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timesrepublican.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Iowa volunteers with the Central Iowa Retired Senior Volunteer Program presented a fraud prevention program highlighting major scams targeting seniors, including a Fort Dodge victim who lost over $500,000 to scammers and a Marion woman who lost $30,000. Common schemes discussed included grandchild impersonation scams, fraudulent Medicare reimbursement demands, and affinity fraud targeting religious or ethnic groups, with the volunteers providing prevention strategies such as not answering unknown callers, verifying urgent requests by calling relatives directly, and avoiding upfront payments to strangers.
fox43.com
· 2025-12-08
Secret gift exchange schemes circulating on social media—including "secret sister" and "book exchange" variations—are pyramid schemes that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service considers a form of gambling, with participants potentially facing jail time, fines, or mail fraud lawsuits. While participants are promised receiving 6 to 36 gifts in return for buying one, there is no guarantee of receiving any gifts at all, and the scheme requires sharing personal information with strangers.
cbs7.com
· 2025-12-08
During the 2023-2024 holiday season, scammers exploited increased online shopping and gift-giving through phishing emails impersonating trusted companies (like Amazon and PayPal), fake social media advertisements using urgency tactics, and fraudulent charities requesting gift card donations. From November 2023 to January 2024, Texas alone reported over 1,400 scams resulting in $1.12 million in losses, while the U.S. reported over 21,000 scams totaling $94 million in losses. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to use only trusted websites, be skeptical of time-limited offers and gift card donation requests, and report
ladailypost.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies three common holiday season scams: fake charity solicitations that exploit seasonal generosity through fraudulent emails and websites, fake gift card giveaways designed to harvest personal information, and porch theft targeting unattended packages. The article provides practical prevention advice including verifying charities through Charity Navigator before donating, avoiding unsolicited requests for personal information, and using security cameras, motion-activated lights, or alternative delivery methods like office shipments or Amazon Lockers to protect packages.
english.factcrescendo.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals exploit unsecured public Wi-Fi networks to conduct banking scams using techniques like rogue hotspots and Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks to intercept user credentials and sensitive data. In a documented case, a professional named Rohit connected to a fake airport Wi-Fi network and had his banking credentials stolen, resulting in ₹1.2 lakh (approximately $14,400 USD) in unauthorized transactions before a follow-up phishing email further compromised his account. The article explains that public Wi-Fi networks lack encryption, making them vulnerable to credential theft, session hijacking, and identity fraud, and advises users to avoi
wvnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides prevention strategies against financial exploitation, citing FTC data showing $10 billion in consumer fraud losses in 2023 (a 14% increase from 2022), with investment scams accounting for nearly half of all losses. The article recommends three protective measures: enrolling in USPS Informed Delivery to monitor incoming mail, setting up transaction alerts with banks and credit card companies, and designating a trusted "watchdog" to provide input on financial decisions. These preventive approaches aim to help individuals detect and prevent exploitation early.
theriver953.com
· 2025-12-08
The Frederick County Sheriff's Department issued a public awareness alert about the $10 billion in fraudulent losses nationwide in 2023, highlighting common scams including employment schemes, gift card fraud, pop-up messages, text/phone impersonations, and sweepstakes cons. The department advises residents to remain skeptical of unsolicited communications, hang up on suspicious calls, verify information through official sources, and contact local law enforcement with concerns.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP's Fraud Watch Network identifies four major holiday scams in 2024: online shopping scams using fake brand websites and social media ads that never deliver products; package delivery scams via phishing emails/texts impersonating shipping companies to steal personal information; charity scams exploiting year-end giving through fraudulent organizations; and gift card scams where criminals steal cards, drain them after resale, or collect card information before returning them to shelves. The advisory recommends verifying social media ads and retailer websites, avoiding suspicious links, researching charities before donating, and purchasing gift cards from behind-the-counter or directly from retailers to protect against these seasonal fraud schemes.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
This curated cybercrime report documents multiple fraud cases across India and internationally. Notable incidents include an Indore resident losing Rs 2.45 lakh to an AnyDesk remote access scam, a Rs 71 lakh online stock market fraud in Pune involving a Russian national, and a Chennai shopkeeper arrested for defrauding over Rs 1 crore through fake goods and job offer scams on social media. The report also highlights international cases including the extradition of a Nigerian cybercriminal to the US for wire fraud and romance scams, cryptocurrency scams targeting Jersey residents, and emphasizes that global scams cost $1.026 trillion annually
lamilano.it
· 2025-12-08
A 35-year-old man named Bruno Abbruzzese was arrested in Terzigno, Naples, for attempted extortion and fraud involving a "mirror scam." The scheme involved damaging a victim's vehicle (using rocks or fake damage created with black wax), falsely claiming the victim caused the damage, and demanding cash compensation while threatening the victim with a jack as a deterrent. Carabinieri arrived during the incident and arrested Abbruzzese, who is awaiting trial.
