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in Tech Support Scam
learn.microsoft.com
· 2025-12-07
This is not an article about elder fraud, scams, or abuse. It is a technical support message providing instructions on how to adjust privacy settings in Microsoft Teams. It does not contain information relevant to the Elderus database.
theconversation.com
· 2025-12-07
In 2024, Australians lost over A$2.03 billion to scams across 494,732 reported cases, with most enabled through online or phone contact. Scammers exploit universal psychological principles—such as appeals to need/greed, authority, kindness, distraction, and social proof—that are similar to legitimate persuasion techniques used in sales and marketing. To protect yourself, evaluate whether a request has legitimate intent, who benefits, and whether you have a free, informed choice.
kttn.com
· 2025-12-07
Five individuals pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in a tech support scam that defrauded elderly victims across ten states of an estimated $9.3 million. The scheme involved overseas scammers contacting seniors by phone and email, falsely claiming their accounts were compromised, and directing them to purchase gold bars or coins that domestic couriers and handlers collected for the conspirators. Lambert and Stevens served as couriers, while Parekh, Darji, and Singh acted as handlers; one documented victim, an 82-year-old woman, lost approximately $250,000 before federal agents intercepted the courier at her home.
crypto.news
· 2025-12-07
A 71-year-old retiree in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia lost RM525,000 (approximately $100,000) after responding to a Facebook advertisement for a cryptocurrency investment scheme that promised $500,000 in returns. The victim made seven transactions between August 20-27 using retirement savings, and police suspect an organized syndicate orchestrated the scam; no arrests had been made at the time of reporting. Malaysian authorities have noted a rising trend of crypto fraud targeting senior citizens, with scammers using sophisticated tactics including fake celebrity endorsements, deepfakes, and impersonation of financial institutions.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
**Summary:**
Tochuwku Albert Nnebocha, a 43-year-old Nigerian national extradited from Poland, was charged in federal court for operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme targeting American seniors over more than five years. The scheme sent fraudulent letters falsely claiming victims had inherited millions from deceased relatives in Spain and demanded upfront fees for delivery and taxes, with victims sending money through a network of compromised U.S. bank accounts and never receiving promised funds. Nnebocha faces charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and two co-defendants have already been sentenced to approximately 97 months incarceration.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Wisconsin Rapids Police warned of a surge in scams targeting older residents, in which victims were deceived by fraudsters posing as government officials or banks via unsolicited phone calls, emails, and texts and pressured to move money into cryptocurrency wallets or gift cards. Notable cases included one resident losing $600,000 converted to Bitcoin and sent overseas, another depositing $30,000 into a Bitcoin ATM, and a third handing $14,000 in cash directly to a scammer. Police advised residents that legitimate government agencies and businesses never demand payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash, and urged victims to verify requests through trusted sources and contact law enforcement before sending money.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
Americans age 60 and older lost over $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with reported elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting and unreported phone, mail, and in-person scams. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to greater trustworthiness, financial assets, and unfamiliarity with technology, with tech-support scams being most common but investment scams proving costliest, while fraudulent call centers—increasingly using AI voice-cloning and deepfakes—accounted for at least $770 million in losses. Prevention through education on
wisconsinrapidstribune.com
· 2025-12-07
Wisconsin Rapids Police reported a surge in financial scams targeting older residents, with victims losing between $14,000 and $600,000. Scammers posing as government officials or banks pressured victims via unsolicited calls, emails, and texts to transfer money through cryptocurrency wallets or gift cards, with one victim's $600,000 quickly converted to Bitcoin and sent overseas. Authorities advise that legitimate organizations never demand payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash, and urge residents to verify requests through trusted sources before sending money.
