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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
wwaytv3.com
New Hanover County officials are warning seniors about a surge in online scams during the holiday shopping season, with the District Attorney's office hosting a prevention workshop to educate the community on recognizing and reporting fraud. Seniors are particularly vulnerable, and law enforcement emphasizes that recovering money after being scammed is extremely difficult. To protect themselves, seniors should avoid offers that seem too good to be true, be cautious of social media purchases, research unfamiliar sellers, and never share personal information like Social Security numbers with unknown callers.
wvva.com
During the holiday season, scammers intensify their fraud schemes, targeting seniors who are often more trusting and polite, making them vulnerable to losing their retirement savings and pensions. West Virginia officials warn families to protect older loved ones by verifying charities through the official state registry before donating and being cautious of unsolicited phone and internet contacts. Anyone who suspects fraud should immediately report it to the Secretary of State's Investigations Division at 877-FRAUD-WV to help protect other seniors.
we-ha.com
I don't have access to the full article text for "Consumer Diary: Seniors' Scam Losses, Virtual Casting Call." The content you provided only shows a list of headlines from West Hartford News, not the actual article about seniors' scams.
Could you please share the complete article text so I can provide an accurate 2-3 sentence summary with details about what happened, who was affected, and actionable advice?
fox16.com
Law enforcement in Baxter County, Arkansas arrested three men acting as "money mules" who were sent to collect cash from senior citizens in elaborate scams. The arrests were part of undercover operations involving the FBI, Homeland Security, and a TV production company, where decoys and fake houses were used to catch the criminals—one operation involved a scammer trying to collect $250,000 from an 86-year-old and another targeting a 95-year-old for $60,000. Seniors should be extremely cautious of callers claiming to be FBI or government officials demanding urgent cash payments, overpayment refunds, or threatening legal action, and should always verify requests through official channels before sending money.
devdiscourse.com
Law enforcement arrested four cybercriminals who defrauded a cancer patient of Rs 1.30 lakh by impersonating insurance officials and convincing victims they needed to pay processing charges for refunds. The suspects targeted policyholders expecting insurance settlements, exploiting their financial vulnerability. To protect yourself, verify official communications directly with your insurance company or regulatory bodies using contact information from their official websites, never through numbers provided by callers.
en.yna.co.kr
Forty-six suspects have gone on trial in South Korea for their involvement in an international online scam ring operating from Cambodia and Thailand that defrauded over 110 victims of approximately $6.4 million through romance scams, impersonation fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes. The defendants, mostly men in their 20s, were repatriated from Cambodia in October as part of a crackdown that arrested 64 suspects total. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic advances online, never trust callers claiming to be prosecutors requesting payment, and be wary of unsolicited cryptocurrency investment opportunities.
thv11.com
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be in Australia; the scammers, traced to Nigeria, convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy and loss of his home. The victim, a retired firefighter and police officer, is now advocating for other seniors to recognize warning signs, noting that Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime.
wafb.com
This educational awareness piece highlights two prevalent scams targeting consumers: Amazon smishing, where scammers text victims impersonating Amazon to trick them into entering personal and purchasing information through fraudulent links under the guise of refunds or recalls; and fake sports gambling sites, where scammers operating unsecured platforms steal users' private information and refuse payouts or demand money after losses. The article recommends avoiding unexpected message links, using official Amazon customer service channels, and relying only on licensed sportsbooks when gambling online.
pcmag.com
This educational article addresses the widespread problem of spam calls in the US, noting that over 40% of Americans never answer unknown calls due to spam concerns. The piece provides practical guidance on blocking unwanted calls using built-in features on Android and iOS devices, as well as carrier-specific tools like AT&T's ActiveArmor and Verizon's Call Filter, many of which are available for free or at a low monthly cost.
pcmag.com
Cryptocurrency scams resulted in $9.3 billion in reported losses in 2024, with $5.8 billion specifically from investment fraud schemes; seniors over 60 suffered approximately $2.8 billion in losses. Scammers increasingly use AI-generated deepfakes of celebrities and trusted contacts to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrencies or surrender wallet access. The article advises investors to verify the legitimacy of coins and sources, never share private wallet information, use multi-factor authentication, and carefully examine exchange website URLs before investing.