claconnect.com
· 2025-12-08
In December 2024, FinCEN and five federal financial regulatory agencies issued interagency guidance to help financial institutions combat elder financial abuse, which resulted in approximately $27 billion in suspicious activity reports over a one-year period ending in June 2023. The guidance recommends key practices including employee training to recognize exploitation, transaction holds and disbursement delays, trusted contact designations, timely reporting to authorities, and consumer outreach programs. Financial institutions are encouraged to implement robust governance policies and collaborate with elder fraud prevention networks to protect older adults from both stranger scams and abuse by trusted individuals such as family members and caregivers.
wfiwradio.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly couple in Williamson County, Illinois lost $121,000 to an imposter scam in which criminals posing as PayPal and federal agents convinced them their accounts were compromised and directed them to withdraw cash for "secure" deposit. Three Chinese nationals were arrested in October and now face federal wire fraud charges after attempting to collect the cash from the victims' home using code words provided by the scammers. The U.S. Attorney's Office reports a rising trend of such imposter scams targeting seniors in southern Illinois, where fraudsters use scare tactics and pressure victims to keep withdrawals secret from their banks.
ksat.com
· 2025-12-08
The Department of Homeland Security Investigations issued a holiday season warning about phone scams targeting seniors and vulnerable populations, including grandparent scams, charity scams, tech support scams, banking scams, and government impersonation scams. The agency recommends protecting yourself by avoiding sharing personal information, verifying caller identity, being skeptical of urgent requests, staying alert online, and reporting suspicious activity to HSI or local authorities.
snopes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Brushing scams—where scammers mail unsolicited items to recipients with QR codes to generate fake positive reviews—are real threats, but viral Facebook warnings from police departments exaggerated the danger of scanning QR codes. While scanning a QR code alone does not automatically compromise a phone or drain bank accounts, scammers using QR code phishing (Quishing) require victims to take additional steps, such as entering login credentials on malicious websites mimicking legitimate services.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
During the holiday season, scammers exploit shoppers' stress and excitement through various schemes, including package delivery scams that use fake links mimicking legitimate carriers (like "uspsts.top" instead of "usps.com") to steal personal information or payment, and charity scams where fraudsters impersonate legitimate organizations to solicit donations. The article advises consumers to verify packages through original shipping confirmations, independently research charities before donating, maintain antivirus software, and watch for red flags like poor grammar and suspicious links.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
Task scams (or "gamified job scams") targeting job seekers surged 400% year-over-year, with the FTC reporting 5,000 cases in 2023 and 20,000 in the first half of 2024. Scammers lure victims through unsolicited messages offering simple online tasks like liking videos or rating images, initially displaying fake earnings to build trust before demanding deposits in cryptocurrency to access funds or complete higher-paying tasks. To avoid these scams, job seekers should reject unsolicited offers via text or messaging apps, never pay upfront to work, verify employers through official channels, and remember that legitimate employers never charge employees to
aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated emotional manipulation tactics—such as texts about sick puppies—to engage potential victims, with experts predicting this trend will accelerate in 2025 due to improved AI and deepfake technology. The article highlights that older Americans are frequent targets, losing over $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023 with an 11% year-over-year increase in reported losses among those over 60. Key scams to watch include employment fraud, cryptocurrency schemes, and impersonation scams that exploit emotional triggers and misuse of company names and hiring manager identities.
prunderground.com
· 2025-12-08
"Senior Savvy: A Comprehensive Guide to Avoiding Scams" is an educational resource released by financial expert Andy LaPointe that teaches seniors to recognize and prevent fraud across multiple platforms, including phishing emails, social media scams, cryptocurrency schemes, romance scams, and door-to-door deception. The guide provides step-by-step explanations, real-world examples, and actionable strategies for responding to scams, with particular emphasis on protecting seniors during high-risk periods like the holiday season when scammer activity increases.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
AI-enabled scams are projected to cause $40 billion in losses by 2027, up from $12.3 billion in 2023, as fraudsters increasingly adopt deepfake technology, voice cloning, and AI chatbots for romance scams and business email compromise attacks. Criminal activity on fraud-focused channels surged 644% between 2023 and 2024, with scammers now offering "fraud-as-a-service" tools and recruiting workers to create deepfake content. The FBI and fraud experts warn that 2025 will see AI scams become mainstream, particularly in targeted business fraud (like the $30 million Hong Kong Zoom imperson
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigeria's anti-graft agency arrested 792 suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, in a December 10 raid on a Lagos call center that orchestrated romance scams and fake cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting victims in the Americas and Europe. The operation involved Nigerian accomplices recruiting victims online through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, then handing them off to foreign scammers who pressured them to transfer money for nonexistent investments. Authorities seized computers, phones, and vehicles, and indicated they are investigating potential links to organized crime networks.
