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newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration warned beneficiaries in March 2024 about scammers impersonating SSA representatives through phone, email, text, and social media to steal benefits and personal information using tactics like spoofed caller IDs, fake letterheads, and threats. Between mid-2024, nearly 45% of reported scams involved false claims about suspended Social Security numbers, with victims aged 70-84 losing an average of $11,902 compared to $2,346 for those under 29. The SSA urged citizens to hang up on suspicious contacts and report attempts to its Office of the Inspector General.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has issued warnings about rising "smishing" scams—fraudulent text messages impersonating USPS that claim packages are undeliverable due to invalid ZIP codes and direct recipients to malicious links. These scams aim to steal personal information, financial credentials, and Social Security numbers, with Americans losing approximately $8.8 billion to fraud annually. The USPIS advises consumers not to click suspicious links, report messages to 7726 (SPAM), and verify tracking directly through the official USPS website rather than through unsolicited texts.
whio.com
· 2025-12-08
Ohio residents have been targeted by a nationwide texting scam impersonating the Ohio Turnpike to solicit payment for alleged unpaid tolls. The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission clarified that it does not send text messages for toll collection and instead mails invoices, advising recipients to verify any collection agency contact through official channels before making payments.
denver7.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI has issued a warning about increasingly common scams involving free online file converter services (for downloading videos or converting PDFs), which scammers use to distribute malware that steals personal information including passwords, social security numbers, and cryptocurrency data. While the converters typically produce the requested file, the downloaded content can contain malware giving criminals access to users' devices for further attacks like ransomware schemes, with recent incidents reported in the Denver metro area. The FBI recommends keeping antivirus software updated, scanning downloads before opening them, and pausing before using unfamiliar online tools; victims should change passwords, contact their bank, and report the crime to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
zdnet.com
· 2025-12-08
A widespread "smishing scam" targeting Americans claims recipients owe unpaid tolls from E-ZPass or similar toll providers, with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center logging over 60,000 reports; the fraudulent texts originate from Chinese-speaking scammers selling phishing kits on Telegram and aim to steal personal and financial information rather than toll payments. The scam texts typically come from suspicious numbers or +63 Philippine country codes, contain shortened URLs, threatening language about license suspension or fines, and request small payment amounts to appear legitimate. Victims should not click links, report messages as spam, and if they've already entered payment information, immediately contact their bank, credit car
newsbreak.com
· 2025-12-08
The Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General warned the public about fraudulent emails with the subject line "Claim Benefits!" that impersonate SSA and direct recipients to fake websites designed to steal personal information. Red flags include sender email addresses from "Social Administration" rather than legitimate ".gov" addresses, and SSA will never request personal information or direct users to click links via unsolicited email. Victims should stop engaging with scammers, secure their accounts, and report the fraud to SSA OIG, local law enforcement, the FBI, and the FTC.
tampafp.com
· 2025-12-08
Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced the bipartisan Romance Scam Prevention Act to protect dating app users, particularly seniors, from romance scams that cost Americans $1.3 billion in 2022 and $43 million to Tennessee seniors over 60 in 2023 alone. The bill requires dating platforms to notify users when they have interacted with someone banned for fraud, addressing a gap where scammers shift conversations to private platforms like WhatsApp to avoid detection. Romance scam losses increased 70% between 2020 and 2022, with median individual losses of $4,400, prompting support from advocacy groups like AARP, though tech companies have raise
thestack.technology
· 2025-12-08
Senior executives across the US received extortion letters impersonating the BianLian ransomware group, demanding $250,000-$500,000 in bitcoin, but the FBI determined these were likely fraudulent and not connected to actual breaches. Red flags included the use of physical mail, QR code payment instructions, and lack of proof of data possession—tactics inconsistent with legitimate BianLian operations or typical ransomware extortion methods.
businessinsider.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece advises families on recognizing when aging parents need help managing finances and how to assist appropriately. Key warning signs include reduced engagement with financial habits, difficulty organizing tax documents, and vulnerability to online scams and fraud. The article recommends starting conversations early, balancing autonomy with necessary safeguards, and working with financial advisors to protect seniors' retirement savings while preserving their dignity.