royalnews.com.ng
· 2025-12-07
Tochuwku Nnebocha, a 43-year-old Nigerian, was extradited from Poland to face federal charges for operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars over five years. The scheme involved sending personalized letters to seniors falsely claiming they were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased relatives in Spain, then requesting upfront fees that were routed through U.S.-based accomplices. Nnebocha faces charges including mail and wire fraud carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years, with two co-conspirators having already pleaded guilty and received 97-month sentences each.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-07
Financial management difficulties can be an early warning sign of dementia, with common indicators including missed payments, unexplained cash withdrawals, unusual purchases, and trouble with online banking. A neuropsychologist from the University of Miami notes that while normal aging causes occasional memory lapses, regularly missing payments and confusion about time or people warrant medical evaluation. To protect seniors with cognitive decline, families should set up automated bill pay, use spending trackers with fraud alerts, enable power of attorney arrangements, and remain vigilant against sophisticated scams targeting the elderly.
regtechtimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Tochuwku Albert Nnebocha, a 43-year-old Nigerian national, was extradited from Poland to the United States to face federal charges for allegedly operating a large-scale inheritance scam that defrauded elderly Americans over five years. The scheme involved sending personalized letters claiming victims had inherited millions from deceased relatives in Spain, then requesting fees and taxes upfront that victims never recovered. Nnebocha faces mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges carrying potential sentences up to 20 years, while two co-conspirators have already pleaded guilty and received sentences exceeding eight years each.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-07
Tochuwku Albert Nnebocha, a 43-year-old Nigerian extradited from Poland, faces federal charges for operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly American victims over five years by falsely claiming they had unclaimed inheritances from Spain and requesting upfront fees for delivery and taxes. Victims sent money through a network of compromised U.S. accounts and never received promised funds, with Nnebocha facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted; two co-conspirators have already been sentenced to 97 months incarceration each.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-07
Joyce from Utah lost over $1 million in savings to a coordinated tech support and bank impersonation scam that occurred between March and May. The scammers used a fake computer warning to gain her trust, then posed as bank employees and Federal Reserve officials to convince her to liquidate her retirement accounts and purchase cryptocurrency and gold bars, which were then collected by accomplices. The article advises protecting against such scams by shutting down frozen computers rather than calling provided numbers, ignoring unsolicited tech support calls, and recognizing that legitimate companies never ask customers to call numbers displayed in pop-ups.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A 2025 survey by Iris and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that 77% of Americans encountered scams in the past 12 months (averaging daily exposure), with 70% reporting actual victimization and over 20% losing an average of $1,086.70. Despite 82% of scam victims reporting incidents to banks or payment services, only 44% recovered at least some funds, and platforms took discernible action on just 43% of reported scams, revealing a significant gap in institutional support and victim recovery.
wrcitytimes.com
· 2025-12-07
Wisconsin Rapids police warned of a surge in scams targeting older residents, with victims losing tens of thousands of dollars through schemes where fraudsters impersonated government officials and banks via unsolicited calls, emails, and texts to convince victims to transfer funds via cryptocurrency or gift cards. Notable cases included a $600,000 Bitcoin conversion, a $30,000 Bitcoin ATM deposit, and a $14,000 cash handoff, with authorities noting that cryptocurrency transfers and overseas origins make these scams difficult to trace. Police advised residents that legitimate agencies never demand payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, or cash, and urged potential victims to verify requests through trusted sources and contact law enforcement before sending money.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
This educational piece observes International Day of Older Persons to highlight the vulnerability of seniors to online scams, including tech support fraud, phishing, investment schemes, and romance/grandparent scams that exploit their trust and relative unfamiliarity with digital threats. The article provides practical cybersecurity advice for older adults—such as pausing before clicking links, verifying urgent money requests, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication—and describes how comprehensive security solutions with multi-layered protections can help families safeguard seniors' digital lives.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
A scammer's attempt to fraudulently obtain a reverse mortgage on an elderly Ohio homeowner's property was prevented by EquityProtect's SmartPolicy fraud prevention technology, which flagged the unauthorized loan request and alerted the homeowner's daughter who held Power of Attorney. The incident illustrates growing financial crime targeting seniors, with the FBI reporting $4.88 billion in losses from 147,127 elder fraud complaints in 2024, a 46% increase in complaints year-over-year.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-07
A scammer attempted to defraud an elderly Ohio homeowner by convincing him to take out a reverse mortgage to steal his home equity, but the scheme was foiled when EquityProtect's Property Title Lock service detected the unauthorized loan application and notified the homeowner's daughter, who held Power of Attorney over the property. The incident highlights growing financial crimes against seniors, with the FBI reporting $4.88 billion in losses from 147,127 elder fraud complaints in 2024, a 46% increase from the previous year.
