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in Robocalls / Phone Scams
kptv.com
· 2026-09-15
A statewide Oregon survey of 1,828 adults found that nearly half experienced unfair or illegal treatment in the past year, with scams and fraud being the most common issues, with roughly half of fraud victims reporting being targeted via text, phone call, or email. The survey revealed significant financial vulnerability among Oregonians, with most unable to cover a $400 emergency expense, and identified food costs, housing, and utility bills as leading sources of financial stress. Approximately half of those surveyed encountered scam attempts but managed to avoid losing money or personal information.
fox4news.com
· 2026-09-15
An elderly Frisco resident who lost $30,000 to an international gold theft ring assisted police in capturing a courier, helping authorities dismantle a scheme that defrauded over 200 victims of more than $250 million. Scammers posed as federal agents to convince seniors to withdraw cash and gold, which was melted into jewelry or converted to cryptocurrency and funneled overseas. Central figure Muzamil Ahmed was arrested at JFK Airport attempting to flee the country, with over 40 indictments issued and more than $130 million in gold seized.
cnn.com
· 2026-09-15
Brian and Wendy VanDoeselaar, a Michigan couple preparing to close on a $460,000 condo purchase, lost $66,026.92 in a suspected AI voice-cloning scam days before closing. The scammers sent a fake email with a nearly identical phone number to their loan officer's and used voice cloning technology to impersonate him, creating artificial urgency to wire funds for down payment and closing costs. The couple discovered the fraud the next day when their actual loan officer sent them a legitimate closing statement, but the money had already been transferred and the deal was canceled.
fox5vegas.com
· 2026-09-15
This article discusses cybersecurity expert Dr. Christopher Whyte's recommendation of a "zero trust" approach to help protect older adults, families, and businesses from ransomware attacks and scams, which involves treating all communications as potentially untrustworthy rather than assuming safety from previous security measures. The piece highlights how ransomware and phishing threats have escalated, with over 300 major organizations targeted by the Medusa ransomware group, and emphasizes that understanding the intersection of technology and security is critical as criminals increasingly use sophisticated attacks including AI-based methods. Several aging experts and healthcare professionals share their experiences adopting zero-trust practices, such as not answering calls from unknown numbers and not clicking suspicious links
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-15
Scammers are using AI to identify widows from publicly available obituaries and targeting them with tax evasion scams, with one widow losing $7,000 after being told she needed to pay to preserve her inheritance from her late husband's alleged tax scheme. The FBI reports that Americans aged 60+ lost $7.7 billion to internet and cyber-enabled crimes in 2025, up 59% from 2024, with an average loss of $38,500 per case. AI enables fraudsters to quickly extract personal information from obituaries, create convincing fake communications, and target grieving widows who are vulnerable while managing financial and administrative tasks following their spouse's death.
cbsnews.com
· 2026-09-15
A 27-year-old Broward woman was arrested following a SWAT standoff after repeatedly posing as a caregiver and building manager to steal from elderly residents, including $1,600 from one victim at a senior living facility. Jamisha Shamari Sylvain had been released from jail in May 2025 after previous arrests on similar charges, but continued targeting seniors by gaining access to their homes and stealing debit cards, credit cards, and cash. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging families to verify caregivers' credentials and monitor bank accounts for suspicious activity.
creators.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-15
A man impersonating an Adams County Sheriff's Office sergeant attempted to scam the author with a police-impersonation scheme, claiming a legal matter required immediate attention and falsely stating he was calling from the "Adams County Sheriff's Department" (the correct name is "Sheriff's Office"). The scammer, who identified himself as "Sgt. Don Davis," was part of a known fraud operation targeting people with claims of missed jury summons or legal issues to extort money, though the author detected the deception through basic fact-checking and independently verified the call was fraudulent.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2026-09-15
San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen warned the public about a scam falsely claiming homeowners can reduce or freeze property taxes by filing a non-existent federal IRS "Form 1098-SR." The fraudulent scheme targets seniors and homeowners seeking legitimate tax relief by using official-sounding language and urgency tactics to solicit personal information and fees, though no such federal form or property tax relief program exists. Cohen advised homeowners to verify any property tax information directly through official government sources and to be skeptical of claims that federal programs can eliminate or freeze local property taxes in California.