wsls.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Colonel Brandon Young, Chief Deputy of the Roanoke City Sheriff's Office, calling residents claiming they have warrants or failed to appear for jury duty and demanding payment to resolve the issue. The sheriff's office warns that it never calls to request money, and scammers are increasingly using spoofed local phone numbers (540 area codes) and fake domains to appear legitimate; victims are advised to question unexpected calls, avoid clicking unknown links, and never provide personal information.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending threatening text messages to Atlanta-area residents impersonating Peach Pass (a toll collection system), demanding payment for unpaid tolls and claiming penalties or legal action will follow. The fake texts include links to fraudulent websites that closely mimic the legitimate Peach Pass site, complete with stolen logos and images, though Peach Pass confirmed it never requests personal or banking information via text. Officials urge recipients not to click links and report that the FTC and FBI are investigating the scheme.
9news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Denver Field Office warns of a rising cybercrime trend where criminals use free online file converter websites to install malware that steals personal information like Social Security numbers, banking details, and passwords; victims are advised to use built-in tools like "Print to PDF" instead. Colorado authorities also report ongoing "smishing" scams impersonating toll and parking agencies via text message, with Coloradans filing 44,945 fraud reports in 2024 totaling $210.7 million in losses, and experts emphasize that fraud targets people of all backgrounds and education levels.
gothamist.com
· 2025-12-08
New York reported a 44% increase in internet fraud complaints in 2024, with over 3,700 cases, driven by rising account takeover schemes and AI-enabled phishing techniques including synthesized voice calls. Cybersecurity experts attribute the surge to attackers exploiting human vulnerabilities, and recommend consumers use strong multi-factor authentication, separate passwords, and account change notifications to protect themselves.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams targeting older Americans are on the rise, with the FTC reporting nearly 70,000 victims in 2022, with people over 70 suffering median losses of $9,475. Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Romance Scam Prevention Act, which would require dating apps to notify users who have interacted with accounts banned for fraudulent activity, enforced by the FTC and state attorneys general. The legislation was prompted by cases like that of 43-year-old Aurora Phelps, who met older men on dating sites, drugged them, and stole from their accounts, resulting in at least two deaths and 21 criminal charges against her.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Imposter scams cost consumers $2.7 billion in 2023, with scammers typically posing as government agencies or trusted companies to demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. The FBI is warning of an unusual variant where scammers are mailing letters to business executives claiming to be the Russian ransomware gang BianLian, demanding $250,000-$500,000 in Bitcoin while threatening to release stolen data, though cybersecurity experts confirm no actual data breaches have occurred and the letters lack hallmarks of legitimate ransomware communications.
ksby.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are increasingly targeting consumers with fraudulent bridge toll text messages that impersonate legitimate toll agencies and pressure recipients to click links and pay immediately to avoid fines. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service warns that imposter scams—where fraudsters impersonate family members, relatives, or trusted organizations like PayPal, Amazon, and the USPS—are prevalent in 2024, and experts recommend verifying sources directly, avoiding urgent payment requests, and reporting suspicious messages to the FTC rather than clicking embedded links.
nypost.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are targeting Apple customers with phishing text messages that falsely claim suspicious purchases or unauthorized account activity, urging recipients to call a fraudulent support number or risk being charged. When victims call the fake support line, scammers impersonate Apple representatives to steal personal information or gain remote access to devices to install spyware and access bank accounts. Users should avoid clicking links or calling numbers in unsolicited messages and instead verify account security directly through official Apple channels or their bank.