showme.missouri.edu
· 2025-12-07
University of Missouri researchers studying online dating fraud found that scammers have evolved their tactics away from obviously fake "perfect" profiles toward "strategic imperfection"—including minor flaws like divorce or ordinary jobs—to build credibility with victims. The study of thousands of user reports revealed that scammers typically pose as 50-year-old professionals in high-status fields, fabricate emotional crisis scenarios (work or health emergencies), and successfully manipulate even cautious, educated people through emotionally compelling narratives. Researchers propose developing AI-powered tools using machine learning to identify suspicious linguistic patterns and provide real-time risk assessments on dating apps and social media platforms.
aol.com
· 2025-12-07
**Educational/Awareness Piece**
Older adults lose billions annually to online scams, with phishing, tech support scams, and extortion topping the list—the FBI reported $4.8 billion in losses to people age 60+ in 2024 alone. Cybercriminals target seniors believing they have accumulated savings and exploit stereotypes about technological comfort, though scams can deceive anyone regardless of age or tech-savviness. Key protection strategies include avoiding suspicious email links, verifying unexpected messages directly with senders, installing security software, and resisting pressure to act quickly—treating internet navigation as defensive driving that requires constant vigilance.
michigan.gov
· 2025-12-07
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of potential government imposter scams during the federal government shutdown, where fraudsters may pose as officials to steal personal information or money by falsely claiming issues with Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits. Nessel advised consumers not to click links or download attachments in suspicious communications, and to verify any government contact directly with the agency, noting that legitimate government agencies never request personal information via email, phone, or text, and never demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or payment apps.
thecourier.com.au
· 2025-12-07
A Ballarat grandmother lost money intended for her granddaughter's kindergarten expenses to a Facebook shopping scam in September 2025 when she rushed to purchase furniture and was pressured into sending a $100 deposit by the fraudster, who then demanded additional payments and refused refunds. The incident reflects broader trends showing that shopping scams were the most common fraud type in Australia in the first half of 2025, with reported losses reaching $174 million—a 26 percent increase despite fewer overall scam reports—as scammers increasingly target people on social media and e-commerce platforms.
techxplore.com
· 2025-12-07
Aberystwyth University, Dyfed-Powys Police, and PEGS launched a new guide to combat technology-enabled abuse of people over 60, which includes monitoring via smart devices, mobile tracking, and unauthorized access to accounts. The guide, based on police data and case studies, reveals that 14% of older parents supported by PEGS experienced digital abuse from family members, with one case involving £20,000 stolen through unauthorized smartphone access and another involving stalking via fake social media profiles and Ring doorbell cameras. Between May 2024 and April 2025, over 950 domestic abuse cases involving older victims were reported in Dyfed-Powys
thestar.com.my
· 2025-12-07
Digital literacy programmes in Malaysia are helping seniors bridge the "grey digital gap" and reduce their vulnerability to online scams and fraud. Participants aged 73-83 reported gaining practical skills in smartphone usage, cybersecurity awareness, fact-checking, and e-wallet management, enabling them to independently access government services, identify fraudulent schemes (including impersonation of banks and tax authorities), and navigate the cashless economy. A 2024 study found that elderly Malaysians, particularly those 75 and above, remain highly vulnerable to cyber victimization and financial loss, highlighting the critical need for such protective education.
cmscritic.com
· 2025-12-07
This article discusses the rising threat of romance scams enhanced by AI technology, particularly targeting vulnerable populations. Romance scam losses in the United States increased dramatically from $547 million in 2021 to over $1.3 billion in 2024, with victims averaging $15,000 in losses, and the problem is expected to worsen as AI-generated avatars and voice cloning become more convincing. The article emphasizes that seniors aged 50-80 are especially at risk due to widespread loneliness and isolation, and advocates for education and awareness as primary defenses against this emotionally and financially devastating crime.
