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cuyahogacounty.gov
Director of Consumer Affairs Sheryl Harris testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs about sophisticated scams targeting Ohio residents, particularly older adults who comprise the majority of scam reports in Cuyahoga County. Harris described how scammers use psychological manipulation tactics—creating false urgency through threats of arrest or asset seizure, isolating victims from help, and establishing false authority—to route victims' money to fraudsters. The hearing highlighted the need for stronger regulations and corporate accountability from tech and financial companies to protect consumers from increasingly complex fraud schemes.
northeastnow.com
Scotiabank in Nipawin launched educational sessions to help residents, particularly seniors, recognize, reject, and report fraud. The bank presented to 60 members at the Nipawin Seniors Hall on September 11, with presentations from branch staff and a technology advisor, and additional sessions were planned to follow.
thesenior.com.au
Australia's federal government proposed legislation that would impose fines of up to $50 million on banks, telecommunications companies, and social media platforms for failing to protect consumers from scammers. The laws would require these businesses to implement codes of conduct, combat fraud at the source (such as by preventing fraudulent advertisements), establish internal dispute resolution mechanisms, and share scammer information across industries. An external dispute resolution scheme operated by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority would provide a clear pathway for victims to seek redress if they are not at fault.
siliconvalley.com
California's reported elder fraud complaints decreased slightly by 2 percent from 2022 to 2023 (from 145 to 142 complaints per 100,000 adults aged 60+), but the state remains among the top 10 most affected states in the nation. The FBI data shows significant variation across states, with Arizona leading at 289 complaints per 100,000 elders compared to Mississippi's lowest rate of 64, while nine states experienced increases of 19-36 percent in elder fraud complaints during the same period.
chronicleonline.com
Elder fraud caused over $3.4 billion in losses to seniors in 2023, with an average loss of $34,000 per victim, and Florida had the second-highest number of complaints that year. The most common scams include tech support fraud, personal data breaches, romance scams, non-delivery scams, and investment scams (which cause the largest financial losses). To protect against fraud, seniors should never share personal information with unknown callers, verify requests by contacting organizations directly, be skeptical of unsolicited offers, and report suspected fraud to authorities as soon as possible.
cnet.com
Text message phishing scams (smishing) affect approximately one in three Americans, with about one-third of those falling victim without immediate awareness; the FBI reported 298,878 phishing complaints in 2023 resulting in nearly $19 million in losses, with scams becoming more sophisticated through AI-generated messages. To protect yourself, verify that you've opted into bank text alerts through your account settings, and never respond to messages requesting personal information, urgent action, suspicious links, or money transfers—instead, contact your bank directly using the number on your card.
cubaheadlines.com
Cuban actress Camila Arteche shared a near-miss experience on TikTok with a phone scam in which a caller impersonating a Bank of America agent claimed there was a $3,000 fraud attempt on her Amazon account and attempted to get her to withdraw money and deposit it into a specified account. She became suspicious when the scammer grew nervous at the mention of consulting her lawyer, hung up, and confirmed with her bank that it was a scam. The post sparked widespread engagement with viewers sharing similar experiences and reiterating that banks never request sensitive information or money over the phone, and advising others to call their bank directly if they have doubts about incoming calls.
sandiegouniontribune.com
California's elder fraud complaints fell 2 percent from 2022 to 2023 (from 145 to 142 complaints per 100,000 adults aged 60+), yet the state remains in the top 10 nationally for elder fraud complaint rates. The FBI reported that nationwide, elder fraud complaints increased 14 percent in 2023 with associated losses rising 11 percent, though complaint rates likely underrepresent actual fraud incidents.
siliconvalley.com
California experienced a slight 2 percent decline in elder fraud complaints from 2022 to 2023, dropping from 145 to 142 complaints per 100,000 adults aged 60 and older, according to FBI data analyzed by All About Cookies. However, California remains among the top 10 U.S. states for elder fraud complaints per capita, ranking tied for ninth place with Maryland at 142 complaints per 100,000 seniors, while the nationwide rate of elder fraud reports increased 14 percent in 2023 with associated losses rising 11 percent.