pymnts.com
A PYMNTS Intelligence study of 10,103 U.S. consumers found that approximately 77 million adults (3 in 10) lost money to scams over the past five years, with many losing more than $500. Modern scammers use mass personalization to tailor fraud schemes by age, income, and habits—targeting Gen Z through social media, older adults via email and phone calls, and selecting contact channels that feel legitimate to each demographic. The study reveals that scams now account for 27% of U.S. financial institutions' fraud losses in 2024 (up from 12% in 2023), highlighting the need for dynamic defenses including behavioral monitoring
wtsp.com
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam involving an AI-generated persona named "Bonnie" that originated from Nigeria; the scammer convinced him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin, leaving him facing a $22,000 bank debt and potential bankruptcy with his home at risk. Cruz, a retired firefighter and police officer, attributed his vulnerability to loneliness after losing all his family members, and now advocates warning other seniors to trust their instincts when something feels wrong. Florida ranks second nationally in elder fraud cases, with only one in five victims reporting the crime and a 40% increase in reports over the past five
kpel965.com
The "Phantom Hacker" scam has stolen over $1 billion from Americans since 2024, primarily targeting seniors age 60+ in Louisiana and nationwide. The sophisticated three-phase operation uses impersonators posing as tech support, bank officials, and government employees to gain access to victims' computers and financial accounts, often resulting in complete loss of retirement and savings accounts. Scammers now employ AI technology to personalize attacks through social media analysis, making their schemes more convincing.
wltx.com
A 70-year-old Port Richey, Florida man lost approximately $22,000 to a romance scam involving an AI-generated woman named "Bonnie" who claimed to be working in Australia; the scammers were traced to Nigeria and used Facebook messages and videos to build trust before convincing him to take out loans, wire money, and send Bitcoin. Cruz now faces potential bankruptcy and the risk of losing his home as his bank demands repayment, though he is sharing his story to warn other seniors. The case highlights Florida's ranking as the second-highest state for elder fraud in 2023, with only one in five victims reporting such crimes and a 40% increase in reports over the past
losaltosonline.com
Los Altos, where over 20% of the population is age 65+, has experienced significant elder fraud and abuse in recent years, with the police department responding to 12 elder abuse cases resulting in charges, 23 Adult Protective Services reports, and 17 identity theft and check fraud cases involving elderly victims since the beginning of the year. Most elder financial abuse involves strangers using email/text scams impersonating legitimate companies, phishing links, ATM card theft through distraction tactics, and emerging technologies like AI voice cloning and cryptocurrency schemes. Law enforcement emphasizes that seniors should avoid clicking suspicious links, verify caller identities through independent contact, remain cautious of emerging scam technologies
newsbreak.com
A new Social Security scam targets seniors by impersonating Social Security Administration officials through phone calls, texts, and emails, claiming victims must verify their details to receive Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) benefits or face account suspension. Scammers use pressure tactics and threats of benefit loss to extract personal information like Social Security numbers and bank details, or to pressure victims into sending money via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The SSA never initiates unsolicited contact requesting sensitive information; legitimate COLA notices are delivered by official mail or through secure online accounts, and victims should hang up, verify the caller independently, and report suspicious contact directly to the SSA.
thegeorgiasun.com
Georgia ranks 7th nationally for senior fraud losses, with older residents losing an estimated $1.57 million per 100,000 people in 2024, while seniors across the U.S. reported $4.8 billion in fraud losses total. The most common scams targeting older adults include imposter scams, shopping fraud, and high-stakes crypto and romance schemes, with individual crypto and romance fraud cases averaging over $108,000 in losses. Experts recommend families discuss scams with elderly relatives, watch for pressure tactics and unusual payment requests, and report suspicious activity to protect the state's 1.7 million residents over 60.
