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bbc.com
· 2025-12-08
Singapore's police gained new powers under the Protection from Scams Act starting in 2024 to seize and restrict bank accounts of suspected scam victims who refuse warnings, allowing authorities to block transactions for up to 30 days with possible extensions while preserving access for essential expenses. The measure addresses a surge in scams to a record S$1.1 billion ($860 million) in 2024, with common schemes including job, investment, e-commerce, and romance scams, though critics have raised concerns about potential abuse of power and lack of accountability.
news5cleveland.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be vigilant during the Independence Day holiday, as scammers intensify efforts to target Americans through fraudulent charity solicitations for military causes and deceptive ads for patriotic merchandise and fireworks. Consumers should verify charities through the BBB or give.org before donating, avoid clicking on social media ads offering suspiciously low prices, and shop directly on official websites using credit cards to protect against fraud.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers of a scam using caller ID spoofing to impersonate the Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, falsely claiming recipients' accounts would be shut down unless they made immediate payments. The scammers use real department phone numbers to appear legitimate and pressure victims into disclosing personal and financial information. The Attorney General emphasized that the department never calls to demand money or threatens account closures, and urged consumers to report suspicious calls.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
**Missed-delivery scams spoofing UPS are prevalent during summer shopping seasons and peak package delivery times.** Scammers send text messages claiming delivery attempts failed, instructing recipients to reply "Y" to activate clickable malicious links that lead to fake UPS websites designed to harvest personal information (names, addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and credit card details). Once obtained, criminals use this data for identity theft, unauthorized purchases, or install surveillance software on victims' devices.
dallasobserver.com
· 2025-12-08
"Pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams—where fraudsters gradually build trust with victims before stealing their money—are rapidly growing across North Texas, with victims losing between $500,000 to $3 million each. Financial counselor Steve Benton has investigated a dozen cases involving seniors who were lured through fake social media profiles and fake crypto apps that displayed false investment gains, with global scammers stealing nearly $64 billion through these schemes in 2023 alone. The scams are difficult to prosecute because funds are moved through unregulated cryptocurrency channels, and many perpetrators operate from labor-trafficking compounds in Southeast Asia where workers are forced to target victims.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Cybersecurity expert Fuad Hamidli is educating New Jersey residents about how scammers manipulate victims by exploiting emotions, impersonating authority figures, and increasingly using AI technology to create fake voices and videos. In 2024, New Jersey consumers reported $321 million in fraud losses, though actual losses are believed to be significantly higher due to underreporting, and scammers employ sophisticated global operations with extensive training in emotional manipulation and behavioral targeting.
islandsweekly.com
· 2025-12-08
Medicare scams cost billions annually by targeting older adults through unsolicited calls, texts, and online ads impersonating Medicare or medical providers to obtain Medicare numbers, which scammers then use to fraudulently bill Medicare for services or equipment never received. Victims face risks including denied coverage, identity theft, financial stress, and compromised access to needed healthcare services. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner recommends protecting yourself by never sharing Medicare or Social Security numbers with unsolicited contacts, being skeptical of "free" offers, regularly reviewing statements for suspicious charges, and reporting fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE or your local Senior Medicare Patrol.
interpol.int
· 2025-12-08
Human trafficking-fueled online scam centres have expanded globally, with victims from 66 countries trafficked into fraudulent operations spanning Southeast Asia, West Africa, the Middle East, and Central America as of March 2025. Trafficking victims are detained in compounds and coerced into committing social engineering scams targeting financial fraud victims worldwide, while simultaneously suffering exploitation including debt bondage, beatings, and sexual abuse. INTERPOL warns this evolved regional threat now represents a global crisis, with emerging use of AI technology in fake job ads and deepfakes facilitating both victim recruitment and fraud schemes, requiring coordinated international law enforcement response.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Tinder is piloting a facial recognition security feature called Face Check in California that requires users to verify their identity through a short video scan to confirm they are real people and not bots or fake accounts using someone else's likeness. The move addresses the rising problem of romance scams on dating apps, where fraudsters create fake profiles to manipulate victims into sending money, with over 64,000 American victims reported in 2023 alone.