midislandtimes.com
The Town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County District Attorney's office are partnering to host educational seminars in fall 2024 to help seniors and caregivers recognize and combat fraud schemes, recognizing that elderly residents face heightened vulnerability to scams due to limited technology familiarity, loneliness, and other factors. The seminars, held at community centers throughout the town, will cover common scam tactics, identification strategies, protective measures, and reporting resources. Two scheduled sessions are September 20 at Syosset-Woodbury Community Center and September 27 at Marjorie Post Park Community Center in Massapequa.
banking.senate.gov
Senator Sherrod Brown testified before the Senate Banking Committee on the escalating problem of scams and fraud targeting Americans, particularly seniors. In 2023, Americans lost at least $10 billion to reported fraud—an increase of over $1 billion from the previous year—with Ohio alone experiencing $126 million in losses; scammers employ increasingly sophisticated tactics including AI voice mimicry, fake bank calls, and romance schemes to target retirees' savings. Brown emphasized that seniors, who represented more than half of fraud losses in Ohio, often hesitate to report crimes due to shame and self-blame, allowing criminals to continue victimizing others.
therecord.media
The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Cambodian billionaire Ly Yong Phat and his businesses for alleged human trafficking and forced labor at online scam centers that defraud unsuspecting individuals, including Americans, through romance scams and cryptocurrency schemes. Hundreds of victims from multiple countries were rescued from compounds including the O-Smach Resort, where workers were forced to labor up to 15 hours daily under threats of violence, beatings, and sexual trafficking. The sanctions target the infrastructure supporting these scam operations while highlighting widespread corruption and official complicity in Cambodia that has enabled traffickers to operate with impunity.
wgal.com
The U.S. Office of Inspector General warned about "hybrid scams" that combine fake tech support impersonations (Amazon or PayPal) with fraudulent Social Security Administration impersonations to target seniors. Scammers build trust over time, often using detailed personal information, then direct victims to in-person meetings where they surrender cash, gold, or other valuables under the guise of protecting their accounts. The advisory recommends ignoring suspicious emails, avoiding clicking links, refusing remote computer access, and contacting trusted technicians for genuine tech issues.
oysterbaytown.com
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino are hosting fall educational seminars to help seniors recognize and prevent scams, addressing the heightened vulnerability of older adults due to limited technology familiarity, loneliness, and other risk factors. The seminars, scheduled for September 20th and 27th at community centers in Woodbury and Massapequa, will cover common scam tactics, reporting procedures, and strategies for protecting personal information and finances.
propakistani.pk
This educational article explains how older adults are increasingly vulnerable to online scams due to limited digital literacy, despite the importance of staying connected. Key threats include phishing emails (targeting 42% of victims aged 69+), social media scams (27% of Gen X victims affected), and fake tech support schemes where scammers gain device access. The article emphasizes that building digital confidence and understanding common online risks is essential to empower seniors to protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.
ellsworthamerican.com
The U.S. Attorney's Office for Maine launched the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program on September 5th, a collaborative initiative with AARP Maine and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention to educate older adults about scams through pharmacy distribution channels, beginning with informational brochures at 60 Hannaford in-store pharmacies. In 2023, over 101,000 Americans aged 60+ lost $3.4 billion to fraud, including 397 Mainers who reported losses totaling $7.1 million, though actual losses are believed to be significantly higher due to underreporting. The program aims to help seniors recognize common scam tactics
nbcnews.com
In 2023, U.S. victims reported $5.6 billion in losses to cryptocurrency scams, with people aged 60 and older filing over 16,000 complaints accounting for $1.6 billion of those losses. The majority of losses ($4 billion, a 53% increase from 2022) came from "pig butchering" investment scams, where fraudsters build fake romantic or friendship relationships with victims before convincing them to invest in bogus cryptocurrency platforms, often using crypto ATMs. Older adults are disproportionately targeted because they typically hold more wealth and are less familiar with cryptocurrency technology, according to the FBI and AARP.