wral.com
· 2026-09-14
North Carolina law enforcement reports a 59% increase in elder fraud complaints in 2025, with seniors over 60 filing more complaints than any other age group, resulting in billions in losses including one case where an individual lost approximately $4 million from a phishing scam. Cary-area high school students have launched a nonprofit called Click With Confidence to educate seniors about avoiding common scams such as phishing emails, the "Grandparent Scam" using AI voice mimicry, and impersonation of government officials. Investigators advise seniors to pause and verify requests before acting, emphasizing that the IRS does not contact people demanding passwords or social security numbers.
trendingonweibo.com
· 2026-09-14
Scammers in Tianjin, China lured elderly customers with free eggs and fake health device trials, then moved them into private WeChat livestream rooms where ordinary products were sold as miracle cures for various ailments. The scheme exploited seniors' desire for bargains and fear of illness, with rigged "health checkups" designed to manufacture anxiety before high-pressure sales pitches in closed-door livestreams. Local market regulators have begun publicizing these cases as enforcement warnings, though they note that private livestream rooms are difficult to police and enforcement typically occurs after victims have already lost money.
amac.us
· 2026-09-14
Patients using MyChart and other healthcare patient portals are being targeted by phishing emails and text messages designed to steal login credentials, with scammers also impersonating healthcare providers to trick users into downloading malware or revealing personal health information. While the MyChart system itself has not been breached, successful attacks could expose sensitive medical records, insurance details, and personal identifying information that criminals could use for medical identity theft, fraudulent insurance claims, or sale on the dark web. Patients are advised to access their accounts only through official apps and to avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear legitimate.
panewslab.com
· 2026-09-14
MetaMask has introduced new security features in its mobile app and browser extension to combat cryptocurrency fraud, including warnings for lookalike addresses, investment scams, pig butchering schemes, and unfamiliar transfer recipients. The update also includes clearer transaction confirmations and an "Added Protection" feature that automatically reverses transactions that don't match the user's preview before confirmation.
ntd.com
· 2026-09-14
Chinese-based scammers deployed thousands of fake profiles across multiple dating apps using AI language models like Claude to generate millions of messages and catfish American users, with real gig workers providing occasional live video calls and social media interactions to appear authentic. Users paid in-app credits to message the fake profiles while scammers evaded app store detection through multiple app variants and hidden payment processors, operating a "pig butchering" romance scam designed to build trust before directing victims toward fraudulent investment schemes. The operation generated approximately 2.36 million messages over two weeks to maintain thousands of fake personas simultaneously.
aarp.org
· 2026-09-14
I cannot provide a summary of this article because the content provided is only a navigation menu and website structure from AARP.org, not an actual article about Medicare mistakes or fraud. Please provide the full text of the article you'd like summarized.
newhampshirebulletin.com
· 2026-09-14
Cryptocurrency ATMs have become a major fraud threat in New Hampshire, with scams totaling over $3 million documented by the Hampton Police Department alone and affecting primarily seniors through untraceable transactions. Governor Kelly Ayotte and law enforcement celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 482, which implements new restrictions on crypto kiosks including identity verification, transaction limits of $2,000 per day, a two-day waiting period, and fraud refund requirements—though it stops short of an outright ban. The bill, effective December 16, represents a "first step" in protecting residents from what Detective Raymond Lamy called one of the fastest-growing fraud threats against New Hampshire's senior population.
kaaltv.com
· 2026-09-14
The Lewiston Police Department is warning residents about a rise in scams targeting iPads and computers, where scammers lock devices and display fake phone numbers claiming to unlock them. Victims are advised not to call the displayed numbers, power down devices instead, and contact law enforcement, while avoiding sharing banking information, Social Security numbers, or purchasing gift cards for scammers. Police are urging people to report these incidents and share warnings with those less familiar with technology.
