Search
Explore the Archive
Search across 26,669 articles about elder fraud. Filter by fraud type, payment mechanism, or keywords.
4,606 results
in Tech Support Scams
zeenews.india.com
A 60-year-old retired investor from Mumbai lost Rs 2.56 crore in an online share trading scam that began in December 2023 when scammers added him to a WhatsApp group posing as representatives of an American investment company. The fraudsters used a fake website with a virtual trading account showing false profits to gradually convince the victim to invest incrementally, starting with Rs 50,000 in February, and later demanded an additional 20% investment to cover claimed stock market losses. When the victim requested a refund, his account access was blocked and the scammers became unreachable, prompting him to file a police complaint.
timesleaderonline.com
A U.S. Navy veteran in West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when his caretaker, Sam Bunner, obtained power of attorney and emptied his bank and investment accounts; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Senior citizens in West Virginia are frequently targeted by both strangers (tech support scams, romance scams, government impersonation) and trusted individuals (family members, caregivers) who exploit their longevity, savings, and trusting nature. To protect against such fraud, individuals should resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sending money to online contacts, carefully consider power of attorney arrangements, and secure valuables and financial documents from in-home caregi
weirtondailytimes.com
A U.S. Navy veteran in West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at a local American Legion, obtained power of attorney and emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate. The article outlines common elder fraud threats in West Virginia—including caretaker theft, romance and tech support scams from strangers, and family member exploitation—and provides protective measures such as resisting pressure to act quickly, avoiding unsolicited online money transfers, and securing valuables and documents when in-home care is needed.
southfloridareporter.com
This educational piece examines why older adults are vulnerable to financial fraud and exploitation. In 2021, over 90,000 seniors fell victim to fraud totaling $1.7 billion in losses (a 74% increase from 2020), with perpetrators often being family members, caregivers, or friends rather than strangers. Research shows that age-related cognitive decline, emotional factors (like loneliness and isolation), lower digital literacy, and reduced ability to detect deception through body signals all contribute to heightened susceptibility, with some evidence suggesting financial exploitability may be an early marker of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's.
theintelligencer.net
A U.S. Navy veteran from West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when his caretaker, Sam Bunner, used a power of attorney to drain his bank and investment accounts and sell his real estate; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article highlights that seniors in West Virginia face significant vulnerability to both caregiver fraud and stranger scams (tech support, romance, and government impersonation schemes), with recent AI advances making these scams harder to detect. The U.S. Attorney's Office recommends resisting urgency, avoiding unsolicited money transfers, securing valuables, and carefully limiting power of attorney authority to protect vulnerable adults.
wvnews.com
A U.S. Navy veteran from West Virginia lost nearly $2 million when Sam Bunner, a caretaker who befriended him at a local American Legion, obtained power of attorney and systematically emptied his bank and investment accounts and sold his real estate, exploiting the victim's declining cognitive abilities; Bunner was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The article notes that West Virginia seniors are particularly vulnerable to both caretaker/family fraud and stranger scams (including tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes), and recommends protective measures such as resisting urgency, avoiding online money transfers, carefully granting power of attorney, using trusts with restrictions
mishtalk.com
AI tools like ChatGPT are enabling scammers to create convincing phishing emails, imitate voices and identities, and automate fraud schemes that bypass traditional red flags like poor grammar. Criminals can now use AI to target larger groups with personalized information, forge identification documents, and rapidly test stolen passwords across multiple platforms, making these scams significantly harder for individuals and banks to detect. Financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase are deploying AI-based fraud detection systems and increasing customer education, while experts recommend protective measures such as credit freezes and password hygiene to mitigate risk.
actionnewsjax.com
An Orlando man lost $2,500 in a tech support scam after seeing a fake Microsoft warning pop-up on his computer, which led him through an online chat to a supposed Microsoft specialist who convinced him to purchase gift cards. Although the scammers did not successfully obtain the gift card funds, the victim has been unable to recover his money from the merchant.
