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malaysia.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern scammers use sophisticated social engineering tactics—not victim naivety—to defraud people, employing psychological manipulation techniques and scripted interactions that mimic legitimate organizations like banks and police. Experts explain that continuous phone conversation and repeated "yes" responses create mental compliance, while common scam methods include mule account schemes (where job applicants are tricked into opening bank accounts for criminals) and APK file installation that grants remote phone access. Scammers reportedly employ psychologists and use standardized scripts refined over decades, making their operations highly organized criminal enterprises rather than isolated fraud attempts.
consumer.ftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonate utility companies with urgent calls claiming unpaid bills and demanding immediate payment via barcodes, QR codes, gift cards, or wire transfers—payment methods legitimate utility companies never require. To protect yourself, contact your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website, never the caller's number, and report suspected scams to the FTC and your utility company immediately.
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI voice mimicry to impersonate family members and request bail money, fake law enforcement calls claiming missed jury duty or warrants, and phishing texts posing as banks with frozen accounts. The article advises consumers to verify suspicious calls independently by hanging up and calling back directly, avoid clicking links in unsolicited texts, and be skeptical of unexpected prize notifications and car warranty offers.
freepressjournal.in
· 2025-12-08
A 42-year-old woman from Dombivali, Mumbai lost Rs30 lakh (approximately $36,000 USD) to scammers who posed as courier executives, police officials, and CBI agents. The fraudsters claimed a drug-laden parcel was found in her name and used false authority to convince her she was involved in money laundering, extracting Rs18.72 lakh through fake financial checks and an additional Rs12 lakh under the pretense of purchasing bitcoins to trace hackers.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Kari Morales, a 51-year-old from Milford, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for acting as a money mule in an IRS impersonation scam targeting a Kent County woman for $60,000. Morales was recruited online by a co-conspirator known as "Tom" to collect the fraudulently obtained cash in Grand Rapids while posing as a federal agent with fake FBI and IRS documents, unaware the victim's phone number had been reassigned to an undercover federal agent. Morales was promised $2,500 for her role in the scheme and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
The Google Voice scam involves fraudsters posing as buyers on Facebook Marketplace who request verification codes from sellers, claiming to confirm identity and prevent fraud. Once the seller provides the six-digit verification code, scammers use it to create a Google Voice account linked to the seller's number, generating a disguised phone number to conduct additional scams while leaving a trail leading to the innocent victim. The FTC first warned of this scam in 2021, and it remains the most commonly reported fraud to the Identity Theft Resource Center, accounting for 60 percent of scams reported in 2023.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns consumers about several back-to-school scams that surge in August and September, including fake websites that duplicate legitimate retailers to steal money or personal information, clickbait ads with nearly-identical URLs offering unrealistic discounts, and fraudulent payment requests. Victims often receive outdated or counterfeit merchandise, nothing at all, or lose money entirely when paying through digital platforms like Zelle that offer no fraud protection. The article advises shoppers to verify deals directly on official websites, check for red flags like suspicious URLs and missing contact information, use credit cards instead of payment apps, and contact their bank before completing questionable transactions.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
This article highlights five emerging phishing scam tactics that security experts recently identified, including state-sponsored attacks targeting 40,000 high-level business professionals using sophisticated Microsoft impersonations and multi-factor authentication bypasses, and a 183% surge in weight-loss drug scams with 176,871 phishing attempts targeting individuals seeking discounted Ozempic and similar medications. Additional tactics include tricking users into running malicious PowerShell commands through fake error dialogs, hijacking legitimate customer portals to send trusted phishing emails, and exploiting Windows Search functionality to deploy malware, demonstrating how adversaries continuously evolve their methods to evade detection.
uk.style.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is a cookie and privacy consent notice from Yahoo explaining how the company uses cookies and personal data for website functionality, security, and advertising purposes. No summary relevant to elder fraud research is applicable.