foxnews.com
The Google Voice verification scam targets online sellers on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace by posing as potential buyers and requesting Google Voice verification codes, which scammers then use to create a virtual number linked to the seller's phone number. Once obtained, scammers can intercept bank verification codes, commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts in the victim's name, and conduct additional scams while appearing to use a legitimate U.S. number. Sellers should be wary of buyers requesting codes before discussing items and verify unusual requests, as one New York seller, Allen C., avoided falling victim by recognizing suspicious behavior such as spelling errors and pressure tactics.
thethaiger.com
A 54-year-old medical technician in Buriram lost 20,497 baht in a call centre scam when someone posing as a Provincial Electricity Authority officer convinced him to download a fake application under the guise of a Covid-19 refund scheme. The scammer had accessed detailed personal information and used social engineering tactics, including verification from a village head, to gain the victim's trust before emptying his bank account. The victim publicly warned others that scammers' access to detailed information makes these schemes difficult to detect, regardless of a person's caution or education level.
bankinfosecurity.com
In 2023, cryptocurrency scams surged dramatically in the United States, with victims reporting $5.6 billion in losses—a 45% increase from 2022—across more than 69,000 complaints to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. While seniors over 60 were most frequently targeted, people aged 30-39 also experienced significant losses, with investment scams involving bitcoin and other virtual currencies accounting for nearly 71% of total losses; fraudsters typically built rapport with victims through social media and email before moving conversations to encrypted platforms. Cryptocurrency kiosks were increasingly exploited in fraud schemes, with over 5,500 complaints involving $189 million in losses
decripto.org
Thailand reported 78.8 million phone scam and phishing cases since 2023, with international criminal gangs—often Chinese-coordinated—operating call centres primarily targeting people over 30, young adults aged 20-25, and online shoppers through romance scams and fake e-commerce schemes. Thai and Cambodian authorities have launched operations to dismantle these networks, with 165 arrest warrants issued, though gangs are relocating to neighboring countries; notably, a 60-year-old Thai woman lost over $160,000 in a year-long scam involving a fake Malaysian pipeline investment. U.S. authorities indicted four people in 2023 for
lifehacker.com
This educational article identifies seven grammatical red flags commonly found in scam communications, including poor grammar, use of the word "kindly" (suggesting overseas origin), misplaced punctuation and capitalization, and generic salutations like "dear" instead of actual names. The piece notes that 15% of Americans report household members falling for scams and 8% admit personal victimization, emphasizing that scammers often replicate official communications but frequently reveal themselves through language patterns and writing errors.
dailybulldog.com
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine launched the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program, a collaborative awareness initiative with AARP Maine and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention that distributes educational brochures through Hannaford Supermarkets' 60 in-state pharmacies to educate seniors about recognizing scams and reporting fraud. In the prior year, 397 Mainers aged 60+ filed fraud complaints with reported losses exceeding $7.1 million, while nationally over 101,000 seniors were defrauded of $3.4 billion through increasingly sophisticated schemes.
financial-planning.com
An elderly woman lost over $278,000 between February and April to scammers posing as government agents who convinced her they were protecting her from fraud, including handing over nearly $80,000 in gold bars to a "runner." Her daughter repeatedly asked Schwab to permanently freeze her account, but Schwab temporarily blocked and then repeatedly unblocked it five separate times, allowing the fraudulent transactions to proceed; Schwab is now being sued for negligence and materially contributing to the scheme by failing to adequately investigate suspicious activity and refusing to permanently lock the account without the victim's own request.
digitaljournal.com
An Arkansas nurse lost over $1M in life savings to the XChief cryptocurrency investment scam, which promised high returns but prevented withdrawals when she attempted to access her funds. Crypto Crime Investigation (CCI) successfully recovered the majority of the stolen cryptocurrency through specialized investigative techniques and collaboration with law enforcement. The case underscores the importance of reporting crypto scams and seeking expert guidance to prevent future victimization.