gulfnews.com
A Dubai resident fell victim to a phishing scam where a caller impersonating a bank employee obtained an OTP and accessed the victim's account, resulting in a loss of 100 AED (prevented from larger loss due to account structure). A 2023 Deloitte survey reveals that Gen Z is three times more likely to fall for online scams than other generations, with experts attributing this to lower caution during internet use and higher online activity creating greater susceptibility to fraud tactics like phishing links and account impersonation.
wokv.com
A 79-year-old Central Florida woman missed her husband's funeral in Wisconsin after falling victim to an airline scam while attempting to book a last-minute flight from Orlando-Sanford International Airport. The scam was sophisticated enough to initially deceive the airline itself as well. The woman had to rebook her travel separately after a medical emergency prevented her from joining her family on their originally scheduled June 1 flight to attend her late husband's funeral service.
justice.gov
**Summary:**
The U.S. Attorney's Office and FBI in San Diego recovered over $3.3 million for elderly fraud victims through a data-driven operation launched in January 2024, obtaining more than 40 seizure warrants for $5.6 million in total. The effort targets sophisticated scams affecting seniors, particularly cryptocurrency investment schemes and tech support/government impersonation scams, with California leading the nation in both number of victims (77,000+) and losses ($2.1 billion) in 2023. Authorities emphasize that early reporting is critical to interrupting transactions and recovering victims' funds before scammers disappear with the money.
northernvirginiamag.com
Scammers stole more than $3 billion from older Americans last year, with fraud targeting seniors rising due to larger senior populations, artificial intelligence capabilities, and Medicare system complexity. Scams range from romance and investment schemes to "grandparent" scams using voice cloning technology and impersonators posing as Medicare specialists seeking personal information to order medical equipment fraudulently. Protection strategies include treating Medicare cards as securely as credit cards, being wary of pressure to act quickly, limiting social media sharing of personal information, and verifying the identity of callers and online contacts.
bbc.com
Booking.com reports a 500-900% increase in travel scams over the past 18 months, driven by generative AI tools that enable scammers to create highly convincing phishing emails and fake hotel listings with realistic images and grammatically correct text in multiple languages. Scammers typically target booking platforms by posing as legitimate accommodations, collecting payment, and then either disappearing or attempting additional fraud. Experts recommend using two-factor authentication, verifying contact information on booking sites, booking through reputable package holiday providers, and paying with credit cards for maximum consumer protection.
wftv.com
An Orlando man lost $2,500 to a tech support scam that used fake pop-up warnings, fake Microsoft specialists, and impersonated bank managers to convince him to purchase Sephora gift cards as part of a fraudulent "duplicate charge" recovery scheme. Although the victim realized the scam before providing the gift card PINs and never actually lost money to the scammers, Sephora froze the cards and has not refunded his purchase or reactivated them. Experts warn that requests to purchase physical gift cards are a guaranteed sign of scam activity.
vermontbiz.com
A 2023 analysis of Vermont cybercrimes found that investment scams are the costliest, with victims averaging $162,265 in losses (22 victims, $3.6M total), followed by cryptocurrency wallet scams at $133,133 per victim (28 victims, $3.7M total). Vermont residents reported 708 cybercrimes statewide in 2023, resulting in total losses of approximately $13.6 million, with an average loss of $19,248 per victim across all crime types.
tbrnewsmedia.com
**Type:** Educational Event/Awareness Program
State Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Ed Flood are hosting a Senior Scam Prevention Program at Brightview Port Jefferson Senior Living on June 20 to educate seniors and caregivers about fraud prevention. According to the FBI's 2023 Elder Fraud Report, over 101,000 seniors reported fraud with average losses of $33,915 per person, and those over 60 lost $3.4 billion total in 2023, with tech support scams, data breaches, romance scams, and investment scams being the most common types. The program, developed in collaboration with the
wftv.com
An Orlando man lost $2,500 in a tech support scam after scammers impersonating Microsoft and a bank manager convinced him to purchase Sephora gift cards, claiming fraudulent charges had been made to his account and that duplicate purchases would trigger an alert to recover the money. Although the victim realized the scam before providing the gift card PIN numbers and never gave the scammers any card details, Sephora froze the cards and has not issued a refund, leaving him unable to use or gift the cards. Experts advise that requests to purchase physical gift cards are a guaranteed sign of scam, and victims should verify contact by independently calling the company's official number.