www3.erie.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, elder fraud complaints rose 14% with 101,000 victims collectively losing $3.4 billion, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. The article identifies eight common senior scams—including grandparent, medical device, IRS imposter, and sweepstakes scams—and provides prevention tips such as never sharing personal information over the phone, blocking robocalls, keeping software updated, and verifying caller identity before responding. Seniors should be particularly cautious of unsolicited calls, suspicious emails with attachments, and fraudsters impersonating government agencies.
forwardtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, senior citizens reported $3.4 billion in fraud losses, a 14 percent increase from 2022, with losses continuing to rise in 2024 at $1.6 billion through May alone. The article highlights a specific case in Houston where a man was indicted for defrauding a 92-year-old dementia patient out of his home by falsely claiming property tax obligations and repair needs, then coercing him to sign over his deed. Experts emphasize that reporting fraud promptly and seeking help from legal services are critical, as scammers actively target vulnerable elderly individuals, particularly in the African American community.
clarksvilleonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Police departments and the Better Business Bureau are warning consumers about rapidly increasing QR code scams that direct victims to phishing websites, malicious downloads, and fraudulent payment portals. Common schemes include parking meter payment fraud, cryptocurrency wallet scams, utility/government impostor scams, and romance scams, which can result in significant financial losses and personal data theft. Consumers are advised to verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unfamiliar sources, check for tampering on public codes, and report suspected fraud to the BBB or FTC.
news.trendmicro.com
· 2025-12-08
Deepfake technology powered by AI is fueling a rising tide of scams in 2024, with deepfake content increasing 900% between 2019 and 2020. Cybercriminals use deepfakes to impersonate celebrities, recruiters, and romantic partners through fake video calls, job interviews, and investment schemes to steal money and personal information from victims. Key scams include romance fraud (where scammers conduct convincing video calls using face-swapping), recruiting scams (impersonating employers on LinkedIn to extract payment and data), and investment scams (using fake celebrity endorsements to promote cryptocurrency schemes).
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
U.S. consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a 14 percent increase from 2022, according to the FTC. Police and Active Aging Inc. warn that scammers target people of all ages through multiple channels including mail, phone calls, email, text, and social media, using tactics such as demanding gift card payments, impersonating government agencies, and fabricating family emergencies. The agencies recommend protective measures including establishing family code words, avoiding unsolicited contacts, and resisting pressure to act immediately.
psychologytoday.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-generated voice and video impersonation scams are making traditional emergency fraud increasingly difficult to detect, with scammers using snippets from social media or voicemail to realistically replicate loved ones' voices and deepfake technology to create convincing video calls. Notable cases include an Arizona mother who received an AI-generated call from her daughter's voice demanding $50,000 ransom and a Hong Kong finance worker who lost $25 million to scammers using deepfake video to impersonate his CFO. To protect against these scams, individuals should establish family code words, verify caller information, have a third party independently contact the loved one, and maintain emotional awareness that anyone can be
siliconvalley.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman was scammed after responding to a Facebook ad offering Bombas socks at an unrealistically low price and never received her order, illustrating how illegitimate sellers exploit social media platforms to advertise name-brand products they cannot deliver at those prices. The article provides guidance on avoiding online shopping fraud, including verifying seller legitimacy through research and reviews, checking for secure websites (HTTPS), using protected payment methods like credit cards or PayPal, and taking advantage of return policies during trial periods. Consumers should be cautious of third-party sellers on platforms like Amazon and compare prices across retailers, as prices that seem too good to be true typically are.
siliconvalley.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman was scammed through a Facebook ad advertising Bombas socks at an unrealistically low price and never received her order. The article discusses various online shopping scams involving fake ads on Facebook and third-party sellers on Amazon, and provides protective measures including: verifying seller legitimacy and reviews, checking for secure website connections (HTTPS), using credit cards or reputable payment services, purchasing only returnable items, and comparing prices across platforms before buying from unfamiliar merchants.
thecoastlandtimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A smishing (SMS phishing) scam is targeting random phone numbers nationwide, with fraudsters impersonating tolling agencies and demanding payment for unpaid tolls. The North Carolina Turnpike Authority warns that these messages are not tied to actual toll accounts or road usage, and recommends customers verify notifications through official channels and report suspicious messages to authorities.
abc7chicago.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chicago-area woman had her identity stolen after responding to a fake job posting that included a legitimate-seeming face-to-face Zoom interview and written job offer; the scammers later sent her a counterfeit check for $8,950 and requested she purchase office equipment and return funds. The Better Business Bureau reports job scams have increased significantly since the pandemic, with the 18-34 age group most at risk, and warns that the biggest red flag is when companies send checks to purchase supplies—if cashed and spent, victims are responsible to their banks.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns parents and students to watch out for several back-to-school scams, including fake social media ads and websites offering discounted school supplies and clothing at unrealistically low prices. Additional scams to avoid include tech support scams via suspicious emails or alerts, scholarship and financial aid scams, and phishing emails impersonating school officials. Experts recommend using credit cards with fraud protection, shopping only on secure websites with SSL certificates, and verifying legitimacy before providing personal information or clicking links.
ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A newspaper columnist lost £400 ($500 USD equivalent) after falling for a Taylor Swift ticket scam where she purchased four tickets at face value from someone vouched for by mutual acquaintances—a former teacher presented as trustworthy—who never delivered the tickets and subsequently blocked all contact before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author shares her experience to warn others that scams rely on social trust and word-of-mouth assurance rather than just online phishing or typical fraud tactics, emphasizing how even seemingly legitimate people can perpetrate fraud.
wsoctv.com
· 2025-12-08
This article identifies five types of political call and text scams targeting voters: fake polls, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts advise consumers not to feel pressured to provide personal information, to verify requests by contacting organizations directly, and to delete suspicious messages rather than engage with them.
independent.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A newspaper columnist fell victim to a Taylor Swift ticket scam after purchasing four tickets at face value (£100 each) from someone introduced through a friend-of-a-friend who was presented as trustworthy and a former primary school teacher. The scammer ceased communication via WhatsApp and blocked calls before delivering the tickets, leaving two 12-year-old girls disappointed before the Wembley Stadium concert. The author emphasizes this as a cautionary tale about social engineering and trust-based fraud rather than typical online phishing or fake resale sites.
ministers.treasury.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia has seen a modest decrease in scam losses over the past 12 months, with Queensland reporting losses dropping from $54 million (January-June 2023) to $21 million in the same period this year, down significantly from $37-38 million in 2022. Investment scams account for over half of losses nationwide, typically originating through emails or social media messages promoting cryptocurrency investments, fake bonds, or fake celebrity endorsements. Key prevention advice includes: never clicking links in unsolicited text messages or emails, avoiding investments that offer returns above market rates, and consulting professional financial advisors rather than relying on social media recommendations.
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages to drivers claiming they have unpaid tolls, creating a sense of urgency by threatening additional fees if balances aren't paid immediately through fake toll payment websites. The Identity Theft Resource Center reports this scam is proliferating across the country, exploiting drivers' anxiety about legitimately owing toll fees by using real toll system names like "Good-to-Go" in Washington State and "Easy Pass" on the East Coast. The scheme preys on consumers' fear of accumulating fines and encourages them to click malicious links or provide personal information to cybercriminals.
b105country.com
· 2025-12-08
Grand Marais State Bank warned customers of a text message phishing scam impersonating the bank and requesting users click a link to "secure" their account after detecting a new device login. The scam attempts to trick victims into clicking malicious links (hosted on free website services like Weebly) and providing personal banking information that fraudsters could use to access accounts. The bank advises customers never to click unexpected links related to accounts and instead contact their bank directly to verify any security alerts.