wispolitics.com
· 2025-12-08
The article discusses how military personnel are frequently targeted by scammers and identity thieves who exploit the military community's unique circumstances, with documented losses exceeding $584 million in 2024. July is designated as Military Consumer Protection Month to raise awareness about fraud targeting service members. The full article content is restricted behind a subscription paywall.
vietnamnews.vn
· 2025-12-08
Vietnamese authorities issued a nationwide alert about a surge in sophisticated online scams, with cybercriminals using methods including fake government/police impersonation, fake investment platforms, romance scams, and phishing schemes. Police dismantled several major fraud networks, most notably a transnational ring operating in Myanmar and the Philippines that defrauded Vietnamese victims of over $76.58 million, resulting in nearly 100 arrests. The Ministry of Public Security is responding by updating laws, sending over 500 million warning SMS messages, and partnering with tech companies to combat the growing cybercrime threat.
thehackernews.com
· 2025-12-08
Law enforcement in Spain, Estonia, France, and the United States dismantled a cryptocurrency investment fraud ring in Operation Borrelli that defrauded over 5,000 victims of €460 million ($540 million) globally, with five suspects arrested in June 2025. The scheme used romance baiting tactics to build trust with victims before directing them to fake crypto platforms, then laundered funds through Hong Kong-based banking networks and multiple international payment gateways. The operation highlights the growing sophistication of transnational cyber fraud, increasingly augmented by artificial intelligence, which authorities warn is outpacing legal systems designed to combat it.
news18.com
· 2025-12-08
Dr. Usha Goswami, a retired Indian senior scientist, lost her entire life savings to a "digital arrest" scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials via video call, falsely claiming her Aadhaar number was linked to money laundering and human trafficking. The scammers used fake documents, manipulated videos, and psychological coercion over several days to force her to transfer funds, targeting her as an elderly, educated, law-abiding citizen. The family has reported the case to authorities and is pursuing legal action while raising public awareness about this sophisticated cybercrime targeting vulnerable seniors in India.
ckpolice.com
· 2025-12-08
This document provides guidance on two distinct fraud threats: counterfeit currency and grandparent scams targeting seniors. For counterfeit notes, individuals should stop the transaction, contact police, and verify authenticity by checking security features against known genuine notes. Grandparent scams exploit seniors' concern for family members through urgent phone calls claiming financial emergencies; victims should verify the caller's identity with actual relatives before sending money via untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards, and report suspected scams to local police and financial institutions immediately.
hklaw.com
· 2025-12-08
This article describes trademark scams that impersonate the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) through emails claiming trademarks are at risk of being claimed by competitors, demanding immediate action or payment to retain rights. The scams use phishing tactics to obtain personal or financial information by creating false urgency and mimicking official government communications. The article provides guidance on identifying these scams (checking domain names, spotting typos, noting missing information) and clarifies that the genuine USPTO will never contact applicants about competing filings, request personal information via email, or ask for payment through these channels.
local.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
The FTC estimated fraud theft at $158.3 billion in 2023 (approximately $434 million daily), representing a persistent year-over-year increase in criminal activity. While fraud continues to surge, new initiatives such as the Aspen Institute's national fraud strategy and the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center launched in April 2024 aim to coordinate investigations and prosecutions against fraud criminals. Individuals can help combat fraud by reporting scams and educating others about fraud prevention tactics.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
A 2025 national health care fraud takedown resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants across 50 federal districts for schemes involving over $14.6 billion in alleged fraud, with 19 individuals charged in Florida's Middle District alone for defrauding Medicare and programs serving elderly and disabled beneficiaries. Key defendants included William Balsamo, charged with operating a telemedicine kickback scheme that caused at least $9 million in Medicare losses, and Edward Cannatelli, Robbyn Cannatelli, Thomas Farese, and Virginia Lockett, charged with conspiracy to defraud Medicare through medically unnecessary physician orders generated via telemarketing
khou.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans are being targeted by scams at unprecedented rates, with 96% receiving fraudulent calls, emails, or texts weekly, according to a CNET report. The most prevalent scams include highway toll/ticket schemes, shipping notification frauds, and the "grandparents scam" where callers impersonate family members claiming to be in trouble and demanding money immediately. Experts warn that rising AI and voice-cloning technology will likely increase these impersonation scams, and recommend remaining vigilant by avoiding responses to unsolicited messages and verifying caller identity.
katc.com
· 2025-12-08
A resurfacing text message scam falsely claims recipients owe Louisiana state traffic ticket fees and directs them to click a suspicious link for payment. The Louisiana State Police and governor's office warn that the state Department of Motor Vehicles never collects fees via text message, and law enforcement agencies across the state are actively sharing alerts about this years-old fraud scheme.