cbs19news.com
Elder fraud has reached epidemic proportions, with the FBI reporting $1.6 billion in losses between January and May of this year—a $300 million increase from the previous year—and a 14% surge in elder fraud complaints in 2023. Criminal actors increasingly target older adults because they perceive them as vulnerable and trusting, with the most common schemes being tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation scams. Geriatrician Dr. Laurie Archbald-Pannone recommends seniors verify unsolicited offers through online searches and report scams immediately without shame, as victim numbers rose 209% and financial losses surged 419% between 2
cobbcountycourier.com
Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers in 2023, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% that year, though actual losses are likely underreported due to embarrassment and incomplete age data. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because they tend to be more trusting, have financial assets, and may be less comfortable with technology; tech-support scams are most common, while investment scams cause the largest losses. Prevention through education on identifying scams, reporting crimes, and building awareness is critical to combating this growing epidemic and mitigating its traumatic psychological effects on victims.
mb.com.ph
Scammers increasingly target older adults through deceptive text messages and calls impersonating government agencies, family members, and romantic interests, exploiting the belief that seniors have substantial savings and are less tech-savvy. The article identifies three main fraud types—government impersonation, family-related, and romance scams—and advises seniors to avoid clicking links, sharing personal information, or taking immediate action; instead, they should verify claims directly with banks or family members using known contact numbers. With 9.22 million Filipinos aged 60 and above, educating elders about these scams is critical, as even unreported fraud can be devastating and leave victims in vulnerable financial positions.
chaffeecountytimes.com
Vacant land scams have surged in recent years, with real estate and rental fraud losses exceeding $396 million in 2022 according to the FBI. Scammers impersonate property owners, creating fake documentation and pressing buyers to conduct expedited, remote transactions to steal proceeds before legitimate owners discover the fraud. To protect themselves, buyers should insist on in-person meetings and property visits, verify seller information through independent research, use local title insurance companies, and work with experienced local real estate professionals rather than relying solely on electronic communications.
indiatoday.in
A 52-year-old businessman in Noida lost Rs 5 lakh to a digital arrest scam in June when a fraudster posing as a Mumbai crime branch official threatened him with arrest for alleged drug smuggling and money laundering, keeping him on a video call while demanding he transfer funds as a temporary "Supreme Court audit" measure. The victim complied under fear of legal consequences but never received the promised return of funds. The case highlights how scammers impersonating law enforcement target even educated individuals, and authorities recommend verifying claims by independently contacting official agencies, never sharing financial information with unknown callers, and reporting suspicious calls to police.
localnewsonly.com
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the FBI Dallas released findings from the 2023 Elder Fraud Report showing that elder fraud complaints increased 14% with reported losses totaling over $3.4 billion, averaging $33,915 per victim, with Texas accounting for over 7,000 complaints and $278.3 million in losses. Tech support scams were the most commonly reported elder fraud type in 2023, followed by personal data breaches, romance scams, non-payment/non-delivery scams, and investment scams. The FBI identified a formulaic tech support scam pattern where victims' computers are frozen with pop-ups claiming illegal activity, then
justice.gov
On June 15, 2024, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Kentucky observed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting that one in ten people over 60 experiences some form of elder abuse, with an estimated $28.3 billion lost annually to elder fraud scams. In 2023, Kentucky's FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received 908 complaints from individuals over 60 reporting $12.8 million in losses, more than any other age group combined. The Justice Department brought nearly 300 criminal and civil actions against over 650 defendants in the past year who stole more than $1.5 billion from 2.4
cnn.com
Dennis Jones, an 82-year-old Virginia man, lost his entire life savings to a "pig butchering" scam after being groomed online for months by a woman claiming to be named Jessie who convinced him to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency; devastated by financial ruin, he died by suicide before his family could help him recover. Pig butchering scams, run primarily by Chinese criminal gangs operating from Southeast Asia, involve con artists building relationships with victims over months before pressuring them to invest in fake cryptocurrency platforms, with the FBI estimating these scams stole nearly $4 billion from American victims in the past year alone—a 53% increase from the previous year
timesnownews.com
A 68-year-old retired chemical engineer from Pune lost Rs 81 lakh in a sophisticated online scam involving impersonators posing as police and CBI officials who falsely accused him of illegal advertising and money laundering. The fraudsters used fake police credentials, video calls with official logos, and threats of asset freezing to manipulate the victim into transferring the funds as alleged "security deposits." The article advises citizens to verify caller identities through official channels, never share financial information with unknown callers, and report suspicious calls to authorities.