newsweek.com
A 20-year-old Thai man recruited into a Chinese-led scam syndicate in Myanmar described how he was trained to create fake social media profiles and identify victims for romance and investment fraud schemes. Thailand has reported 78.8 million scam incidents since last year with $2 billion in losses, while U.S. authorities have warned of Americans being trafficked into these operations, with the DOJ indicting four individuals in 2023 for laundering over $80 million in scam profits. Elderly victims like a 60-year-old woman who lost $163,642 over an 18-month romance scam face particularly devastating financial consequences compared to younger victims.
decripto.org
SMS and WhatsApp scams have increased 22% year-on-year, with fraudsters impersonating legitimate companies like PayPal and banks through text messages containing suspicious links and alarmist language designed to steal personal and banking information. Common tactics include fake payment alerts, package delivery notifications, and requests to verify credentials, with the banking sector accounting for 36% of scam attempts. Protection measures include enabling two-factor authentication, verifying sender numbers through official channels, avoiding suspicious links, and reporting fraudulent messages to authorities.
decripto.org
A LinkedIn scam targeting marketing and communications agencies impersonates real Lancel employees using stolen identities to propose fake brand collaboration deals, sending convincing fake documents and requesting sensitive data or cryptocurrency investments. The perpetrators use social engineering and pretexting techniques, exploiting LinkedIn's lack of employment verification to appear credible, resulting in victims losing sensitive data and financial investments. Lancel has confirmed these contacts are unauthorized and reported the incidents to LinkedIn, highlighting the need for stronger platform verification systems and digital literacy among professionals.
finance.yahoo.com
Scammers are operating fake websites and social media channels to sell counterfeit or unverified Ozempic to consumers, resulting in an estimated $6 million in losses from approximately 9,000 victims in just the first five months of 2024 on a single platform alone. Victims lose $700 per transaction on average for fraudulent one-month supplies, while exposing themselves to serious health risks from unregulated products that lack proper safety testing and medical oversight. Experts warn that losses could exceed $100 million annually across multiple platforms, with the scam targeting people seeking to circumvent drug shortages or reduce costs.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
This educational article emphasizes that alertness and caution are the best defenses against scams, which target people across all age groups and technical skill levels. Key preventive measures include avoiding clicking unknown links, never sharing banking details when uncertain, and being skeptical of callers who reference personal information gleaned from social media, as scammers exploit publicly available details to build false credibility. The article notes that embarrassment often prevents victims from reporting incidents and calls for stronger government action against perpetrators, while highlighting that information-sharing and reporting are essential community defenses until stricter enforcement is implemented.
noozhawk.com
This educational article examines how financial fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated through advanced tools like AI, with seniors (ages 60+) being particularly vulnerable targets due to larger savings and lower tech awareness. The piece details common fraud methods including phishing scams, tech support/customer service impersonations, social media investment schemes, and romance scams, noting that the FTC reported $8.8 billion in fraud losses in 2022, with seniors accounting for over $3 billion despite filing fewer reports than younger victims. The article emphasizes that anyone—regardless of age or financial literacy—can fall victim to these schemes and advises vigilance against unsolicited communications, suspicious links, and impersonations of
theweek.com
UK fraud complaints reached a record high of 8,734 cases from April to June, with nearly half upheld by the Financial Ombudsman Service, representing a significant increase from 6,094 complaints in the same period the previous year. Authorised push payment (APP) fraud accounted for over half the complaints, resulting in £459.7 million in losses in 2023, with scammers using impersonation, fake goods sales, and romance scams as primary methods. While banks voluntarily reimburse some victims, mandatory refund schemes were scaled back to £85,000 per claim following pressure from financial industry lobbyists, leaving many fraud victims with limited recourse
ministers.treasury.gov.au
Australian Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones discusses the government's efforts to combat scams that cost Australians $2.75 billion in losses last year, down from a peak of $3 billion but still a significant problem. He explains that scams have become increasingly sophisticated, involving overseas call centers and data operations, and outlines new legislation requiring banks, telecommunications companies, and social media platforms to implement stronger safeguards such as detecting out-of-character transactions and adding friction to payment systems. The government has also established a National Anti-Scam Centre to coordinate defensive efforts against these criminal operations.