studyfinds.org
· 2025-12-07
Americans face approximately 100 scam attempts monthly—significantly more than any other surveyed country—encountering roughly 25 separate fraudulent messages weekly through calls, emails, and texts. Only 23% of people feel confident in spotting fraud, with financial scams cited as the top concern by 46% of respondents, while emerging threats like AI-driven phishing, deepfakes, and fake apps pose increasing risks. Experts attribute heightened vulnerability to weak password practices and urge adoption of stronger authentication methods like passkeys to combat the growing "trust nothing era."
meta.com
· 2025-12-07
Meta is testing facial recognition technology to combat scams that misuse public figures' and celebrities' images in fraudulent ads and promotional content. The system automatically compares faces in suspected scam ads against public figures' profile pictures to detect matches in real time, then removes confirmed scams; participating public figures will be notified in advance and given the option to opt out.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-07
This opinion piece argues that Canada lacks adequate community-level protections against online scams, despite strong workplace defenses. The authors advocate for bringing scam awareness into homes through family conversations, simple verification habits (such as confirming suspicious messages with a quick call), and normalizing discussion about fraud to reduce victim shame and reporting barriers. They contend that scams exploit human psychology rather than just technical vulnerabilities, making education and behavioral change essential to closing this protection gap.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-07
A man named Kent encountered a web injection scam when a fake bank login pop-up appeared during an online financial transaction, successfully tricking him into providing his email and phone number before he recognized the "Credit Donkey" redirect as suspicious and closed his browser. Web injection scams hijack browser sessions to overlay fraudulent verification screens that feel authentic because they appear while users are already logged in, with the goal of capturing login credentials or two-factor authentication codes. To protect against such scams, individuals should monitor accounts daily with login alerts enabled, change passwords using a password manager, check for personal data exposure in breaches, and consider using data removal services to limit scammers' access to personal information.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-07
A 39-year-old woman in Udupi lost Rs 4.2 lakh in an investment scam after being lured through a fake Instagram profile offering high trading profits. The scammer used fabricated transaction screenshots and WhatsApp messages to build trust, then repeatedly convinced the victim to send additional payments under the guise of tax charges and fees before she could access her returns. After the victim transferred the total amount, the scammer stopped responding, and police registered a case under fraud and IT Act provisions.
goldrushcam.com
· 2025-12-07
The Placer County Sheriff's Office warned local businesses about a credit card fraud scheme where scammers purchase items using fraudulent or stolen credit cards, have them picked up by couriers, and then initiate chargebacks weeks later—leaving businesses without product or payment. Businesses are advised to scrutinize large or unusual purchases from new customers, verify the identity of pickup persons, and trust their instincts when transactions seem suspicious.
komando.com
· 2025-12-07
This article highlights six prevalent scams currently targeting people through their digital footprints: romance scammers exploiting grief to steal life savings (a Pennsylvania widow lost $200,000+ and her home; a 63-year-old lost $80,000); vacation booking hijacking (one woman lost $15,000); AI deepfakes of social media users to commit fraud (one TikTok user's identity was cloned to sell counterfeit diet pills); online marketplace robbery ($3,000+ stolen during a PlayStation sale); and location tracking via fitness apps to identify when homes are unoccupied for burglaries. The article provides practical prevention tips including removing relationship status from dating apps,
wnegradio.com
· 2025-12-07
Scammers use fake social media ads and websites to sell holiday decorations at suspiciously low prices, but deliver either tiny, poorly-made versions of advertised items or nothing at all, making refunds and customer contact impossible. The BBB advises consumers to research unfamiliar sellers, verify contact information, be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, and always use credit cards for online purchases to enable fraud disputes. One reported victim lost $55 after ordering large animated skeleton decorations only to receive 8-inch figurines with minimal functionality.