theconversation.com
In 2023, Americans age 60 and older lost more than $3 billion to scammers, with elder fraud complaints to the FBI increasing 14% year-over-year, though actual losses are likely much higher due to underreporting and unreported incidents. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because they tend to be more trusting, have accumulated savings and good credit, and may lack familiarity with technology, making them attractive targets for tech-support scams, romance schemes, investment fraud, and call-center operations. Prevention through education on identifying and reporting fraud is critical to mitigating this epidemic's financial and psychological consequences.
spectrumnews1.com
Madeline Sprints fell victim to a parking lot distraction theft scam in Los Angeles where criminals stole three credit cards from her purse and attempted $10,000 in fraudulent charges, prompting her to join the Stop Senior Scams Acting Program to educate other seniors. According to the FBI, adults over 60 lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023 (an 11% increase from 2022), with common scams including grandparent scams, romance scams through dating apps, and tech support scams. The FBI recommends never responding to unsolicited contact and reporting scams to local FBI offices or the Internet Crime Complaint Center
columbiabasinherald.com
Grant County Sheriff's Office received at least six reports on June 5 of phone scams where callers impersonated deputies demanding money deposits to avoid arrest using spoofed numbers. Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman emphasized that legitimate law enforcement never calls to demand payment for fines or warrants, and advised residents to verify caller identity by contacting agencies directly, keep antivirus software updated, and report suspected scams immediately—noting that one senior citizen lost $60,000 before realizing the fraud, with little chance of recovery.
cedars-sinai.org
Healthcare scams targeting vulnerable populations—including older adults, new mothers, surgery patients, and people with chronic conditions—have caused Americans to lose $10.3 billion to internet fraud in 2022 alone. Common scams involve impersonators contacting victims via phone, text, or email to steal personal information, banking details, or convince them to wire money by creating a sense of panic about their healthcare coverage. To protect yourself, verify caller identity before sharing sensitive information, read communications carefully for red flags, avoid clicking suspicious links, and contact your healthcare provider directly if you're unsure about any request.
wbtv.com
Scammers are targeting smart TV users through fraudulent pop-ups that appear when users attempt to log into streaming services, claiming there is a problem requiring a phone call or website visit to resolve. The Better Business Bureau warns that victims who comply are pressured to pay fees or grant remote access, allowing scammers to steal personal information. Users can protect themselves by verifying fees, typing URLs directly into browsers, researching phone numbers independently, and refusing remote access requests.
dailyfreeman.com
Cyber scams targeting the elderly are increasing, with common tactics including fake Microsoft security alerts, spoofed text messages from banks, Social Security impersonation calls, and phishing schemes to steal tax refunds. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their trust in government agencies and legitimate-sounding callers. The author emphasizes that individuals must learn to verify communications and remain suspicious, as government agencies struggle to combat scammers operating globally and often from foreign nation-states.
wbko.com
The FBI reports a significant surge in elder fraud, with $1.6 billion in losses from January to May 2024—nearly $300 million more than the same period in 2023—and warns that 2023 saw elder fraud complaints rise 14% resulting in $3.4 billion in annual losses. Common scams targeting seniors include tech support, romance, investment, and government impersonation schemes, which cause financial and psychological harm to vulnerable populations. The FBI recommends victims and potential targets verify unknown contacts, resist urgency tactics, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and report suspected fraud to local FBI offices or IC3.gov.