tulsaflyer.org
· 2026-09-14
Senior citizens in the Tulsa area are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams, particularly on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, with scammers often exploiting trusted relationships and legitimate legal tools such as power of attorney and guardianship. Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma warns that seniors, who hold the most wealth in the country, are the easiest demographic to victimize, though many scams are preventable. Seniors can contact Legal Aid free of charge at 1-888-534-5243 or the SPLASH helpline at 855-488-6814 for assistance and legal advice.
foxnews.com
· 2026-09-14
Malwarebytes research reveals that scammers strategically time their attacks, with scam text volume peaking around noon EST (874% higher than 1 a.m.) and increasing throughout the week, reaching peak volume on Fridays. Criminals also tailor their scam delivery channels—job scams via email, romance scams through social media, and tech support scams by phone—to maximize effectiveness, while phishing websites remain the leading method for reaching victims, with Malwarebytes blocking approximately 500,000 phishing sites daily.
theguardian.com
· 2026-09-14
The article discusses how British politeness makes people vulnerable to scams, citing a campaign encouraging people to be ruder to cold callers and suspicious of unsolicited contacts. The author shares personal experiences of being defrauded, including paying for an unnecessary car repair and her mother losing £2,000 to a "Hi Mum" text scam, arguing that being discourteous to strangers is justified to protect against fraudsters who exploit courtesy to build trust.
ag.ny.gov
· 2026-09-14
New York Attorney General Letitia James and 17 other state attorneys general are opposing the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, warning that it would strip states of their authority to protect investors from cryptocurrency fraud and scams. The coalition cites an epidemic of crypto fraud, with the FBI reporting $11.4 billion in cryptocurrency-related losses in 2025 and New York alone reporting nearly $500 million in crypto scam losses over five years. States have successfully brought over 330 anti-fraud enforcement actions against crypto scammers since 2017, and the attorneys general argue that preserving state oversight is critical to continuing this consumer protection work.
dallasexpress.com
· 2026-09-14
Four North Texas boarding home operators were indicted in federal court for exploiting elderly and vulnerable residents through two separate fraud schemes: one involving the fraudulent sale of a 79-year-old woman's home for over $156,000, and another involving the theft of more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits from a deceased resident. Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, and Shakoya Crenshaw face conspiracy and false statement charges in the first case, while Krystle Locke faces theft of government money and identity theft charges in the second case. The defendants allegedly used positions of trust and power of attorney to carry out the schemes involving unlicensed boarding homes.
uk.news.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-14
A North Carolina high school student founded Click With Confidence after his grandfather's business collapsed following a 2022 phishing scam, and the organization now deploys over 30 teenagers to senior centers to educate older adults about fraud recognition and safe technology use. The effort addresses a growing crisis: the FBI recorded 201,266 fraud complaints from Americans 60 and older in 2025 with losses totaling $7.75 billion, while the IRS opened 255 elder fraud investigations from fiscal 2021-2026 involving approximately $885.86 million in alleged fraud. Click With Confidence provides in-person presentations, digital mentorship training, and a browser extension to help seniors identify
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2026-09-14
Senior citizens in Guwahati are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals exploiting their smartphone use through digital arrest scams, fake investment schemes, and malicious APK files, with police reporting 18-20 cases daily. Victims have lost between Rs 45-50 lakh in digital arrest scams, with one individual losing as much as Rs 3.5 crore in investment fraud schemes. Fraudsters impersonate police, RBI officials, and government agencies through WhatsApp and Telegram, using fear tactics and fake refund promises to extract money from elderly residents.
retailnews.asia
· 2026-09-13
Nearly half of all scam cases across six Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) remain unresolved, with 82% of victims recovering no money and only 10% achieving full reimbursement. Messaging applications account for 41% of fraudulent outreach, with AI-enabled schemes including deepfakes and voice cloning accelerating scams targeting investment, cryptocurrency, job opportunities, and fake e-commerce. The high fraud rates are causing consumers to abandon digital service providers at twice the rate of unaffected users, creating significant commercial losses for merchants and operators.