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana warns of a rising surge in employment scams involving fraudulent text messages and emails impersonating legitimate companies, which promise quick, flexible, high-paying work to job seekers. Scammers typically request upfront payments or banking information and direct victims to communicate via WhatsApp or Telegram. Job seekers are advised to verify companies through official websites only, never pay upfront fees, and report suspicious offers to the BBB ScamTracker or FTC.
dcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article outlines common scams affecting residents in the quad-city area, including banking, IRS, government grants, senior dating, tech support, lottery, home repair, Medicare, law enforcement, utility, social security, prescription drug, and sextortion scams. The article advises never saying "yes" to unsolicited phone questions and provides specific warning signs and protective measures for each scam type. Key recommendations include hanging up on suspicious calls, verifying contact through official channels, never providing personal information to unsolicited callers, and being cautious with upfront payment requests.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
Modern eCommerce fraud has evolved into a sophisticated, sector-specific operation targeting fashion (chargebacks and return fraud), electronics (fake reviews and SKU manipulation), and beauty retailers (counterfeit goods and return abuse with counterfeit substitutions). Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit reported over $180 million in settlements and judgments from more than 200 civil suits over five years, with 65+ individuals imprisoned, as automated bot-driven scams using AI deepfakes and behavioral testing become increasingly difficult to detect and prevent.
fisherinvestments.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are employing updated tactics during summer to defraud investors and steal personal information through two primary schemes: a modernized "pump and dump" stock manipulation where fraudsters pose as financial advisers on social media to recruit victims into buying penny stocks (particularly U.S.-listed Chinese companies) before artificially inflating and dumping them; and Social Security fraud involving false benefit applications. The article advises investors to avoid unrealistic get-rich-quick opportunities, base stock decisions on fundamental company analysis rather than tips or hot tips from unverified sources, and ignore unsolicited financial pitches from strangers on social media and messaging apps.
investopedia.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies common travel scams targeting tourists in popular cities including Riga, Istanbul, Budapest, Bangkok, and Barcelona, with schemes ranging from inflated taxi fares and fake tours to pickpocketing and restaurant surcharges. The article advises travelers to research local scams, use secure payment methods, verify pricing beforehand, and avoid carrying all valuables to protect themselves from scammers who exploit the confusion and crowding typical of tourist environments.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 28-year-old Fort Worth teacher lost his entire $32,000 life savings after scammers impersonating Chase Bank representatives convinced him via text and phone calls to transfer his funds to a "secure account." When he reported the incident to Chase Bank, the bank classified it as a scam rather than fraud and returned only $2,000, leaving him unprotected by fraud coverage policies. Leahy is now sharing his experience publicly to warn others about phishing scams, which commonly trick victims into revealing sensitive financial information through impersonation of legitimate institutions.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A woman from Hampton, Virginia fell victim to a sophisticated Facebook account takeover scam in which a scammer impersonated her friend, used fake video calls and personal details to gain her trust, and tricked her into sending a recovery code that gave them access to her account. The scammer changed her email and password, locked her out, compromised three Facebook groups she administered, and attempted to purchase $17,000 in bitcoins on her account before she recognized a follow-up scam demanding money. The article provides recovery steps for compromised Facebook accounts and advises victims to report incidents to IC3.gov and Facebook's official support channels rather than third-party support numbers.
indeonline.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers target pet owners who post about lost pets on social media by exploiting their emotional vulnerability and the contact information they share publicly. Con artists monitor these posts to contact distressed pet owners with fake recovery offers or other fraudulent schemes that capitalize on owners' desperation to reunite with their animals.