tradingview.com
Scammers are exploiting the UK's upcoming corporate transparency reform by sending phishing emails and making fraudulent calls to company directors, falsely claiming to represent Companies House and requesting personal information like dates of birth under the guise of identity verification requirements. Starting November 18, 2025, an estimated 6-7 million UK directors and significant shareholders must verify their identity through official GOV.UK channels, but Companies House has warned the public that only GOV.UK should be used for verification and to disregard unsolicited requests. The new identity verification system aims to improve corporate record integrity, though it faces early cyber security challenges as fraudsters exploit the reform announcement.
states.aarp.org
Modern fraud is perpetrated by sophisticated international criminal networks that finance human trafficking and forced labor operations, making scam prevention a matter of both personal financial protection and global harm reduction. Individuals can safeguard their finances through practical steps including blocking unknown callers, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, freezing credit, and monitoring credit reports regularly. Reporting fraud to local police and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov) is critical, as underreporting obscures the true scale of the problem and hampers resource allocation for fraud prevention efforts.
finance.yahoo.com
The FBI warned of a sophisticated three-phase scam called "Phantom Hacker" that has defrauded over $1 billion from Americans since 2024, predominantly targeting victims aged 60 and older. The scam involves criminals impersonating tech support and financial institution employees who manipulate victims into downloading malware and transferring their bank, savings, and retirement account funds to fraudulent third-party accounts under the guise of "protecting" their assets. Scammers exploit personal information from social media to appear authentic and use spoofed phone numbers and coordinated follow-ups to increase their success rate.
foxnews.com
Scammers are impersonating local law enforcement officials in a jury duty fraud scheme, calling victims with claims of missed jury duty and threatening arrest warrants to extort payment via wire transfers or gift cards. The scam targets vulnerable individuals by using personal information and blocked numbers to appear credible, though legitimate jury summonses are always delivered by mail. Key protections include never trusting unknown callers demanding payment, verifying claims directly with official court or police numbers, and recognizing that government agencies never request payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
palletenterprise.com
AI-powered scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using AI to craft convincing phishing emails, deepfake videos, and imposter messages targeting personal and financial accounts. Common 2025 scams include AI-generated phishing, imposter fraud on social media, and phone-based attacks like SIM swapping and rigged QR codes. Protection strategies include verifying sender information before responding, enabling two-factor authentication, using strong unique passwords, regularly monitoring account access, and contacting organizations directly to verify suspicious requests.
yahoo.com
AI impersonation scams have surged 148% in 2025, using voice cloning and deepfake video technology to fraudulently impersonate trusted contacts—including family members, executives, and government officials—across calls, video meetings, emails, and messaging apps. Notable cases include cybercriminals posing as a UK engineering company's CFO to trick employees into authorizing $25 million in wire transfers. Security experts recommend independently verifying identities through alternate contact methods and implementing multi-factor authentication as key defenses against these increasingly sophisticated frauds.
wnegradio.com
The BBB warns of an ongoing phishing scam where callers impersonate process servers, claiming victims have unpaid debts, liens on their homes, or are involved in fictitious court cases to pressure them into revealing sensitive personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Scammers use intimidation tactics, threats of arrest, and claims of imminent home visits to create urgency, sometimes also targeting family members and friends; their goal is identity theft rather than legal service. Consumers should be wary of unsolicited calls with scare tactics and verify claims independently through official channels before providing any personal information.
inquisitr.com
A widespread scam targets Social Security recipients, particularly vulnerable seniors living alone and dependent on benefits for survival. Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration officials via phone calls, texts, or emails, falsely claiming account problems or requesting verification of information to obtain personal data (Social Security numbers, bank details) or money directly through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The key warning signs include unsolicited contact, payment demands, pressure tactics, and suspicious links or misspellings; the legitimate SSA communicates only by postal mail and does not solicit sensitive information unsolicited.