abc11.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating toll collection services (E-ZPass, EZDriveMA, FasTrak, and North Carolina Toll Services) to drivers, claiming unpaid tolls and threatening license suspension or increased fines to create urgency. If victims click the links or provide payment information, scammers can install malware on their devices or steal credit card data for fraudulent charges. The FBI and FTC have issued alerts about this scam; victims should verify toll violations directly through official agency websites rather than clicking links in unsolicited texts.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
**Summary:**
Scammers are exploiting Docusign's legitimate email delivery system to send convincing phishing emails impersonating PayPal, bypassing standard email security filters by using fake Gmail addresses and fraudulent Docusign templates to steal login credentials. The attack can be detected by red flags such as PayPal using a Gmail address, documents not requiring signatures, and mismatched recipient addresses; victims can verify authenticity by visiting Docusign.com directly and using the document security code provided in the email. PayPal and security experts recommend users verify all communications directly through official websites rather than clicking email links, and API security monitoring should be improved to prevent such exploits.
cryptopolitan.com
· 2025-12-08
This article is not about elder fraud and falls outside the scope of Elderus, which focuses on scams and abuse affecting seniors. The piece discusses bot activity on the X platform in general, with some mention of cryptocurrency scams, but does not address elder-specific fraud, elder abuse, or target elderly populations. It would not be appropriate to summarize for this database.
cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao called on Elon Musk to ban automated bots from X (formerly Twitter), which are used to spam the platform and perpetrate scams including fake token promotions, phishing attacks, and pump-and-dump schemes targeting crypto investors. Automated bots on X have also been weaponized for romance scams using AI-generated content and coordinated price manipulation of altcoins, though Musk has proposed solutions such as charging account creation fees without successfully implementing widespread bot controls since acquiring the platform in 2022.
the420.in
· 2025-12-08
This curated cybercrime news roundup covers multiple fraud incidents globally. Domestic cases include Indian police recovering Rs 1.05 lakh from 10 cyber fraud victims, an engineer losing Rs 1.76 crore to fake investment schemes via WhatsApp, a teacher losing Rs 2.1 lakh in stock market fraud, and a senior citizen defrauded of Rs 47 lakh in online trading schemes. International incidents include the FCC warning seniors about AI-powered "grandparent scams" that cloned voices, Bybit cryptocurrency exchange losing $1.5 billion to hackers exploiting insecure freeware, and law enforcement shutting
sooleader.com
· 2025-12-08
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a consumer alert during National Consumer Protection Week about "pig butchering" scams, which combine romance fraud with cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting seniors. The scam operates by criminals building trust with victims through fake online profiles on dating sites and social media, then gradually persuading them to invest in bogus cryptocurrency opportunities through fraudulent websites. Consumers are advised to avoid sending money to online contacts, refrain from sharing financial information with strangers, be skeptical of promises of quick returns, and contact AARP's ElderWatch program at 800-222-4444 for peer counseling if they suspect fraud.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
iPhone users are receiving phishing text messages claiming suspicious purchases or unauthorized account activity, directing them to call fake Apple support numbers where scammers attempt to steal personal information, install spyware, or gain remote device access. To protect themselves, users should avoid clicking links in suspicious messages, verify any account issues directly through official Apple channels or their bank, and remember that Apple never initiates unsolicited contact via text, email, or phone.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2023, a Hong Kong employee was tricked into transferring $25 million after joining a video conference with an AI-generated deepfake of his company's CFO. Deepfake attacks—using AI to create fake videos and audio—now occur every five minutes and comprise 40% of all biometric fraud, exploiting victims' trust in familiar faces and voices combined with artificial urgency. The best defense is verification through separate channels: if you receive an unusual request involving money or sensitive information via video, phone, or voicemail, hang up and independently confirm the person's identity before proceeding.
montgomeryadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security imposter scams remain widespread, with fraudsters using calls, texts, emails, and letters to trick victims into providing personal information or payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or cash. The Social Security Administration clarifies that it never threatens arrest, suspends Social Security numbers, demands immediate payment, or sends unsolicited communications containing personal information—and encourages reporting suspected scams to oig.ssa.gov/report. Legitimate Social Security contact typically occurs only by mail regarding payment issues or by phone for those who recently applied for benefits or requested a call.
foxnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Jane received a suspicious text claiming to be from her bank Kinecta notifying her of a $950.44 transfer approval to an unfamiliar person, with a link to cancel the transaction—a classic smishing scam designed to steal login credentials or install malware. The message exhibited multiple red flags including artificial urgency, suspicious links, brand impersonation, and unsolicited contact. The article provides guidance on recognizing such scams and protecting oneself through verification practices, strong antivirus software, and never clicking suspicious links.
wtop.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating toll agencies like E-Z Pass, claiming recipients owe outstanding tolls and threatening legal action or additional fees to pressure quick payment. The Federal Trade Commission and state departments of motor vehicles warn residents not to click links or provide personal information, and instead recommend verifying messages directly with official agency contact information, reporting the texts as spam, and freezing credit cards if personal data was compromised. To combat the scam, consumers can report suspicious texts to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and watch for red flags such as misspelled words, awkward phrasing, and links to unofficial websites.
techinformed.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting YouTube creators with fake emails appearing to come from YouTube itself, featuring deepfake videos of CEO Neal Mohan and requesting creators download files or fill out forms to steal account credentials through phishing. YouTube confirmed the scam and warned creators that the platform never sends private videos; red flags include typos and grammatical errors, and at least one creator with 500,000 subscribers narrowly avoided account compromise when antivirus software blocked the malicious file. Experts emphasize that with 82% of phishing kits now including deepfake capabilities, digital mindfulness—pausing to verify information independently before reacting—is essential protection against increasingly sophisticated social engineering tactics.
finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
According to RBC's 2025 Fraud Prevention Month Poll, 96% of Quebecers report seeing more targeted and sophisticated scams, with 88% noting a significant rise in scam attempts and nearly one-third admitting they have let their guard down. The survey reveals widespread "fraud fatigue," with phishing, spear phishing, senior-targeting scams, and deepfake scams identified as the most prevalent threats, while respondents emphasize that staying vigilant, using multi-factor authentication, and pausing to verify message sources are critical defenses against fraud.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article identifies six Social Security scams targeting Baby Boomers in 2025, including cost-of-living adjustment schemes, fake benefits applications, malicious security update tools, benefit suspension threats, and phony information update requests. According to the Office of the Inspector General, government impostors scammed Americans out of $577 million in the previous year, with approximately 61% of Social Security scams involving claims about SSN or benefits issues. The article advises recipients to verify communications directly through official SSA channels, avoid clicking suspicious links, and remember that the SSA will not demand money or threaten legal action via unsolicited contact.
denver7.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans aged 60 and older are the most targeted group for scams, with elder fraud costing the nation $3.4 billion annually and averaging $33,915 per victim in 2023. Scammers exploit older Americans' cognitive vulnerabilities, loneliness, trust, and technological inexperience through impersonation via calls, texts, emails, and social media—sometimes using artificial intelligence to mimic voices. Protection strategies include monitoring accounts, using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, verifying unexpected requests directly with contacts, and reporting suspected fraud to the FBI, FTC, local police, or state attorney general offices despite potential embarrassment.
al.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS warns that misleading tax information circulating on social media—particularly on TikTok—poses a growing concern during the 2025 tax season, with fraudsters promoting non-existent credits like the "Self-Employment Tax Credit" and falsely claiming people qualify for payments up to $32,000. Taxpayers who file fraudulent returns based on this bad advice risk significant civil penalties or criminal charges, while other prevalent scams include email phishing schemes, fake IRS account setup services, and bogus charities seeking personal information. The IRS advises people to obtain tax information only from trusted sources such as tax professionals, the agency itself, or verified organizations rather than
dfpi.ca.gov
· 2025-12-08
California's Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) shut down over 26 crypto scam websites in 2024 through its Crypto Scam Tracker and partnership with the state DOJ, uncovering $4.6 million in consumer losses across 2,668 complaints. The agency identified seven new scam types including bitcoin mining, crypto gaming, and crypto job scams, and increased its posted alerts to 303 while receiving over 400,000 unique visitors to the tracker. Authorities urge consumers to report suspected scams immediately, verify website domains, and avoid sending money to unknown contacts, as scammers employ increasingly sophisticated deception and emotional manipulation tactics.