wafb.com
· 2025-12-08
Fraudulent text messages impersonating Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles are circulating among state residents, claiming recipients have unpaid traffic tickets and threatening vehicle registration suspension and prosecution. Officials advise recipients not to click links or share personal information via these unsolicited texts, and to report suspected scam messages to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
techradar.com
· 2025-12-08
Nvidia GPU scams are increasing in sophistication, with reported incidents including buyers receiving bags of rice, old GPUs, empty shells, or printed photos instead of high-end graphics cards like the RTX 5090, while some sellers have lost thousands (one seller lost approximately $1,900) through fake banking app transfers. To stay safe, consumers should purchase from trusted sellers on established platforms like Amazon, verify return policies, avoid suspiciously cheap listings, and exercise caution when buying second-hand GPUs through local groups or marketplaces.
localnewsmatters.org
· 2025-12-08
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office hosted a workshop during Elder Abuse Awareness Month to help residents identify and prevent real estate fraud schemes targeting adults aged 50 and older, who are vulnerable due to higher home ownership, trust in others, and limited digital literacy. Supervising Deputy District Attorney Dana Filkowski emphasized that while real estate fraud is difficult to investigate and remedy once it occurs, prevention through education about notarized signatures, fraud notification programs, and common scam tactics is essential. The office operates a Fraud Hotline and continues community outreach efforts in partnership with the Family Justice Center to combat elder financial abuse.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
In response to a surge in "digital arrest" scams targeting senior citizens in Goa, police have directed banks to implement protective measures including scrutinizing unusual transactions by elderly customers and contacting them before completing large transfers. Fraudsters in these schemes impersonate law enforcement or government officials (police, CBI, RBI, TRAI) to coerce victims into transferring money by falsely accusing them of illegal activities like money laundering. Banks have been instructed to train staff to recognize warning signs, conduct senior-focused awareness campaigns, establish dedicated helplines, and display in-branch warnings about these scams.
newuniversity.org
· 2025-12-08
Orange County officially recognized June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day through a Board of Supervisors resolution, highlighting that 14.3% of county residents are age 65 and older and that Adult Protective Services received over 2,500 abuse reports in 2024. Financial exploitation accounts for 40% of these reports, with common schemes including IRS impersonation scams, grandparent scams, and romance scams that deplete victims' savings. The California Department of Justice estimates that only one in six instances of elder abuse is reported statewide, and experts recommend never sharing financial information with unsolicited callers regardless of claimed identity.
theguardian.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers impersonating Chinese authorities have defrauded international students in Australia of over $5.1 million in the first five months of 2025, with nearly 680 reported cases targeting predominantly 18-24 year-old victims through threats of arrest, deportation, criminal accusations, and "24-hour surveillance." The scams employ increasingly aggressive intimidation tactics, including fake "virtual kidnapping" scenarios, with an average loss per victim of $138,018. Australian authorities advise victims to hang up, not engage with callers, contact local police or university support services, and never provide money or personal information when credentials are in doubt.
pondolandtimes.co.za
· 2025-12-08
South African SASSA social grant beneficiaries, particularly elderly and vulnerable recipients, face escalating fraud threats through ten common scams including fake SMS messages, ATM card swaps, bogus home visits by impersonators, phishing emails, and social media fraud—all targeting desperate individuals relying on government assistance. Scammers employ tactics such as posing as SASSA officials, creating fake reapplication websites, and requesting fees to "fast-track" grants or "fix" unpaid payments, costing victims their essential monthly income. The advisory urges beneficiaries to verify information only through official SASSA channels, protect their cards and PINs, and report frau
euroweeklynews.com
· 2025-12-08
An 86-year-old woman's report of a €353,952 romance scam led Spanish authorities to dismantle an international network of romance scammers operating from Nigeria, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects across six Spanish provinces in "Operation Doyun." The scammers created fake profiles impersonating attractive men and celebrities to emotionally manipulate victims into making bank transfers, with some Spanish elderly women recruited to help launder the stolen funds; approximately €45,000 was recovered from the network's accounts.