deccanherald.com
· 2025-12-08
Bengaluru experienced a significant decline in phishing and one-time password (OTP) scams, with cases dropping 52% from 1,860 incidents in 2022 to 893 in 2024. The decrease reflects evolving cybercrime tactics, as scammers shift strategies away from these traditionally common fraud methods.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
A 73-year-old Seattle-area grandmother was defrauded of at least $20,000 by a scammer posing as MSNBC host Ari Melber through a months-long Facebook dialogue that included romantic manipulation and requests for money for a sick dog. The victim was intercepted at Portland airport by family members who tracked her cell phone before she could meet the impostor in New York, where relatives feared she would be taken hostage and held for ransom. The scam involved fake engagement ring, AI-generated voice messages mimicking Melber, and the Marysville Police Department has launched an investigation.
uppermichiganssource.com
· 2025-12-08
Banking experts and law enforcement officials offer holiday fraud prevention advice, noting that U.S. consumers lost $10 billion to scams in 2023. Key recommendations include guarding personal information and never sharing it via phone or email, verifying website legitimacy before online purchases, avoiding responding to text message scams, using credit cards instead of debit cards for added protection, and setting up bank account notifications to monitor transactions closely.
mountaineagle.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting older adults by offering free in-home services like cooking and cleaning in exchange for Medicare numbers, then fraudulently enrolling them in hospice care to bill Medicare. Hospice care is a specialized service for terminally ill patients (certified by doctors only), and unauthorized enrollment can negatively impact future Medicare coverage. To protect yourself, never share your Medicare number for "free" services, refuse to enroll in hospice for gifts or money, and report suspicious activity to 1-800-MEDICARE.
mynorthwest.com
· 2025-12-08
Irish brothers Patrick and Matthew McDonagh were sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding elderly homeowners across the country of over $400,000 through a roofing and foundation repair scam. The pair traveled nationally approaching elderly homeowners, falsely claiming urgent repairs were needed, then pressured victims into writing multiple checks for unnecessary or fake work; in one Shoreline case, they stole $435,000 from a single homeowner before the scheme was uncovered. The defendants pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $1 million in restitution to victims in Washington, Oregon, and Illinois.
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
This educational article explains that financial abuse is the most prevalent form of domestic abuse, affecting nearly 99 percent of domestic abuse cases and also occurring as elder abuse, with at least 1 in 10 adults over 65 experiencing it annually. The article outlines protective measures financial institutions can implement, including securing accounts with fraud alerts, setting up automatic bill pay, maintaining separate emergency funds, utilizing teller services to verify suspicious communications, and offering financial counseling to identify patterns of abuse. It provides resources for victims including the National Domestic Abuse Hotline and Adult Protective Services.
countynewscenter.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County residents over 60 lose an average of $30,000 to scams annually, with the holiday season being peak fraud time. In response, the Elder Justice Task Force was established in 2021 through collaboration between County Aging & Independence Services, the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement, and the FBI, successfully recovering $3.3 million and prosecuting numerous criminals. Experts advise that scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating legitimate entities, and victims should immediately stop engaging, verify contact information independently, and report cases to local law enforcement or the FBI at IC3.gov.
timesofsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warned that holiday season scams targeting seniors are increasing, with victims losing an average of $30,000 according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to convince seniors to wire money, purchase gift cards, or provide personal information. The county's Elder Justice Task Force has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals since 2021, and residents are advised to verify unexpected contact by calling known numbers directly and to report suspected scams to local law enforcement or the FBI's IC3.gov website.
community.zoom.com
· 2025-12-08
This is not an elder fraud case but rather a community forum discussion where a user asks whether someone could hack their system through a fraudulent Zoom meeting setup. A community moderator clarified that while someone could impersonate another person via email to request a Zoom meeting, they cannot access or control a system without explicit authorization from the user during the meeting. The user's concern about repeated no-shows from the suspicious contact reflected legitimate caution about potential social engineering tactics.
fox43.com
· 2025-12-08
This article warns about gift card scams, where fraudsters impersonate legitimate retailers like Kohl's and Target to trick consumers into clicking suspicious emails or completing surveys that harvest personal data. The Federal Trade Commission reported a significant rise in gift card scams, with Target gift cards alone accounting for over $35 million in losses during the first nine months of 2021. Consumers are advised to verify the sender's email address and be skeptical of unsolicited offers for free gift cards, as they typically represent phishing schemes or data theft operations.