forbes.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using fake Docusign accounts to send phishing emails impersonating PayPal, leveraging Docusign's legitimate infrastructure to bypass email security filters. The attack uses red flags including fake Gmail sender addresses, non-existent recipient addresses, and documents that don't require signatures—users can verify legitimacy by visiting Docusign.com directly and using the document security code provided in suspicious emails. PayPal and security researchers recommend customers remain vigilant, check accounts directly rather than through email links, and report suspicious activity.
kjrh.com
· 2025-12-08
A Sapulpa, Oklahoma woman who had previously fallen victim to scammers shared her experience with a phony toll bill text message scam, where fraudsters sent increasingly threatening texts claiming she owed toll money and threatening license suspension and legal action. A Bankrate study found that 68% of Americans have encountered scams, with baby boomers experiencing the highest rate of scam encounters (39%) despite Gen Z suffering the greatest financial losses (53%), and notes that economic pressures and inflation make individuals more vulnerable to fraud. Victims are advised to report fraud to the FTC, local law enforcement, and their financial institutions while taking steps to freeze credit and monitor accounts.
thecitizen.com
· 2025-12-08
An 82-year-old woman named Julie from Fayette County was scammed out of approximately $270,000 after receiving calls from people impersonating her bank who claimed there was an insider threat and convinced her to secretly withdraw funds via cashier's checks sent to multiple domestic addresses. Unlike many fraud cases where money is quickly converted to cryptocurrency and lost overseas, this case had a rare positive outcome: a UPS worker recognized one of the destination addresses in Waco, Texas as flagged by law enforcement, leading to the interception of the checks and recovery of all stolen funds. The article introduces an ongoing series about local scams and emphasizes that financial fraud is the most common and financially devastating crime affecting
clickorlando.com
· 2025-12-08
A Central Florida man lost $47,000 in a cryptocurrency investment scam that began with a fraudulent "accidental" text message. The scammer used "financial grooming" tactics—building rapport over weeks through personal conversations—before convincing him to invest in crypto, showing fake profits of $196,000 before claiming his account was frozen for "insider trading" and denying withdrawal requests. The U.S. Secret Service and FTC warn that such investment scams are prevalent, with Floridians losing $624 million to investment fraud in 2023, and advise ignoring unsolicited text messages from unknown contacts.
cityofmentor.com
· 2025-12-08
Mentor detectives report scams targeting seniors are at an all-time high, with 2-3 reports weekly in their city alone, though an estimated 87% of cases go unreported due to embarrassment. Recent local cases include a woman who lost $660,000 to a cryptocurrency scam initiated by a "wrong-number" text and a couple who lost $45,000 after clicking a malicious pop-up and speaking with an impostor bank officer. The article advises seniors to avoid unknown callers, never click suspicious links, verify requests through official channels, refuse gift card or cryptocurrency payments, guard personal information, and report incidents immediately to police to maximize recovery chances.
pymnts.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, the FTC received 2.6 million fraud reports (stable compared to 2023), but the percentage of victims who lost money increased significantly from 27% to 38%, representing a 25% overall increase in reported losses. Investment scams led all categories with $5.7 billion in losses (up 24%), followed by imposter scams at $2.95 billion, with government imposter scams alone reaching $789 million; consumers increasingly paid scammers via bank transfers and cryptocurrency.
wndu.com
· 2025-12-08
A nationwide scam targeting toll road account holders uses text messages claiming unpaid fees are due within 12 hours to create false urgency and pressure victims into paying or revealing personal information. Indiana State Police warn that legitimate toll road operators do not contact customers via text and advise recipients to verify through their account portals and report suspicious messages to the IC3, FTC, or identity theft authorities if information may be compromised.