region.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Police across Australia are warning of a surge in cryptocurrency ATM scams targeting vulnerable victims, with over 150 reported cases in 2024 resulting in losses exceeding $3 million, including victims who deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars. Scammers manipulate victims—predominantly people over 50—through romance, investment, and employment fraud schemes, directing them to use cryptocurrency ATMs as anonymous cash pipelines after banks block traditional transfers. Authorities emphasize that cryptocurrency ATM transactions are irreversible and advise the public to never send money via cryptocurrency when pressured by unknown persons or promised quick profits.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI warned of cyberattacks resembling Scattered Spider targeting the aviation industry, with confirmed sightings also reported by Google's Mandiant and Palo Alto Networks' Unit 42. Scattered Spider, a group of younger hackers using social engineering and phishing, has previously conducted high-profile breaches including the 2023 MGM Casinos attack and a 2024 Marks & Spencer breach that resulted in over $807 million in market capitalization loss. The advisory notes that airlines, vendors, and contractors across the aviation ecosystem face heightened risk, particularly as third-party breaches have doubled to represent 30% of data breaches in the past year.
cryptorank.io
· 2025-12-08
An Australian investigation identified 90 individuals involved in cryptocurrency ATM fraud schemes, revealing that many were victims rather than perpetrators. A woman in her 70s lost $281,000 and another lost $130,000 after falling victim to romance and investment scams that directed them to deposit cash into crypto ATMs; between January 2024 and January 2025, over $3 million was lost to crypto ATM scams in Australia with nearly half of victims aged over 51. In response, AUSTRAC implemented new operational standards for crypto ATM providers including transaction limits, mandatory scam alerts, and improved verification protocols.
yespunjab.com
· 2025-12-08
A 24-year-old cyber fraudster, Malya Das, was arrested in New Delhi after evading police for four years for orchestrating a KYC phishing scam that defrauded senior citizens of Rs 1.51 lakh in 2021. Das tricked victims into clicking malicious links via SMS warnings about SIM blocking, installed remote access software to steal OTPs, and laundered stolen funds through online gaming platforms and bank accounts totaling Rs 27 lakh. The arrest followed a reinvigorated investigation that used technical surveillance to trace the money trail through RummyCircle accounts and ATM withdrawals.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An Atlanta couple lost $800,000 in retirement savings to a cryptocurrency scam that began with a WhatsApp message from a stranger promoting an investment opportunity through a trading app. After receiving initial positive returns, Jerry Dunaway invested larger amounts but was unable to withdraw his money when he tried to access it; law enforcement indicated recovery was unlikely. The couple now advocates for public awareness, while experts note that cryptocurrency fraud affected over 69,000 Americans in 2023 with losses exceeding $5.6 billion, with adults over 60 experiencing the highest losses at $1.2 billion through scams using artificial intelligence and fake trading platforms.
alaskasnewssource.com
· 2025-12-08
AARP fraud experts warn that scammers in Anchorage are placing fake QR codes over legitimate ones in parking lots to direct users to fraudulent websites and steal personal financial information. To avoid falling victim, consumers should avoid scanning codes that appear tampered with, verify URLs match the business, never scan codes from unsolicited texts or emails, and resist rushing before entering sensitive data. Anyone who suspects they've been scammed should contact their bank immediately and report the incident to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline.
heart.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
Television presenter Noel Edmonds fell victim to a multi-million pound fraud orchestrated by corrupt staff at HBOS's Reading branch between 2003 and 2007, which forced his company Unique Group into receivership with debts of nearly £3 million. After a lengthy legal battle, Edmonds reached a settlement with Lloyds Banking Group (which had acquired HBOS) in 2019, receiving approximately £5 million in compensation, while the bank set aside £100 million for the 70 affected customers. Edmonds has since become an advocate for fraud awareness, sharing his experience to help others and highlighting the vulnerability of business owners to financial crimes
jmu.edu
· 2025-12-08
James Madison University staff warned students, staff, and recent graduates about scams targeting the campus community, particularly job and internship fraud schemes designed to steal personal information or money. The university's Career Center recommends verifying employer legitimacy through resources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and the Better Business Bureau, and advises students to trust their instincts and be alert to red flags such as requests for banking information, wire transfer payments, unprofessional communications, or contact via text rather than official channels. Students are encouraged to take time during job searches, ask clarifying questions, and network with alumni to confirm job opportunities are legitimate.
