
This article describes seven prevalent scams on social media targeting users: fake shop accounts, phishing scams with malicious links, fake giveaways, investment scams promising high returns, romance scams, impersonation scams, and charity scams exploiting crises. The article advises users to verify sources, avoid clicking unsolicited links, use strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and stay educated about evolving fraud tactics to protect themselves and report suspicious activity to platforms.
wusf.org
A 92-year-old Florida man lost over $800,000 in a cryptocurrency and romance scam operated by inmates using smuggled cellphones, representing one of several victims in a scheme orchestrated from within state prisons. Florida law enforcement officials reported that nearly $13 million has been stolen through these coordinated scams with only $1.4 million recovered, and are calling for legislation to block drone signals and eliminate contraband communications in prisons.
theindependent.sg
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Funnull Technology Inc., a Philippine-based tech firm, for supplying infrastructure to host over 332,000 fraudulent cryptocurrency investment domains used in "pig butchering" scams. These elaborate romance-based schemes victimized thousands of people, causing average losses of $150,000 per victim with total damages exceeding $200 million. The company, registered in the Philippines in 2021, purchased bulk IP addresses from cloud providers and sold them to scammers to evade detection, while also compromising a widely-used JavaScript library to redirect users to malicious sites.
torontoguardian.com
Romance scams cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022, with nearly 70,000 people reporting losses, according to recent findings. Contrary to common assumptions, adults aged 18-59 are 13% more likely to fall victim than those over 60, though older victims typically lose nearly twice as much money per scam. Romance scammers employ sophisticated tactics including creating fake personas (military personnel, offshore workers, or those with emergencies), moving conversations to private messaging apps, and gradually requesting financial assistance, with half of 2023 fraud cases originating on mainstream social media rather than dedicated dating sites.
businessinsider.com
Text message job scams have surged dramatically, with reported losses reaching $470 million in 2024—five times the 2020 amount—making job offers the second most common scam after fake package delivery. Scammers pose as recruiters from well-known companies, using increasingly sophisticated AI-crafted messages to lure vulnerable job seekers with unrealistic offers, then steal personal information (Social Security numbers, IDs, bank details) or trick victims into sending money for supposed work equipment. The problem is expected to worsen as economic uncertainty and remote work demand increase, making people more susceptible to these plausible-seeming frauds.
bankingjournal.aba.com
A Morning Consult and Google survey found that 75% of U.S. consumers believe financial institutions bear primary responsibility for protecting them from scams, with tech companies (74%) and government (62%) also seen as responsible. The survey revealed that 60% of U.S. respondents perceived increased scam attempts in the past year, and 80% expressed concern about AI-generated scams. The findings indicate consumers expect financial sector leadership in fraud prevention, though opinion is divided across multiple stakeholders.
news.wfsu.org
A 92-year-old man lost over $800,000 in a cryptocurrency and Bitcoin scam operated by Florida prison inmates who used smuggled phones and drones to contact seniors and solicit money. Nearly $13 million has been stolen from multiple victims through these schemes, with only $1.4 million recovered, prompting law enforcement officials to call for legislation to block drone signals and eliminate contraband communications in prisons.
theaustraliatoday.com.au
The Australian Federal Police reported a sharp rise in cryptocurrency ATM scams between January 2024 and January 2025, with 150 reported cases resulting in losses exceeding $3.1 million (averaging over $20,000 per victim), though authorities suspect significant under-reporting. Investment scams were most common, followed by extortion and romance scams, predominantly affecting women and people over 51. The AFP, AUSTRAC, and JPC3 have launched a joint taskforce and are placing warning materials at crypto ATM locations, urging the public to avoid sending cryptocurrency to strangers and to report suspicious activity.
newscop.com.au
Women aged 50 and older account for the majority of crypto ATM scam victims in Australia, with 150 reports received over 12 months (January 2024-2025) totaling $3.1 million in losses, averaging over $20,000 per report. The most common scams involved investments (63 cases), extortion emails (35), and romance scams (24), with authorities warning that actual losses are likely significantly underreported due to victim embarrassment or lack of awareness. The AFP recommends vigilance against common warning signs including unsolicited requests to use crypto ATMs, promises of guaranteed high returns, and pressure from new romantic partners or strangers to invest
blog.google
A 2025 survey conducted with Morning Consult reveals that U.S. consumers are increasingly aware of rising online scams, with over 60% perceiving an increase in scam attempts and one-third having experienced a data breach, while the FBI reported online scams reached a record $16.6 billion in losses the previous year (up 33% annually). The study found that security practices vary significantly by generation, with older Americans (Gen X and Baby Boomers) relying on traditional passwords and two-factor authentication, while Gen Z is adopting more modern authentication methods like passkeys and social sign-ins that offer better protection against phishing and data breaches.
wired.com
Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes in real-time video calls to conduct romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and other schemes, with experts reporting a dramatic rise from approximately 4-5 cases monthly in 2023 to hundreds per month currently. Notable victims include a Hong Kong finance worker who lost $25 million to a deepfaked CFO impersonation and a New Zealand retiree defrauded of $133,000 through a cryptocurrency scam using a deepfaked government official. As AI tools become more accessible and capable of creating realistic faces and voices, deepfake fraud is expanding to encompass job interview scams, identity theft for banking and housing
scmp.com
The US Treasury Department sanctioned Philippine tech firm Funnull Technology Inc. and Chinese administrator Liu Lizhi for providing infrastructure that supported over 332,000 domains used in "pig butchering" cryptocurrency investment scams that defrauded victims of approximately $200 million total, with individual losses averaging $150,000 each. The scams used fake cryptocurrency platforms to systematically target vulnerable individuals, with internal documents showing the company deliberately distributed domains to cybercriminals for fraudulent schemes including phishing and online gambling.
uta.edu
Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington received funding to develop and test inoculation-based messaging designed to protect people against online romance scams. The project applies inoculation theory—exposing individuals to mild versions of deceptive tactics to build resistance—to create evidence-based public awareness campaigns, with the goal of filling gaps in current scam prevention efforts that often lack effectiveness. The team will develop and evaluate video scenarios simulating realistic online interactions to measure how well different inoculation strategies help users resist emotionally manipulative persuasion tactics used by scammers.
wilcosun.com
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office warned residents about imposter scams where fraudsters falsely claim to be law enforcement, using real employee names and fake local phone numbers to appear credible. Legitimate sheriff's offices never request money, threaten arrest, or demand personal information via phone; scammers commonly use pressure tactics, robocalls, and request payment through untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or bitcoin. Residents should hang up on suspicious calls immediately and contact the sheriff's office directly, and should be alert to common scam variations including debt collection fraud via text, sweepstake scams, and emergency schemes involving fake relatives.