justice.gov
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by announcing a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat fraud targeting older citizens. The agencies will hold a public town hall on June 20, 2024, to educate seniors about recognizing and preventing fraud schemes, including tech support scams, romance scams, and Social Security impostor fraud. The Justice Department emphasizes that awareness and information are key to protecting vulnerable populations from financial, physical, and psychological harm.
kfiz.com
June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, highlighting that while consumers over 60 lose money to scams less frequently than younger people, they lose significantly larger amounts when victimized—averaging nearly $1,000 compared to under $500 for those under 60. Common scams targeting seniors include grandparent scams (using impersonation and AI voice cloning), Medicare scams during enrollment periods, and tech support scams falsely claiming to be from Apple or Microsoft. The article provides prevention strategies for each scam type and guidance on how to supportively help victims by responding with empathy, listening to their experience, validating their story, and assisting with reporting and recovery steps.
wired.com
Business email compromise (BEC) scams cost victims $26 billion annually, with con artists impersonating colleagues or executives via email to steal money or sensitive information through tactics like requesting gift card purchases or direct deposit changes. Experts recommend two primary defenses: first, recognize and pause when an email triggers emotional urgency or requests secrecy, as these psychological manipulation tactics impair critical thinking; second, always verify suspicious requests through a separate communication channel using contact information from your phone or official company sources, never from the email itself.
newstalkkzrg.com
U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting that one in ten people over 60 experience elder abuse and an estimated $28.3 billion is lost annually to elder fraud scams. The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting elder abusers through various initiatives, including the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force and Money Mule Initiative, while providing public awareness resources on common schemes such as romance fraud, tech support scams, and Social Security impostor scams. Recent cases include the sentencing of Henry Asomani to 10 years in federal prison for a romance fraud conspiracy that stole over $3 million from more than a dozen victims.
justice.gov
On June 15, 2024, the U.S. District of South Dakota joined national leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, emphasizing that one in ten older Americans are victims of elder abuse annually. The District highlighted ongoing efforts through initiatives like the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force and Money Mule Initiative to combat common schemes targeting seniors, including romance scams, tech support fraud, Social Security impostor scams, lottery scams, and IRS impersonation scams.
newsantaana.com
The FBI reports that elder fraud losses reached $1.6 billion from January to May 2024, a nearly $300 million increase from the same period in 2023, with complaints rising 14% annually. Common schemes targeting older adults include tech support scams, romance scams, investment scams (which saw 419% increase in losses from 2021-2023), and government impersonation scams. The FBI recommends seniors verify unfamiliar contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid unsolicited offers, never share personal information with unverified sources, and report suspected fraud to the FBI or IC3.gov.
becu.org
Elder fraud continues to rise significantly, with older Americans losing over $3.4 billion in 2023 alone—an average of $33,915 per victim and representing an 11% increase in losses from the prior year. The most common scams targeting seniors include tech support fraud (where scammers pose as legitimate companies to gain computer access), imposter scams (impersonating government agencies or financial institutions), and romance scams (criminals building fake relationships to extract money). Protective measures include avoiding unsolicited contact, never downloading software from unknown contacts, and never sharing sensitive information or credentials with unverified callers.