fintech.global
Financial fraud in Lithuania has surged dramatically, with reports increasing 13% since 2018 while case resolutions have plummeted over 70%, exacerbated by criminals' use of advanced technologies including AI deepfakes (which rose 3,000% between 2022-2023) and Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud accounting for over 60% of financial crimes. Law enforcement and financial institutions are addressing the crisis through enhanced data-sharing protocols introduced in August 2024 and technological interventions such as transaction delays with warning messages, while also tackling obstacles like false identities and money laundering schemes. The collaboration between authorities, fintech companies, and financial institutions is critical
paymentsjournal.com
In August, crypto phishing attacks affected approximately 9,145 victims who collectively lost $66 million, a 215% increase from the previous month, though one victim's $55 million loss significantly inflated the total. Criminals use phishing tactics and "address poisoning" scams to trick victims into revealing private wallet keys or sending funds to fraudulent addresses, exploiting the anonymous nature of cryptocurrency which makes fraud investigation difficult. The article notes this is part of a broader trend of social engineering attacks where cybercriminals impersonate legitimate companies and brands to manipulate users into compromising their financial information.
fox23maine.com
A new brochure created by the U.S. Attorney's Office and non-profit partners will be distributed at Maine pharmacies to help prevent elder fraud, following reports that 397 Maine residents aged 60+ lost over $7.1 million to scams in the previous year. The brochure educates seniors about common fraud tactics—including gift card/wire transfer demands, urgency pressure, and fake computer infection pop-ups—and provides victim support resources. Officials note that the reported losses likely represent only a fraction of actual fraud cases, as many incidents go unreported.
states.aarp.org
On September 5, 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine, AARP Maine, and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention launched the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program, which will distribute educational brochures about common scams through Hannaford Supermarkets' 60 in-store pharmacies across the state. The initiative responds to a growing national problem: in 2023, over 101,000 Americans aged 60+ lost $3.4 billion to fraud, including 397 Mainers who reported losses exceeding $7.1 million, with many cases going unreported due to embarrassment and reluctance
justice.gov
Three individuals—Chidi Olujie, Jennifer Chibueze, and Jessica Nortey—were charged with conspiring to launder over $1 million in proceeds from romance scams and other online frauds between 2016 and 2019, allegedly using shell companies and fraudulent bank accounts to move stolen money. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison on money laundering conspiracy charges plus an additional two years for aggravated identity theft. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office.
news4jax.com
A Clay County, Florida sheriff's deputy intervened to stop a Bitcoin ATM fraud targeting an elderly woman who had been contacted by scammers posing as her bank after she mistakenly reached a fraudulent number while searching for Xfinity customer service. The scammers convinced her that fraudulent transactions required her to withdraw funds and deposit them via Bitcoin ATM to "protect" her money, a scheme that is irreversible and untraceable due to the scammers' use of virtual private networks and offshore locations. The Sheriff's Office has investigated 15-20 similar Bitcoin ATM fraud cases in recent months and is warning residents to be alert, as victims lose money immediately upon deposit with no
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for Maine, in partnership with AARP Maine and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention, launched the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program, an educational initiative that will distribute anti-fraud informational brochures through Hannaford Supermarkets' 60 in-state pharmacies to reach older customers and caregivers. The program addresses a significant problem: in the prior year, 397 Mainers aged 60+ filed fraud complaints totaling $7.1 million in losses, reflecting a national trend in which over 101,000 Americans over 60 were defrauded of $3.4 billion. The materials
marketscreener.com
This educational piece from Chad White, General Counsel for Brookdale Senior Living, identifies four common senior scams: tech support/phishing scams, family/romance scams, non-payment scams, and "get rich quick" investment schemes. The content provides guidance on identifying and protecting against these fraud types to reduce victimization risk, and directs suspected victims to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
thepaypers.com
During the 2023-24 financial year, Australians lost AUD 382 million to investment scams, with nearly half involving cryptocurrencies, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Contrary to common assumptions, individuals under 50 now represent 60% of reported scam victims, with scammers using tactics like "pig butchering" (gradual luring into larger investments) and deepfake technology to deceive victims. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission shut down 615 cryptocurrency investment scams in its first year of operation, while overall reported scam incidents increased 18.5% in 2023 despite a 13.1% decline in total