thestandard.com.hk
· 2026-09-13
A Hong Kong woman lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to a phone scam two years ago, and while police froze over HK$100,000 in suspected scammer accounts, she has been unable to recover any funds due to legal complications. The victim's family hired a lawyer to pursue recovery but faced initial fees of HK$10,000 with potential total legal costs reaching approximately HK$100,000, making it economically unfeasible to recover an uncertain portion of the frozen funds. The case highlights how recovery processes for scam victims can be so costly and complex that victims often abandon claims rather than spend nearly as much in legal fees as they lost in the original fraud.
scmp.com
· 2026-09-13
A 19-year-old HKUST student from mainland China lost approximately HK$1 million after a scammer posing as a government official called her claiming she was involved in a criminal case and demanded money as "guarantees." The student realized she had been deceived and reported the incident to Hong Kong police, who classified it as a deception case.
moneywise.com
· 2026-09-13
Scammers are targeting veterans with fraudulent postcards claiming enrollment in a nonexistent "Veterans Savings Program" that promises additional monthly payments of up to $185, then attempting to extract personal information like Social Security numbers and bank account details when victims call. Veterans should discard any postcards mentioning this program and instead contact the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 to verify benefit information. The FTC and VA recommend using the vsafe.gov website and VSAFE Fraud Hotline (833-38V-SAFE) to report suspected fraud and protect against scams.
transcripts.cnn.com
· 2026-09-13
This transcript is not about elder fraud or scams. It covers President Trump's visit to Ireland for meetings with Irish leaders and attendance at a golf event. While the transcript mentions "Nigerians Extradited to U.S. to Face Charges in Romance Scams" in the headline, the actual content provided does not include details about that story. I cannot summarize elder fraud content that is not present in the provided text.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-13
A 70-year-old retiree lost over $2,400 (1,800 pounds) in an Amazon impersonation scam after fraudsters called claiming suspicious activity on his account and used social engineering tactics, including a fake verification call and warnings about a compromised IP address, to convince him to authorize 12 separate bank transfers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 96,000 consumers reported being targeted by Amazon impersonators over one year, with almost 6,000 reporting losses totaling over $27 million, and adults 60 and older being four times more likely than younger people to lose money with a median loss of $1,500. The scammers explo
theguardian.com
· 2026-09-13
Criminals have created hundreds of fake websites offering discounted iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo models at prices substantially below Apple's official £1,199-£1,299 retail price, with scammers using AI-generated realistic content and accepting only bank transfers to avoid payment protections. The fraudulent sites registered a spike in domain names around Apple's launch announcement and exploit buyer urgency through limited-time offers and claims of early access. Victims who fall for the scam lose money through bank transfers and may have their financial details compromised.
coveringkaty.com
· 2026-09-13
A Fort Bend County woman lost $50,000 in a jury duty scam after a caller impersonating a sheriff's office captain threatened her with arrest for missing federal jury duty and directed her to withdraw cash and deposit it via Bitcoin ATM. The scammer used pressure tactics including a fake "gag order" to prevent her from verifying the claim, which she eventually did by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Federal courts and law enforcement do not demand payment by phone, text, or cryptocurrency for jury duty violations or warrants.
wsfa.com
· 2026-09-13
An Alabama woman lost her life savings after answering a call displaying as Wells Fargo, where scammers used caller ID spoofing to impersonate the bank and trick her into providing account information, resulting in thousands of dollars being drained from her accounts. The victim was left with only $13, and state regulators warn that funds stolen through these overseas fraud operations are rarely recovered. Experts advise consumers to never provide financial details to incoming callers and instead independently verify bank contact information using official sources like the back of their debit card or banking app.
berkshireeagle.com
· 2026-09-13
This article debunks common myths about fraud and scams, emphasizing that anyone—regardless of education or wealth—can become a victim, as criminals target educated people with assets and exploit personal data through organized, technology-enabled operations. The article recommends credit freezes as protection and advocates for victims to speak out without shame, as victimization results from criminal manipulation and relentless attacks rather than victim weakness, with reporting encouraged to agencies like the FTC and FBI.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after being targeted by a government impersonation scam in which a fraudster posing as an FTC agent claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The scammer instructed her to purchase gold and later demanded she cash out her and her deceased husband's pension accounts, threatening arrest if she contacted police. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community camera footage to track him down.