mk.co.kr
Binance collaborated with law enforcement and blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis to freeze approximately $47 million in cryptocurrency proceeds from "Pig Butchering" scams—a fraud scheme where perpetrators build trust with victims through fake investment or romance opportunities before stealing their funds. The funds, held in Tether (USDT), were traced through multiple intermediary addresses concentrating money from dozens of victims before dispersal to five wallets, with Tether implementing a rapid asset freeze to prevent criminal organizations from cashing out.
newscentermaine.com
Maine appointed its first statewide elder justice investigator, Candice Simeoni, to address the high prevalence of crimes targeting seniors—a population that represents one in ten victims of elder crime but rarely reports incidents to police. Simeoni, a 21-year veteran law enforcement officer, will gather data, investigate cases, and educate police and seniors about elder fraud and abuse, with approximately 85 percent of suspects being someone the victim knows and trusts. The $150,000 pilot program, which runs through September 2026, aims to create standardized reporting tools and secure funding for a statewide elder justice task force.
aol.com
Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, of Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from packages mailed by elderly victims of a Jamaican lottery telemarketing scam between 2019 and 2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating senior citizen scams, used his position to intercept approximately 1,950 flagged packages, launder the proceeds through money orders and multiple bank accounts, and even framed a subordinate for a separate $7,000 evidence locker theft. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud and mail frau
tampafp.com
**Scam Type:** Mail interception fraud and money laundering related to Jamaican lottery scheme targeting elderly victims
**What Happened:** Former U.S. Postal Inspector Scott Kelley, 51, was arrested and indicted on 45 counts for allegedly stealing over $330,000 in cash from approximately 1,950 packages sent by elderly victims of a Jamaican telemarketing scam between 2019-2023. Kelley, who led the Mail Fraud Unit tasked with investigating scams targeting seniors, allegedly used his position to intercept victim mail, launder proceeds through money orders and multiple bank deposits, steal $7,000
straitstimes.com
A Singaporean woman in her 40s named Sabrina lost $250,000 to scammers impersonating Shanghai police officers who claimed she was involved in a money laundering scheme and threatened her with arrest and deportation to China. Despite her bank accounts being frozen and Singapore police warning her of the scam, she persisted in withdrawing her life savings and handed the cash to a stranger at a park; Singapore police recovered the money two weeks later. Government official impersonation scams surged dramatically in the first half of 2025, with victims losing $126.5 million compared to $67.2 million in the same period of 2024.
asiaone.com
Singapore reported a 12.6% decrease in total scam losses ($456.4 million in H1 2025 vs. $522.4 million in H1 2024) and a 26% decline in overall scam cases (19,665 vs. 26,563), marking the first decline since 2021. However, the median loss per case increased to $1,500, and elderly victims (age 65+) who comprised 15% of cases suffered the highest per-victim losses at $33,672, with government impersonation scams nearly tripling to 1,762 cases and phishing scams seeing losses jump 134% to $
channelnewsasia.com
In the first half of 2025, Singapore reported 19,665 scam cases with S$456.4 million in losses—a 26% and 12.6% decrease respectively from the same period in 2024. The top scams include phishing (up 134% in losses), government official impersonation (cases tripled), investment scams (highest losses at S$145.4 million), and a newly identified insurance services scam (791 cases, S$21.3 million lost), where fraudsters impersonate insurance employees to extract personal details and payments.
cordcuttersnews.com
The Phantom Hacker Scam, enhanced by artificial intelligence, has defrauded seniors across the United States of over $1 billion since 2024 through a three-phase scheme: scammers posing as tech support gain remote computer access, then impersonate bank representatives to convince victims to transfer funds to fake "secure" accounts, and finally pose as government officials to move money into "alias" accounts. AI enables criminals to personalize attacks using social media information, making detection difficult and often resulting in complete loss of victims' retirement savings and life savings. Experts recommend family education, verification of unsolicited contacts, and avoiding remote access software as protective measures.
masslive.com
A former U.S. Postal Inspector in Massachusetts was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from nearly 1,950 packages mailed by elderly victims (average age 75) who had been duped by lottery scams originating in Jamaica. Scott Kelley used his position as Mail Fraud Unit team leader to intercept packages containing $1,400 to $19,100 in cash each, launder the proceeds through home improvements and personal expenses, and falsely blame a subordinate for theft from an evidence locker. He pleaded not guilty and was released on $25,000 bond.