newswire.ca
The Alberta Securities Commission, Edmonton Police Foundation, and Edmonton Police Service launched the ScamShield: Investor Protection Challenge with a $130,000 prize pool to solicit innovative solutions combating online cryptocurrency investment fraud. Crypto scams accounted for over 60% of the $309 million in investment fraud reported to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in 2023, with Edmonton alone reporting more than 80 victims losing over $7 million in the past year, though actual losses are likely higher due to underreporting. The challenge, accepting submissions until November 4, 2024, aims to engage academia and technology innovators to develop novel approaches to prevent fraud tactics including social media deepf
digitalinformationworld.com
A Better Business Bureau report reveals that Gen-Z (ages 18-24) loses the most money to scams despite being the most tech-savvy generation, averaging $155 per victim in employment, online purchase, and cryptocurrency scams. Seniors over 65 are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, losing an average of $3,600 in 2023—a 300% increase from 2022—with scammers increasingly using cryptocurrency as part of these schemes. Children ages 7-18 are also emerging targets, with 16% of surveyed parents reporting their children have been scammed, and common impersonated companies include the U.S. Postal Service, Amazon
patch.com
Communities First Initiative, Jewish Community Housing Corporation, and Valley National Bank held a 2-hour educational workshop in South Orange, New Jersey to teach senior citizens how to avoid scams, fraud, and identity theft, addressing a significant rise in financial crimes targeting older adults. According to the FBI and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023 with victims losing an average of $33,915 each, totaling over $3.4 billion, with many seniors failing to report incidents due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence. The presentation aimed to provide seniors with tools and resources to recognize and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone and internet fraud.
digit.in
A 55-year-old woman from Panchkula, Haryana lost Rs 1.47 lakh after clicking a fake net banking link in a text message claiming her points were expiring; she entered her bank credentials and Rs 98,127 was immediately withdrawn, followed by another Rs 49,112 before she could block transactions. The article advises protection through skepticism of unsolicited messages, avoiding unknown links, verifying sources directly with institutions, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring bank statements for unauthorized activity.
theverge.com
Bitcoin ATM scams have surged dramatically, with losses increasing nearly 10-fold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million by 2023, and victims already losing $65 million in the first half of 2024 alone. Scammers impersonate bank or government officials via phone, text, or pop-ups to convince victims their accounts are compromised, then direct them to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs (which they falsely call "safety lockers") by scanning a QR code that transfers funds to the scammer's wallet, with a median loss of $10,000 per victim. Vermont and Minnesota have enacted laws limiting daily crypto kio
wkyc.com
Federal agencies are warning college students about emerging online scams, including fraudulent scholarships, fake technical support, rental scams, and bogus job listings designed to steal personal information like social security numbers and bank account details. Scammers often use fake job applications that appear legitimate or promise unrealistic pay, and may trick students into unknowingly assisting criminal activity or sending their own money after receiving worthless checks. The FBI recommends students research companies thoroughly, use skepticism toward offers that seem too good to be true, and preserve evidence if they suspect their information has been compromised.
wbtw.com
An elderly woman with dementia in Asheboro, North Carolina lost $25,000 to a tech support scam in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement, used threats and fear, and manipulated her into withdrawing cash and purchasing gift cards. Detective Marcus Pierce emphasizes that tech scams are the most common fraud affecting elderly people, and urges the public to watch for red flags such as requests to load money on cards or large cash withdrawals, and to report concerns to local law enforcement.
yahoo.com
An elderly woman with dementia in Asheboro, North Carolina, lost $25,000 to a tech support scammer who impersonated law enforcement, created a false sense of urgency and fear, and coerced her into purchasing gift cards and withdrawing cash at a gas station. Detective Marcus Pierce emphasizes that requests to load money on gift cards are a major red flag, and urges family members and community members to watch for elderly individuals attempting unusual cash withdrawals or bulk gift card purchases and to contact local law enforcement if concerned.