katv.com
· 2026-09-12
The IRS is warning of rising scams targeting seniors ahead of National Grandparents Day, noting that fraud schemes have evolved from local, in-person scams to sophisticated online operations involving perpetrators worldwide who exploit trust to gain access to personal information and bank accounts. Common schemes include romance scams targeting widowers on dating sites and "grandparent scams" where callers pose as grandchildren claiming emergencies and requesting urgent money transfers. Authorities recommend warning signs include unsolicited contact, requests for personal or financial information, and pressure to act quickly, and advise victims to immediately cut contact, notify police and banks, and report to resources like the National Elder Fraud Hotline.
moneywise.com
· 2026-09-12
A 70-year-old Michigan woman lost over $270,000 after falling victim to a government impersonation scam in which fraudsters posing as FTC agents claimed she faced arrest for money laundering and drug trafficking. The victim withdrew her own and her deceased husband's pension accounts to pay the scammers in gold and cash as demanded. Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect from Sacramento using community surveillance footage, though it remains unclear whether the victim's money was recovered.
yellow.com
· 2026-09-12
Cryptocurrency scams stole an estimated $17 billion globally in 2025, with U.S. losses reaching $9.3 billion according to the FBI—a 66% year-over-year increase—as criminal operations professionalized with industrialized phishing kits, AI-deepfakes, and money laundering networks. The average scam payment surged 253% to $2,764, with seniors aged 60+ losing $2.8 billion at an average of $83,000 per victim, four times higher than other internet crime categories. The article identifies seven specific scam types including rug pulls, phishing, and investment fraud, noting that scammers have low
americanpress.com
· 2026-09-12
Senior citizens are frequent targets of illegal robocalls and text message scams involving government imposters, fake utility threats, package delivery issues, romance scams, virus warnings, and bank fraud schemes. The author describes personal experiences with scams that cost him $500 and nearly cost him another $500, and recommends verification strategies such as independently calling verified numbers and utilizing resources like AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) to combat these schemes.
wbko.com
· 2026-09-12
The Monroe County Sheriff's Department is warning residents of ongoing phone scams in which callers impersonate Verizon representatives and claim service will be suspended for nonpayment to trick victims into revealing personal and banking information. Officials advise residents never to provide sensitive information over the phone and encourage those targeted to report fraudulent calls to the sheriff's office.
creators.yahoo.com
· 2026-09-12
A scammer impersonating a sergeant from the Adams County Sheriff's Office called the author claiming there was a legal matter, but the caller made a critical error by referring to the agency as "Sheriff's Department" instead of "Sheriff's Office," which tipped off the experienced former investigative reporter. The scam typically involves impersonators claiming victims missed federal jury duty or face arrest unless they pay fines immediately, and can be sophisticated enough to include spoofed caller ID, personal information, and fake voicemail systems. The sheriff's office confirmed the scam was circulating and warned that the impersonator was using the false identity "Sgt. Don Davis."
cbsnews.com
· 2026-09-12
Aurora, Colorado police are investigating "blessing scams" targeting older and non-English-speaking residents, in which scammers pose as jewelry sellers and use sleight of hand to steal real jewelry while placing cheap fake necklaces on victims. Carolina Pavel, 29, was arrested in connection with an August 25 theft at a grocery store parking lot where an older woman's silver necklace was stolen; police believe Pavel may be connected to approximately a dozen similar incidents over the past year and suspect a larger theft ring. Authorities warn that victims may not immediately realize their jewelry is gone and encourage anyone with information to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
wpsdlocal6.com
· 2026-09-12
The McCracken County Sheriff's Office warned of two scams: a bitcoin scheme where callers falsely claim victims missed jury duty and have federal warrants, demanding thousands of dollars in bitcoin to resolve; and a bond scam targeting families of incarcerated individuals, requesting they purchase preloaded Visa cards and provide card information to secure releases. Law enforcement emphasized they never request funds, banking information, or personal details by phone.