abc.net.au
A Western Australian resident lost nearly $250,000 in a sophisticated phone scam where someone impersonated the Australian Cyber Security Centre, convincing the victim their money was at risk and using remote access software to control their computer over several months from January to December 2024. The scammers, believed to be based overseas, used a local contact to meet the victim in person and facilitate cash transfers, ATM withdrawals, and gift card purchases, a tactic that experts note is becoming increasingly common as victims grow more aware of traditional email and phone scams. Police are investigating the case as part of a broader trend in Australia, where nearly 250,000 scams were reported in 2024
goldrushcam.com
The Amador County Sheriff's Office warned the public of an ongoing telephone scam in which callers impersonate the Sheriff and demand payment for alleged missed federal grand jury duty. The Sheriff's Office clarified that they do not request payments over the phone for jury duty or any other matter, and urged recipients of such calls to hang up and contact the Sheriff's Office at 209-223-6500 rather than providing personal information or making payments.
silive.com
Scam text messages originating from China have reached epidemic levels worldwide, using disguises like missed package alerts and unpaid tolls to steal passwords and money through five primary schemes: package delivery fraud, fake job offers, phony fraud alerts, toll payment scams, and romance/investment scams. Apple's new iOS 26 feature addresses the problem by filtering suspected spam messages into a separate folder that blocks links and prevents replies, while the FTC advises consumers to avoid clicking links, replying to unknown texts, and to verify requests through independently confirmed contact information.
theguardian.com
Scammers are impersonating HMRC through emails, texts, and automated calls claiming recipients have overpaid taxes and are owed refunds, or conversely owe money, with urgent deadlines to create panic. HMRC received over 170,000 scam reports in the year to July 31st, with more than 47,000 involving fake refunds, and victims are directed to click malicious links that mimic official gov.uk websites to steal personal and banking information. The agency advises never clicking links in unsolicited messages, verifying requests through your official tax account, and reporting suspected scams to HMRC directly.
techradar.com
AI impersonation scams have surged 148% in 2025, with cybercriminals using voice cloning and deepfake video technology to impersonate trusted individuals—family members, executives, and officials—through calls, video meetings, messages, and emails to solicit urgent payments or sensitive information. Notable cases include a $25 million fraud targeting UK engineering firm Arup employees who were deceived by a deepfake CEO impersonation, and scammers successfully evading detection in nearly 48% of AI-generated phishing attempts. Experts recommend independent identity verification and multi-factor authentication as key defenses against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
yahoo.com
Scott Kelley, a 51-year-old former U.S. Postal Inspector in Massachusetts, was indicted on 45 counts for stealing over $330,000 in cash from nearly 1,950 packages mailed by elderly victims between January 2019 and August 2023, with seven identified victims averaging 75 years old who mailed between $1,400 and $19,100 each. Kelley, who previously led the Mail Fraud Unit investigating scams targeting seniors, used postal employees to intercept packages, stole cash from an evidence locker, and laundered the money on personal expenses including pool upgrades, Caribbean cruises, and escort services while filing
newsbreak.com
Federal prosecutors in Southern California charged 28 members of a Chinese organized crime ring with defrauding seniors out of $65 million since at least 2019, with the scheme involving overseas call centers in India and U.S.-based conspirators who posed as government officials and bank representatives to pressure victims into sending money via wire transfer, cash, or gift cards. The operation targeted thousands of Americans, including a 97-year-old San Diego widow who lost her entire life savings, and laundered proceeds through luxury vehicles and high-end rentals until federal agents seized $4.2 million and multiple vehicles including a Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The breakthrough came partly from YouTube scam
foxnews.com
Phishing scams are increasingly using fake DocuSign emails impersonating major companies like Apple to trick victims into calling fraudulent support numbers. These convincing emails include fabricated receipts, order IDs, and DocuSign links with security codes, but scammers use the provided phone numbers to steal personal information, banking details, or convince victims to download remote access software. Users can protect themselves by verifying sender email addresses, knowing that legitimate companies do not send receipts through DocuSign, and avoiding clicking suspicious links or calling numbers in unsolicited emails.