denisonforum.org
· 2025-12-08
**Pig Butchering Scam Overview**
Pig butchering scams exploit victims' desire for connection and romantic relationships by having scammers pose as attractive strangers via text or social media, gradually building trust over weeks or months before introducing cryptocurrency investment schemes that result in complete financial loss. These scams, operated by organized gangs in Southeast Asia (primarily in Laos, Thailand, and the Philippines) using coerced workers, have generated an estimated $75 billion in losses and are particularly effective against older adults unfamiliar with digital deception tactics like AI-generated photos. Victims have suffered devastating consequences including suicide, with protection strategies including awareness of the sc
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Two men were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an international fraud conspiracy that stole over $11 million from elderly victims across multiple states, with one West Michigan victim losing $398,000. Jayesh Panchal received 78 months and was ordered to pay $7,930,287 in restitution, while Vijaya Shetty received 63 months and was ordered to pay $596,800 in restitution. The scam used fake tech support pop-up warnings and impersonation of Microsoft, Apple, and federal agents to convince seniors to withdraw cash, make wire transfers, or purchase gift cards, claiming their accounts were compromised or they were involved in
lincolnparishjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece by law enforcement examines modern phone-based scams targeting Americans, highlighting how technology has enabled criminals to defraud victims without in-person contact. The article details six prevalent scams: impersonation of law enforcement demanding payment for fines, fake charity solicitations, fraudulent debt collectors, fake prize offers, and IRS impersonation schemes—emphasizing that government agencies never demand immediate payment via phone, gift cards, or wire transfers, and advising victims to hang up and verify claims directly with legitimate organizations.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
A Pennsylvania woman nearly fell victim to a romance scam involving a fake foreign inheritance scheme, where an online acquaintance convinced her to front money for supposed legal fees and escrow to unlock a British estate. Red flags included fake legal documents with spelling errors, an implausible timeline, and a fabricated London law firm address, which legal experts confirmed were fraudulent. The article highlights how elder fraud is increasingly difficult to recover due to modern money transfer methods and cryptocurrency, and emphasizes the importance of verifying credentials and seeking professional legal advice before sending money in estate-related matters.
mirror.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
This educational article by consumer rights expert Martyn James outlines the growing landscape of fraud in 2024, explaining why scammers are increasingly successful through digital innovation, mass messaging, and sophisticated social engineering tactics. The article cites that 252,626 people lost nearly £341 million to "push payment" fraud in the UK, with some victims losing life savings exceeding £100,000, though £1.2 billion in fraud was prevented last year. James provides practical advice for fraud victims, including immediately contacting their bank via the official number or the 159 stop scams line, and emphasizes the importance of identifying the type of fraud to determine the appropriate response.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
An Edinburgh academic accused Starling Bank of excessive fraud prevention measures after the bank repeatedly blocked his €15,000 transfer to an Austrian friend of 20+ years, demanding to see private correspondence and tax documents before refusing the payment and then freezing his account when he complained. The bank acknowledged it went too far in its verification requests and unfroze the account following media intervention, stating it will review its procedures.
ynetnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains how online scams have evolved to exploit vulnerable targets through voice phishing (vishing), SMS phishing (smishing), and AI-generated voice technology, with real examples including a $250,000 CEO impersonation fraud and a $25 million company theft via deepfake video calls. The article identifies key vulnerabilities including the widespread sale of personal data by brokers and the increasing sophistication of scam tactics like "pig butchering," romance scams, and tech support hoaxes that require minimal technical skills to execute at scale. Protective measures recommended include avoiding unexpected calls from unknown numbers, enabling two-factor authentication with security keys rather than SMS, verifying
newslj.com
· 2025-12-08
This article provides multiple scam alerts and protective measures: residents received fraudulent PayPal invoices via email impersonation, unrealistic job offers via text promising $1,000+ daily pay for minimal work, and a fake donation request to a nonprofit seeking wire transfer details for a $7,000 "donation." A massive data breach exposed 2.7 billion individuals' Social Security numbers and personal information, with experts recommending credit freezes with major bureaus, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing exploitation of the breach.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
Venmo users face multiple fraud schemes including spoofed calls impersonating Venmo requesting authentication codes, phishing texts and emails with fake login links, fake payment demands from companies, and scammers posing as friends or family members to request money. To protect yourself, never share confidential information with unsolicited contacts, independently verify requests by contacting Venmo directly through official channels, carefully examine email addresses and website URLs, and be suspicious of urgent payment demands.