freep.com
· 2025-12-08
Americans lost a record $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023, with investment scams accounting for nearly half at $5.7 billion and bank transfers and cryptocurrency being the most commonly exploited payment methods. The Federal Trade Commission data shows 38% of consumers reported losing money to fraud in 2024, up from 27% in 2023, with the number of fraud reports remaining stable at 2.6 million. Michigan consumers alone reported $204 million in losses, with seniors ages 60+ losing $45.9 million, though younger consumers are also increasingly victimized.
wfmynews2.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are targeting North Carolina Quick Pass users with fraudulent text messages requesting payment or personal information. The North Carolina Department of Transportation, Greensboro Police Department, and Burlington Police Department have issued warnings advising users that legitimate NC Quick Pass communications will never request payment via text, will only come from shortcode 696277, and will include links to ncquickpass.com or secure.ncquickpass.com. Users should verify the sender before responding to any toll-related text messages.
pennlive.com
· 2025-12-08
The IRS is warning taxpayers about its 2025-26 "Dirty Dozen" list of common tax scams that increase during filing season, including email phishing, smishing via text messages, misleading social media tax advice, fake charity schemes, and false claims for fuel tax credits and non-existent self-employment credits. These scams can lead to identity theft, fraudulent tax credit claims, and other financial harm if taxpayers are not vigilant. The IRS emphasizes that scammers exploit tax season urgency to trick people into divulging personal information or filing false returns.
news24.com
· 2025-12-08
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are surprisingly twice as likely to fall victim to online scams, phishing, and social media account hacks compared to baby boomers, despite being digital natives. In the workplace, younger employees prioritize cybersecurity on personal devices over work-issued ones, creating organizational vulnerabilities, while older workers demonstrate greater caution and compliance with security protocols. The research suggests that younger generations' overconfidence in their digital skills and comfort with online sharing leaves them more exposed to cyber threats than older, more security-conscious populations.
luxtimes.lu
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational piece providing advice on protecting oneself from online scams. The expert outlines common scam types—including phishing emails, fake websites, investment schemes, romance scams, tech support scams, lottery scams, and job scams—and recommends protective practices such as being cautious with personal information, verifying requests directly with service providers, using strong passwords, and remaining skeptical of unexpected messages. The key message is that staying informed and vigilant about evolving fraud tactics significantly reduces the risk of falling victim to online fraud.
securityweek.com
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, consumers filed 2.6 million fraud reports totaling over $12.5 billion in losses—a $2 billion increase from 2023—with investment scams ($5.7 billion) and imposter scams like romance and government fraud ($2.95 billion) being the largest loss categories, according to FTC data. The majority of scammers contacted victims via email, followed by phone calls and text messages, while bank transfers and cryptocurrency were the most common payment methods used in fraudulent transactions. The FTC is actively pursuing enforcement actions and refunding victims, including sending over 736,000 PayPal payments to consumers scammed by computer repair service companies.
army.mil
· 2025-12-08
This article educates military parents about cyberbullying threats facing their children, noting that nearly half of U.S. teens ages 13-17 experience it. Cyberbullying—which includes online harassment, impersonation, surveillance, and threats—is a criminal offense in most states, yet approximately 81% of youth underestimate its severity. Parents are advised to maintain open communication, create safe spaces for children to report incidents, and educate themselves on state-specific cyberbullying laws and support resources.
education.economictimes.indiatimes.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides women with ten cybersecurity tips to protect themselves against digital scams, including avoiding fraudulent job offers, being cautious on social media, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, recognizing phishing attempts, avoiding romance scams, securing devices with passwords, and shopping safely online. The piece emphasizes that women across all professions—from homemakers to CEOs—face sophisticated digital threats and that digital vigilance, not just tech-savviness, is essential to safely navigate the online world.
law.georgia.gov
· 2025-12-08
In 2024, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's Consumer Protection Division secured nearly $80 million for Georgia taxpayers and consumers combined, including $3.3 million in restitution for nearly 500 older and disabled adults who were defrauded into purchasing unproven stem cell products. The division assisted over 26,755 consumers and conducted extensive education and outreach efforts, reaching more than 980,000 people through speaking engagements, webinars, and educational resources to help Georgians recognize and avoid scams and fraud.