escalontimes.com
This educational article reports that online scams caused a record $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, with 73% of U.S. adults experiencing some form of online scam or attack. The article outlines common scam tactics (unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments) and describes six prevalent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment fraud, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that specifically target seniors. Awareness of these warning signs can help individuals avoid becoming victims.
theriverbanknews.com
This educational article reports that scams cost Americans $16.6 billion in 2024, with 73 percent of U.S. adults experiencing online scams or attacks. The piece outlines common red flags—unsolicited contact, promises of easy money, requests for personal information or upfront payments—and describes prominent scam types including counterfeit merchandise, charity fraud, cryptocurrency investment schemes, bogus debts, home repair scams, and emergency/grandparent scams that particularly target elderly individuals.
finance.yahoo.com
A financial expert shares insights on common scams targeting individuals and businesses, with particular focus on the "emergency bank fraud" call scam where fraudsters impersonate bank employees to trick victims into moving funds to fraudulent accounts. One client lost $25,000 after receiving such a call, while another lost $50,000 due to password reuse that allowed scammers access to multiple accounts. The expert recommends protection measures including unique passwords managed through password managers, multifactor authentication on all accounts, and staying informed about current scam tactics to recognize red flags before falling victim.
wired.com
This article explains how scammers exploit Google Forms to conduct phishing attacks by creating authentic-looking forms that mimic legitimate organizations and request sensitive information like login credentials or payment details. The scam typically begins with a phishing email (sometimes from a compromised legitimate account) directing victims to a Google Forms link, which bypasses security protections because it uses Google's genuine servers and URL. Protection requires verifying unexpected requests by contacting the sender directly, avoiding entering passwords or payment information into any Google Form, and recognizing red flags like basic formatting or Google's disclaimer messages at the bottom of forms.
forbes.com
Tech support scams cost consumers $1.464 billion in 2024, with scammers impersonating major tech company representatives and tricking victims—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—into believing their computers have security problems requiring expensive paid services. Common tactics include fraudulent pop-ups with phone numbers, phony calls with spoofed caller IDs, and requests for remote computer access or cryptocurrency payments; legitimate tech companies never initiate contact about security problems, request remote access, or demand cryptocurrency payment. One Massachusetts man was nearly defrauded of $12,000 through a cryptocurrency ATM before an off-duty police officer intervened.
gulfcoastnewsnow.com
A Cape Coral resident fell victim to a text message scam impersonating the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, claiming he owed $6.69 for a toll violation and threatening license revocation. Over 12,000 similar government impersonation scams were reported in Florida this year, resulting in losses exceeding $26 million. Authorities advise verifying such messages by contacting toll agencies directly, avoiding clicking links or sharing financial information, and reporting suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission.
tnonline.com
The Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania warns of sophisticated "phantom hacker" scams targeting seniors, which involve multiple phases of social engineering where criminals impersonate tech support, bank representatives, and government officials to manipulate victims into transferring funds or granting computer access. Nearly half of victims nationwide are over 60, with seniors representing two-thirds of losses totaling over $1 billion, and scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to make attacks more convincing. Experts advise families to educate seniors on red flags—such as requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards—and to report suspicious contacts to local FBI offices or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
states.aarp.org
This AARP educational piece emphasizes three key protective measures against fraud: recognizing that most scams are run by organized international criminal networks (not individuals), taking proactive financial safeguards like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and credit freezes, and reporting fraud to local police and the FBI's IC3.gov to help expose the true scale of the problem. The article also highlights emerging threats including AI-powered deepfake scams in banking, peer-to-peer payment app fraud (where scammers impersonate loved ones or create fake transactions), and identity theft, while advocating for federal legislation to combat AI-enabled financial crimes.