aol.com
The FBI reports a significant increase in elder fraud cases, with $1.6 billion in losses from January to May 2024—nearly $300 million more than the same period in 2023—and notes that Texas alone lost over $278 million in 2023. The most common schemes targeting older adults include tech support scams, romance scams, investment scams, and government impersonation scams, with investment fraud showing the sharpest growth (up 419% in losses from 2021-2023, largely due to cryptocurrency). The FBI emphasizes that seniors should verify unknown contacts, resist pressure to act quickly, avoid sharing personal information with unverified sources, and monitor their
postandcourier.com
In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the IRS Criminal Investigation's Charlotte Field Office is promoting fraud awareness to combat the rising tide of financial crimes against seniors. According to the FBI's 2023 Internet Crimes Report, individuals aged 60 and above filed 101,068 complaints and sustained $3.4 billion in losses from scams including tech support fraud, government impersonation, phishing, and romance schemes. The IRS employs education, criminal investigations, and public-private partnerships to combat elder fraud, with recent prosecutions including a home health care operator sentenced to 45 months for stealing over $1 million from elderly clients and an investment fraudster sentenced to
justice.gov
On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis highlighted the Justice Department's multi-faceted approach to combating elder fraud, including the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force and Money Mule Initiative that target foreign-based schemes and fraud networks. The office detailed common scams affecting older Americans—including Social Security impostor schemes, tech support fraud, and lottery scams—and cited a 2023 federal conviction where a defendant defrauded an elderly widow of approximately $1.2 million by posing as her personal representative and spending her money on luxury items and lottery tickets.
whig.com
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent fraud tactics, with scammers using emails, text messages, and phone calls to steal personal information and money by impersonating banks, government agencies, and tech support. The Better Business Bureau reports phishing text messages are increasing in frequency and now incorporate artificial intelligence to create more convincing messages. Common warning signs include requests to confirm financial information, claims of account problems, urgent language with typos, and unsolicited links or offers; victims should verify suspicious communications directly with legitimate organizations before clicking links or providing information.
wfsb.com
Phishing reports doubled in 2023, with the Better Business Bureau receiving a record 9,238 reports, while Connecticut specifically saw phishing complaints rise from 58 in 2022 to 84 in 2023. Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to create more convincing phishing messages via email, text, and voicemail to trick people into divulging personal information. To protect themselves, people should be suspicious of unexpected messages with urgent subject lines and avoid responding to anything that appears suspicious.
shoredailynews.com
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) prompted Virginia State Police to highlight common scams targeting older adults, including a software update scam that defrauded one Virginia senior of $36,000 and the "Grandparent scam" using AI voices to impersonate grandchildren in distress. The advisory recommends independent verification of requests, avoiding gift card or cryptocurrency payments, establishing trusted "buddy systems," and regular financial audits to help vulnerable adults protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.
justice.gov
In observation of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts emphasized its commitment to prosecuting elder fraud and financial exploitation, noting that nearly one in 10 adults aged 60 and older experience some form of elder abuse annually. The office highlighted a recent case where Chukwunonso Umegbo was sentenced to over three years in prison for operating a romance scam that defrauded at least 45 victims of more than $568,000 between 2018 and 2019, including a senior who lost her home, car, and retirement savings. The District of Massachusetts has launched an Elder Justice Out
the-sun.com
86-year-old Sandra Jung of Little Rock, Arkansas lost nearly $10,000 in a tech support scam after seeing a malware pop-up and calling what she believed was Microsoft's official number from a Google search result. The scammer convinced her that an erroneous $15,000 refund (instead of the promised $150) had been deposited and manipulated her into sending back nearly $10,000 to "resolve" the issue. Jung filed a report with the Attorney General's office but is unlikely to recover the funds.
wmtw.com
Seniors are increasingly targeted by scammers using phone calls impersonating banks or relatives to steal personal information and money. According to FBI data, older Americans lost $1.6 billion to fraud from January-May 2024, with Maine victims alone losing $7.2 million in 2023 (397 cases averaging $18,040 per victim). Experts recommend pausing to verify unexpected urgent calls through known phone numbers and educating older adults about common scams, with organizations like Kennebunk Savings partnering with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging to provide fraud prevention resources and support.
abc17news.com
Phishing scams reached a record high in 2023 with 9,288 reports to the Better Business Bureau, and 2024 is on track to exceed this with 3,363 reports in the first quarter alone. One victim, Stacy Keys, lost $800 after clicking a fraudulent Hertz rental website and being instructed to load money onto prepaid cards by phone; scammers are increasingly using technology and AI to mimic legitimate websites and conduct phishing via email, phone calls, and text messages. Since 2021, the BBB has received 23,126 phishing reports with a median loss of $300 each, and victims are advise