gazettenet.com
· 2025-12-07
Between 2023 and May 2025, the FBI's Boston Division documented 103 courier-based fraud schemes targeting elderly Massachusetts residents, resulting in over $26 million in losses, with 59 victims (98% over age 60) losing $18.6 million collectively. The scams typically impersonated family members, government officials, or tech support to convince victims to withdraw cash or gold bars for couriers to collect, with similar schemes causing approximately $186.2 million in losses nationwide during the same period. The FBI recommends victims report fraud immediately to ic3.gov or the DOJ Elder Justice hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 and advises
fox5dc.com
· 2025-12-07
Chase Bank warns customers of escalating scams where fraudsters impersonate bank staff and law enforcement to pressure victims into withdrawing cash or transferring funds to fake "safe accounts" or couriers, with caller ID spoofing making these schemes increasingly convincing. Nearly half of Chase-reported scams originate on social media platforms through fake listings, phony job/rental offers, and romance schemes, with scammers exploiting irreversible payment methods like Zelle and wire transfers. Chase advises customers to verify callers independently, avoid sharing banking credentials, use secure payment channels, and report suspicious activity to the FTC and the bank immediately.
wiley.law
· 2025-12-07
The Aspen Institute Report identifies that American households lose over $1 billion weekly to various scams including imposter fraud, phishing, and cybersquatting, threatening economic security and consumer trust in digital systems. The report recommends a multi-sector approach involving government agencies, private industry, and nonprofits, with key recommendations including modernizing legal frameworks to clarify company fraud prevention duties, enhancing law enforcement collaboration with financial institutions, improving technological detection systems, establishing scam prevention as a national priority, and increasing public awareness through education campaigns.
lilifepolitics.com
· 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old East Rockaway woman lost $117,000 in a tech support scam between October 1-3, 2024, after receiving a fraudulent computer warning message and being instructed to withdraw funds to "safeguard" her money. Brooklyn resident Jinqin Jiang, 46, was arrested and charged with Attempted Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest; he was subsequently turned over to ICE for removal proceedings.
newsday.com
· 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old East Rockaway woman lost $117,000 in a computer fraud scam after receiving a deceptive message claiming her computer was compromised and being instructed to withdraw cash to "safeguard" her funds. Jinqin Jiang, 46, of Brooklyn, was arrested and charged with third-degree attempted grand larceny and resisting arrest; he was subsequently turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement after being identified as a Chinese national who entered the country illegally. Police are continuing to investigate and seek additional co-conspirators involved in the scam.
longisland.news12.com
· 2025-12-07
A 74-year-old East Rockaway woman lost $117,000 in a tech support scam after receiving a computer warning message directing her to call a number, where scammers convinced her to withdraw cash from her bank for "safeguarding." Brooklyn resident Jinqin Jiang, 46, was arrested and charged with attempted grand larceny and resisting arrest in connection with the scheme, though he was subsequently transferred to ICE custody for being in the country illegally.
fox47news.com
· 2025-12-07
Senior citizens and businesses are frequently targeted by cyber scammers through emails, text messages, and phone calls to steal personal data and passwords. A senior living facility in Jackson intervened in a gift card scam where a resident was about to spend hundreds of dollars and now educates residents on current scams through partnerships with state and national associations. Experts recommend protecting personal information by using password managers, enabling two-factor authentication, consulting trusted contacts about suspicious messages, and using pop-up blockers while browsing.
bitdefender.com
· 2025-12-07
Bitdefender's October 2025 "They Wear Our Faces" campaign highlights a surge in AI-driven fraud targeting Americans, who reported over $12.5 billion in fraud losses in 2024. The campaign exposes how scammers use deepfake technology, voice cloning, and personalized impersonation across email, SMS, and social media, with the U.S. receiving 37% of global spam between March-September 2025. Top threats include phishing impersonating Microsoft, Amazon, and Costco, along with increasingly sophisticated SMS scams and AI-powered deepfake videos promoting fake cryptocurrency investments.
thelogicalindian.com
· 2025-12-07
A 50-year-old MNC professional from Gurugram lost ₹73.42 lakh in a romance-scam investment fraud after meeting a woman on the dating app Bumble in August-September 2025, who convinced him to invest in a fake stock trading platform through emotional manipulation and fabricated profit screens shown via Telegram. The victim was blocked when attempting withdrawal and told to pay an additional release fee; Gurugram Cyber Police launched an investigation and warned the public that romance-driven financial scams are rising in urban India, with perpetrators using deepfake technology and social engineering tactics that make detection difficult. Experts advise verifying investment credentials
stimson.org
· 2025-12-07
Southeast Asia faces a rapidly escalating scam epidemic, with 79% of adults exposed to scams in the past year and global scam losses exceeding $1 trillion annually, threatening the region's digital economy projected to reach $1 trillion in five years. Scammers are leveraging advanced technologies like AI, instant payments, and encrypted messaging to conduct sophisticated cross-border fraud schemes including fake job offers, romance scams, and investment fraud. The article recommends that governments, companies, and civil society organizations collaborate through strengthened institutions, cross-border data-sharing, regional working groups, and partnerships to combat this transnational criminal activity.