cnet.com
· 2025-12-08
Package and delivery scams are surging during the 2024 holiday season, with four main types targeting consumers: brushing (fraudsters using stolen information to create fake accounts and send unsolicited items), smishing (fake delivery texts with malicious links), fake missed-package notifications with phishing links or QR codes, and physical package theft by thieves using stolen tracking information. To protect yourself, verify package status through official carrier websites rather than links in messages, monitor credit cards for unauthorized charges, delete any fake accounts created in your name, and report suspicious activity to the FTC.
wilx.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including phishing scams, fake package delivery texts, and "brushing scams" where unsolicited packages arrive with QR codes that steal personal information when scanned. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to track what they order, avoid scanning unknown QR codes, and report suspicious activity to local police or the BBB, particularly during high-shopping periods when scam reports are prevalent.
abc7.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are exploiting the holiday shipping season with "smishing" scams—fake text messages claiming package delivery problems and requesting personal information or credit card details through malicious links. The U.S. Postal Service does not contact customers via text, email, or phone calls about package issues, and customers should instead use legitimate free tracking options like Informed Delivery or USPS text tracking signup. Anyone who clicks suspicious links or shares personal information should report the incident to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
usatoday.com
· 2025-12-08
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Nigerian authorities arrested 792 suspects, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, in a raid on a Lagos call center that orchestrated romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud targeting victims in the Americas and Europe. The operation lured victims through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram with romantic overtures or fake investment opportunities, then pressured them to transfer money for phoney cryptocurrency schemes and non-existent projects. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seized computers, phones, and vehicles, and stated it would investigate potential links to organized crime and collaborate with international partners.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Enorense Izevbigie, a leader of the "Black Axe" crime organization, was extradited from South Africa to face federal charges in New Jersey for operating a decade-long romance scam and advance fee fraud scheme from 2011 to 2021. Izevbigie and his conspirators used fake identities on social media and dating websites to defraud U.S. victims of money and valuables, sometimes threatening to distribute intimate photos to coerce payments, then laundered the proceeds through U.S. bank accounts to South Africa. He faces two counts of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy, each carrying up to 20 years in prison
earth.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article presents research from Binghamton University showing that normal brain aging affects seniors' financial decision-making abilities by shrinking the prefrontal cortex and disrupting the brain regions responsible for math processing and memory retrieval. The study found that age-related cognitive decline increases vulnerability to financial scams, though financial literacy, language skills, and higher socioeconomic status provide some protective effects. Researchers recommend financial education, math practice, and caregiver vigilance as interventions to help older adults maintain financial independence and protect against fraud.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by AI-enabled scams during the holiday season, with voice cloning technology allowing criminals to impersonate loved ones and convincingly request urgent financial assistance. In 2023, scams targeting seniors resulted in nearly $3.5 billion in losses, and the FBI has specifically warned about "grandparent scams" that use cloned voices of family members to deceive victims. As AI tools become more accessible and voice samples are readily available through social media, experts warn that these scams will likely continue to proliferate.
infosecurity-magazine.com
· 2025-12-08
A network of 792 people, including 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, and other foreign nationals, was arrested in Lagos on December 10 in connection with a large-scale cryptocurrency fraud and romance scam operation targeting victims in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The suspects operated from a sophisticated facility where they trained young Nigerians to conduct romance and investment scams using fake profiles, foreign phone numbers, and phishing techniques, directing victims to a fraudulent platform (yooto.com) where activation fees began at $35. The operation involved over 500 SIM cards and high-end equipment, with the foreign nationals exploiting Nigeria's reputation to establish their
cftc.gov
· 2025-12-08
**Type:** Educational Advisory
**Source:** CFTC Customer Advisory (December 18, 2024)
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission released an advisory urging Americans to make "spotting scams" a 2025 New Year's resolution, as scammers are stealing billions through relationship investment fraud targeting those seeking trading education, wealth growth, or companionship. The advisory recommends three key resolutions: be cautious about trusting online sources (since fraudsters use fake profiles, websites, and testimonials), limit personal information shared on social media, and invest in learning about legitimate trading and market risks. The CFTC emphasizes that any investment promising easy
providencejournal.com
· 2025-12-08
During holiday seasons when package deliveries increase, scammers impersonate UPS, FedEx, and USPS through phishing text messages and emails to steal personal and financial information, typically using malicious hyperlinks that direct victims to fraudulent websites. Consumers can identify these scams by watching for distorted logos, grammatical errors, urgent language demanding immediate action, requests for money or personal information, and suspicious links that don't match their stated destinations. Those who receive suspicious delivery messages should not click links and should report them to the Federal Trade Commission or directly to the shipping carriers' fraud departments.