thesheridanpress.com
· 2025-12-08
Sheridan County law enforcement reports an increase in scam cases over the past five years, with phone call scams being the most common, particularly targeting grandparents with false claims of grandchildren needing emergency money. Scammers are also employing warrant scams (posing as law enforcement threatening arrest) and social media schemes advertising deals requiring down payments. The Federal Trade Commission reported approximately $10 billion lost to email, social media, and phone call scams in 2022, with investment scams causing the most financial harm, and authorities recommend contacting local law enforcement if anyone suspects they are being scammed.
nkytribune.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau highlights ten common scams affecting consumers, including auction fraud (wire transfer schemes), fake social media ads using legitimate company logos, employment scams requesting upfront payments or personal information, Facebook Marketplace deals that seem too good to be true, high-pressure debt collection calls, romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, fraudulent charity donation requests, Amazon account hack phishing attempts, QR code scams leading to malware, and puppy sales scams on Facebook groups. BBB advises consumers to verify companies and charities directly, avoid sharing personal or financial information online or over the phone, use secure payment methods, and research sellers and breeders before conducting transactions.
the-review.com
· 2025-12-08
QR codes are increasingly being exploited by scammers to direct victims to phishing websites, fraudulent payment portals, malware downloads, and fake cryptocurrency wallets. Common schemes include placing fraudulent QR codes on parking meters to steal payment information, conducting romance scams that culminate in cryptocurrency investment requests, impersonating utility companies and government agencies to collect fraudulent payments, and sending malicious codes via email or mail. Consumers should verify QR codes before scanning, avoid codes from unsolicited sources, and confirm suspicious requests directly with the legitimate organization or person claiming to contact them.
theadvocate.com.au
· 2025-12-08
In the 2023/24 financial year, Tasmania Police recorded 163 victims of investment scams, with combined losses totaling $7.92 million and an average loss of $48,500 per victim. Older people are particularly targeted through unsolicited phone calls, text messages, and emails offering high-return, low-risk investments, with scammers using fake websites and persistent pressure to extract funds, often followed by recovery scams. Police advise verifying caller identity independently, conducting due diligence on companies, and consulting friends and family before investing, warning that victims are unlikely to recover lost funds.
levittownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational alert from Bucks County Department of Consumer Protection outlines evolving scam tactics targeting seniors, including sweepstakes scams, check fraud, and voice deepfake manipulation schemes where fraudsters use prolonged phone calls to generate fake voice recordings for unauthorized account access. The advisory recommends protecting yourself by not answering unknown numbers, avoiding contest entries, mailing checks only from post offices, using credit cards for payments instead, monitoring accounts for suspicious activity, and immediately reporting fraud to financial institutions.
cpr.org
· 2025-12-08
Real estate scammers are fraudulently selling properties they do not own, targeting owners with out-of-state addresses and free-and-clear titles. Sasha Henderson of Parker nearly fell victim to such a scam when she and her husband attempted to purchase 10 acres in Elbert County, but the title company detected suspicious emails and contacted the actual owner out of state, preventing the fraudulent sale from closing. Real estate professionals advise that buyers should always obtain title insurance regardless of whether they are paying cash, and should be cautious of remote transactions, as title companies are better equipped to identify fraud than third-party monitoring services.
wccsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Communications Commission warns that college students face increased scam risks at the start of the academic year, particularly through scholarship fraud, fake tech support, and bogus rental/roommate schemes delivered via calls, texts, and emails impersonating legitimate sources. The FCC recommends students protect personal information including Social Security numbers and bank details, monitor financial accounts, and exercise caution with student loan information, as scammers specifically target borrowers.