nivervillecitizen.com
· 2025-12-07
Phone scams targeting Canadians have become increasingly prevalent, with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reporting 15,941 fraud victims and $284 million in losses between January-June 2024. Common scams include phishing attempts, fake job offers via text, and spoofed calls impersonating legitimate companies like banks and airlines, often exploiting personal data obtained through data breaches. Experts emphasize that scammers target individuals across all demographics, including those who believe they are too savvy to fall victim, and stress the importance of organizations better protecting personal information to prevent these crimes.
acronis.com
· 2025-12-07
The Acronis Cyber Foundation and Digital Literacy Project are hosting a free cyber safety workshop for seniors on October 11, 2025, in Stoughton, Massachusetts, to address the vulnerability of older adults to online fraud. According to the FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report, seniors aged 60+ experienced the highest monetary losses from cyberattacks at $4.8 billion, with personal data breaches and investment scams being leading threats. The workshop will educate participants on recognizing AI-enabled deepfake scams, creating strong passwords, identifying phishing attempts, and protecting personal information.
mvprogress.com
· 2025-12-07
Mesquite Police detectives informed nearly 100 residents of Del Webb Sun City about prevalent scams targeting seniors, including grandparent scams, tech support fraud, romance scams, and investment schemes that exploit trust through calls, emails, and online platforms. Gift card scams are particularly prevalent locally, with thieves using untraceable cards or tampering with physical cards before purchase, while imposter scams involving government agencies and voice-cloning technology also pose significant risks. Residents were advised to verify claims independently, protect personal information, avoid public Wi-Fi, and report suspicious activity to the FTC or their bank immediately.
indianexpress.com
· 2025-12-07
Match Group's Head of Trust and Safety acknowledged the rising concern of romance scams on dating apps, particularly in India, where scammers use "catfishing" to manipulate vulnerable individuals (especially women and the elderly) into financial and emotional losses. To combat repeat offenders, the company is rolling out facial recognition technology called "Face Check" in India, requiring new users to verify their identity through video selfies, and is partnering with Indian law enforcement to respond to reports within 24 hours and support prosecutions.
info.gov.hk
· 2025-12-07
In Hong Kong during the first eight months of 2025, police reported 184 telephone scam cases targeting local tertiary students and 86 cases targeting Mainland students, resulting in approximately $32 million and $75 million in losses respectively. The government has implemented fraud prevention measures under the Theft Ordinance with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment, and is consulting with educational institutions and authorities to strengthen anti-scam awareness programs among students through seminars and enhanced promotional efforts.
shorenewsnetwork.com
· 2025-12-07
Wall Township Police Department held an educational session with the Pride of Wall Seniors group to address the growing problem of scams targeting older residents, covering common fraud methods including phone impersonation, tech support scams, and fake investment schemes. Officials advised seniors to avoid unsolicited calls, gift card payment requests, and suspicious online messages while encouraging immediate reporting of suspicious activity to law enforcement. The department emphasized prevention through awareness and plans to continue community outreach partnerships to strengthen public safety education.
deloitte.com
· 2025-12-07
The FBI has highlighted "phantom hacker scams," where fraudsters impersonate tech support, banks, and government agents to manipulate victims—particularly seniors—into voluntarily transferring money directly to scammers' accounts. These scams are part of a broader category called authorized push payment (APP) fraud, which is rapidly growing; the Deloitte Center for Financial Services estimates APP fraud losses in the U.S. could reach $14.9 billion by 2028 (up from $8.3 billion in 2024), with investment scams like "pig butchering" driving the majority of growth, fueled by increasingly sophisticated AI-generated deepfakes and social engineering