sandiegouniontribune.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warn that holiday season scams targeting seniors are increasing, with victims losing an average of $30,000 according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure seniors into immediate payments via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials recommend victims immediately contact their financial institution and advise people to verify contacts by calling businesses directly or reaching family members through known numbers.
fincen.gov
· 2025-12-08
FinCEN issued an alert warning the public about fraudsters impersonating FinCEN officials or misusing the agency's name, insignia, and authority to perpetrate financial scams, including schemes exploiting beneficial ownership reporting and the Money Services Business Registration tool. FinCEN emphasized that legitimate officials will never threaten, demand immediate payment, or contact people via unsolicited email, call, or text, and urged the public to report suspected impersonation to the Treasury Inspector General, FTC, and FBI. Victims aged 60 and older can report fraud to the Department of Justice's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials warned seniors about holiday season scams, noting that victims in the area lose an average of $30,000 per incident according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies, often pressuring victims to wire money, purchase gift cards, or send bitcoin. The county's Elder Justice Task Force, formed in 2021, has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple criminals, while officials advise potential victims to stop engaging, verify contact information independently, and report incidents to local law enforcement or the FBI.
fox26houston.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, seniors lost $3.4 billion to scams (up 11% from 2022), with an average loss of $34,000, according to FBI data. Common schemes targeting seniors include romance scams and fraudulent gold bar schemes where scammers pose as federal agents. Family members are encouraged to use holiday gatherings to check on seniors for signs of scams—such as secretive behavior, unexplained financial transactions, or unsolicited contact—and to educate them about recognizing red flags like urgent demands for money.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
A 67-year-old Malaysian woman lost RM2.2 million (approximately Rs 4.3 crore) over nearly a decade in an online dating scam that began in October 2017 when she connected with a scammer posing as an American businessman on Facebook. After he claimed to need travel expenses to relocate to Malaysia, she made 306 bank transfers to 50 different accounts, never meeting or video calling the person despite his repeated requests for money citing various emergencies. The victim only discovered the fraud in November 2024 after discussing the situation with a friend, making this potentially the longest single case of a love scam victim in Malaysia.
mashable.com
· 2025-12-08
**Scams Expected to Surge in 2025 with Advanced Technology**
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using stolen personal data, AI-powered deepfakes, and auto-dialing software with AI chatbots to target victims with highly personalized schemes. Cryptocurrency scams—including "pig butchering" (romance baiting) and investment fraud—are expected to proliferate in 2025, with victims losing hundreds of thousands of dollars on average. Security experts advise approaching unsolicited requests with skepticism and distrust rather than assuming legitimacy, as scammers now have access to information from data breaches and social media to make their schemes appear cre
amsterdamnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Victor Anthony Valdez, a Bronx-based Social Security Administration employee, pleaded guilty in December for his role in a "grandparent scam" targeting elderly New Yorkers and New Jerseyans, in which he collected cash payments from victims who had been deceived by Dominican Republic-based call centers posing as distressed grandchildren or their representatives. The scheme defrauded vulnerable seniors of thousands of dollars each through false claims of arrest or legal troubles. Authorities recommend that older adults verify caller identities through personal questions, keep social media private, avoid transferring money or buying gift cards, and report suspected fraud to local law enforcement or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at
woodlandsonline.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lose an estimated $3 billion annually to scams, with fraud spiking during the holiday season through fake e-commerce websites, phishing emails, charity scams, and delivery fraud. The article identifies warning signs for each scam type—such as suspicious URLs, urgent messaging, pushy callers requesting gift card donations, and unsolicited delivery notifications—and recommends protective measures including verifying websites and charities, avoiding clicking links in unsolicited messages, and monitoring financial accounts regularly. Additional safeguards include educating seniors about scams, using strong passwords with two-factor authentication, and leveraging caller ID blocking features.
nbcsandiego.com
· 2025-12-08
San Diego County officials issued holiday fraud warnings as scams targeting seniors increase, with victims in the region losing an average of $30,000 each according to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report. Scammers use phone calls, texts, emails, and pop-ups impersonating banks, family members, or government agencies to pressure victims into wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift card payments. Since forming the Elder Justice Task Force in 2021, San Diego County has recovered $3.3 million and prosecuted multiple offenders, while officials advise victims to stop engagement, verify contacts independently, and report fraud to local law enforcement or the FBI.