hoodline.com
· 2026-09-12
A 37-year-old Indian student visa holder was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for acting as a courier in a gold fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, including a Delaware County, Oklahoma veteran who lost nearly $100,000 after being tricked by fake Microsoft support and federal officer impersonators into converting cash to gold. Venkateswara Chagamreddy was arrested during an undercover sting after collecting gold from multiple victims across three states within 48 hours, with evidence showing he received real-time instructions and victim photos from co-conspirators. The case reflects a national surge in elder fraud, with gold courier scams alone causing $311.8 million in losses across approximately
scvnews.com
· 2026-09-12
U.S. Representatives Whitesides, Salazar, and Davis introduced the bipartisan Protecting Elders from Wire Fraud Act, which would require financial institutions to place holds up to 90 days on suspicious wire transfers from senior accounts while legitimacy is determined. According to the FTC, $334 million was reported lost to fraudulent wire transfers in 2025 alone, with actual losses likely much higher due to underreporting. The legislation also directs banks to contact trusted associates when holds are placed and provides liability protection for institutions acting in good faith.
okcfox.com
· 2026-09-11
An Indian national on a student visa was sentenced to 30 months in prison for orchestrating a tech support scam targeting a Vietnam veteran in Oklahoma in August 2025. The suspect, Venkateswara Chagamreddy, posed as Microsoft support and a federal officer to convince the elderly victim that his identity had been stolen and connected to federal crimes, ultimately defrauding him into transferring money converted to gold. Chagamreddy was arrested when he arrived to collect the package, and investigators indicate he worked with another individual to defraud multiple victims over a 48-hour period; he was ordered to pay nearly $100,000 in restitution.
ottawapolice.ca
· 2026-09-11
Suspects impersonating Ontario Provincial Police officers and judges have defrauded seniors in Ottawa's Kanata area through a roofing scam, convincing victims to pay tens of thousands of dollars for misrepresented or undelivered services. The Ottawa Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police are warning residents to be vigilant when contacted by individuals claiming to represent government agencies, law enforcement, or courts. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
midislandtimes.com
· 2026-09-11
A 32-year-old Queens woman was arrested for defrauding a 70-year-old victim in an elder scam where the victim was told she was involved in a crime in India and needed to withdraw funds to rectify it. The victim withdrew and wired $919,200 between June 29 and July 27, and was later instructed to purchase an additional $300,000 in gold bars before realizing the fraud and contacting police. The suspect, Tierigeli, was charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.
nationalseniors.com.au
· 2026-09-11
Criminals in Australia are tampering with Apple gift cards on supermarket shelves through "card draining," where they open packaging, record card numbers and redemption codes, reseal the packages, and then drain the balance once an unsuspecting customer activates the card by purchasing it. The fraud often goes undetected for weeks or months because gift cards are frequently stored for later use, allowing criminals time to steal the full balance before the purchaser realizes the theft. The scam has been discovered at major supermarkets across multiple Australian states, affecting customers who believe they are buying legitimate products from legitimate retailers.
ellecanada.com
· 2026-09-11
This article provides eight tips to protect against fraud, including using strong passwords (minimum 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols), enabling two-factor verification, using password managers, installing antivirus software, and avoiding sharing personal information with unsolicited callers or emails. The article notes that nearly 28,000 Canadians fell victim to scams last year, resulting in $704 million in losses, and recommends staying informed about current scam techniques through the Government of Canada's resources. The tips emphasize recognizing common fraud indicators such as poor call quality, suspicious urgency, and impersonation of legitimate organizations.
telquel.ma
· 2026-09-11
Recent WhatsApp scams targeting Moroccan users employ two primary methods: manipulating Google Contacts by compromising victims' Google accounts to impersonate trusted relatives and request urgent money transfers, and "Ghost Pairing" which allows scammers to secretly connect their devices to victims' accounts by tricking them into scanning QR codes under the guise of account verification. These scams exploit social engineering and account vulnerabilities, with scammers using stolen contact information, familiar profile pictures, and false urgency to convince victims to send money or grant account access.