chronline.com
· 2025-12-08
Washington residents lost $38.2 million to fraud in the first quarter of 2025, with people ages 80 and over experiencing the highest median losses of $1,286; "government imposters" represent the most common scam type, including fake DMV text messages demanding payment for traffic violations and romance scams targeting seniors. The FBI reported over 7,600 people age 60 or older lost approximately $389 million in romance scams in 2024, while cryptocurrency kiosk scams cost Washington state $142 million in 2023. Law enforcement agencies advise residents to verify requests independently using official phone numbers, avoid untypical payment methods like cryptocurrency or peer-to
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
A coordinated cybercriminal operation used over 140 malicious Facebook ads featuring Pi2Day branding (an event celebrated June 28) to target Pi Network cryptocurrency users globally with two main scams: phishing pages mimicking Pi Wallet that harvest 24-word recovery phrases, and fake mining apps containing malware (Generic.MSIL.WMITask and Generic.JS.WMITask) that compromise user devices and wallets. The attacks exploited the appeal of Pi Network's easy smartphone mining model among inexperienced crypto users through social pressure tactics including limited-time offers and countdown timers, with evidence suggesting a single threat actor group orchestrated the parallel campaigns across Meta
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
A sophisticated PayPal phishing scam is exploiting PayPal's own email system to send fraudulent alerts that appear completely legitimate, bypassing security filters by originating from PayPal's official servers. The scam uses urgency tactics (claiming unauthorized address changes or payments) and may include phone numbers directing victims to fake PayPal representatives who trick them into downloading remote access malware that compromises their devices. This attack is particularly dangerous because it weaponizes PayPal's legitimate infrastructure to establish trust, making it difficult for even security-conscious users to detect, and reportedly affects numerous users across Reddit and cybersecurity forums.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned consumers of a spoofing scam in which fraudsters impersonate the Department of Attorney General's Consumer Protection Team, using caller ID spoofing to appear as legitimate officials and falsely claiming recipients' information has been "flagged" with credit agencies to extort immediate payment. The Department clarified it never calls to demand money, charge fees, or negotiate debt over the phone, and urged consumers to hang up on such calls and report them directly to the Consumer Protection Team.
cbs8.com
· 2025-12-08
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a consumer alert warning communities about "notario fraud," an immigration scam where unlicensed individuals fraudulently offer immigration legal services by exploiting confusion about what a "notario" is—particularly among Spanish-speaking immigrants who believe it means attorney as it does in their home countries. Only licensed lawyers and accredited representatives can legally provide immigration advice or represent clients in court; victims may end up improperly filing documents or being flagged by ICE. Californians are advised to verify credentials through the American Bar Association, avoid sharing money or personal information with unsolicited contacts, and report scams to the California Department of Justice or local authorities, with free legal assistance
danvillesanramon.com
· 2025-12-08
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office hosted a workshop on real estate fraud targeting older adults, led by Supervising Deputy District Attorney Dana Filkowski as part of Elder Abuse Awareness Month outreach efforts. The workshop educated community members including attorneys, financial professionals, and residents aged 50+ about fraud prevention, noting that older adults are vulnerable due to high property equity, increased trust in others, and limited digital literacy. Filkowski emphasized that while real estate fraud is difficult to investigate and undo, prevention through education and resources like the District Attorney's Fraud Hotline (925-957-8705) is crucial to protecting seniors from financial exploitation.
dallasnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Complaints from adults aged 60 and older targeting online scams increased 46% from 2023 to 2024, with that age group losing over $4.8 billion to internet crimes in 2024, according to the FBI. Scammers target older adults for their assets through various schemes including romance cons, cryptocurrency investment fraud ("pig butchering"), and intermediary money-transfer operations, with criminals often establishing trust through social media before requesting payments. The article emphasizes that while cognitive aging increases vulnerability, everyone is at risk due to advancing AI technology, and recommends family members, friends, and service providers watch for unusual financial activity and intervene diplomatically.