citizen.co.za
· 2025-12-08
One in ten South Africans fell victim to fraud in Q2 2024, with phishing attacks accounting for 28% of incidents, often involving scammers creating fake social media profiles and cloned websites that fool 53% of consumers into providing personal and financial information. Financial losses ranged from approximately R1,833 to over R18,329, though emotional impacts were often more severe, with 22% of victims requiring months to recover. Consumers can protect themselves by using tools like WHOIS and Google's safe browsing function to verify website legitimacy, while businesses can combat cloning by blocking fraudulent sites and filing takedown requests with hosting providers.
azag.gov
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a warning about cryptocurrency scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, which exploit victims' unfamiliarity with digital currencies. Common scams include investment schemes promising high returns with zero risk, impersonation scams claiming account fraud or legal issues that can only be resolved via cryptocurrency transfer, and blackmail scams threatening to release compromising information unless paid in Bitcoin. The Attorney General advises Arizonans to verify caller information independently, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests, recognize that legitimate businesses never demand cryptocurrency payment, protect personal information, consult trusted family members before financial decisions, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement or the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
iid.iowa.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies six common scams targeting Iowa storm victims: FEMA impersonation scams, contractor fraud (storm chasers), fake charities, insurance claim scams, phishing communications, and identity theft. The article provides preventative measures for each scam type, including verifying credentials, obtaining multiple estimates, researching charities through watchdog organizations, contacting insurance companies directly, and freezing credit. Resources provided include the Iowa Attorney General's Office, Iowa Insurance Division, and FEMA fraud hotline for reporting suspected fraud.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
During the 2024 election season, Charlotte residents experienced increased political calls and texts, many of which were scams rather than legitimate campaign communications. Equifax's Identity Theft Protection team identified five types of political scams targeting voters: fake polls/surveys, donation scams, impersonation scams, questionable petitions, and voter registration scams. Experts recommend not providing unsolicited information, avoiding pressure to act immediately, verifying directly with official sources, and deleting suspicious messages.
rfa.org
· 2025-12-08
A South Korean court sentenced the leader of an international scam operation to eight years in prison for luring nearly 60 South Korean victims with promises of high-paying jobs and forcing them into fraudulent crimes in Laos and Myanmar, resulting in losses exceeding 23 billion won ($17 million) between May and October of the previous year. The scam group imprisoned victims in offices within special economic zones, confiscated their passports, and coerced them into illegal activities including voice phishing, investment scams, and romance scams while withholding travel and living expenses. In response to the escalating threat, South Korea imposed a level 4 travel ban on the Lao Golden
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
Traverse Bay Farms partnered with financial expert Andy LaPointe to promote senior fraud prevention through his book "Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams." The guide educates seniors on recognizing and protecting themselves from various scams including door-to-door, telephone, phishing, social media, romance, and cryptocurrency schemes, while providing actionable strategies for internet safety, password management, and scam reporting.
kvoa.com
· 2025-12-08
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued an alert about cryptocurrency scams targeting consumers through investment schemes, impersonation fraud, and blackmail extortion. Scammers use phone calls, emails, social media, and dating apps to pose as investment managers, government officials, or love interests to trick victims into buying and transferring cryptocurrency. The Attorney General recommends verifying caller information independently, remaining skeptical of unsolicited requests for cryptocurrency payments, never sharing personal information with unknown callers, consulting trusted individuals before major financial decisions, and reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.
transylvaniatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
Marlene Cronin of Brevard received a phishing email claiming she owed a $7.65 toll road charge with a $765 penalty, which she correctly identified as a scam after calling the unresponsive phone number. The article details the broader elder fraud crisis affecting seniors nationwide, noting that Brevard County's population is over one-third seniors and that scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including emotional manipulation, AI-generated voices, fake emails, and impersonation of government agencies. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, cybercrime losses reached $12.4 billion in the prior year, with seniors particularly vulnerable due to social isolation, significant savings,