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cointelegraph.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI's "Operation Level Up" notified over 4,300 individuals of cryptocurrency investment fraud between January 2024 and January 2025, preventing approximately $285 million in losses through interventions in romance scams and "pig butchering" schemes. The operation highlights a growing threat, as Americans lost over $5 billion to crypto fraud in 2023, with elderly individuals particularly targeted, and experts warn that scams could surge in 2025 due to advances in artificial intelligence.
thesenior.com.au
· 2025-12-08
Australia has passed new legislation strengthening protections against online, banking, and telecommunications scams, with businesses facing fines up to $50 million for inadequate scam defences and victims gaining clearer pathways to compensation. The laws establish a sector-specific framework requiring banks to verify payee identities, telecommunications companies to detect scam numbers, and social media platforms to verify advertisers and prevent fake scam ads. Over 10,000 scams were reported in 2023/24, though recent data suggests anti-scam measures are helping reduce complaint numbers.
wftv.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion in 2023, with organized networks of overseas scammers targeting vulnerable people on dating apps and social media. A central Florida woman lost her entire life savings of over $600,000 to a scammer impersonating Elon Musk using AI voice technology, transferring large sums through wire transfers and ATM withdrawals to purchase gift cards. Red flags include relationships that move quickly, no in-person meetings, claims of celebrity or military status, and requests for money or investment participation; victims should report incidents to the FBI's IC3 website and the FTC.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
In November, a 66-year-old retired health care worker in Hilton Head, South Carolina, lost $7,500 in a crypto scam after someone impersonating a sheriff's deputy claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened jail time, directing her to deposit cash into a Coinstar ATM that converted it to cryptocurrency. The scam represents a growing trend targeting seniors through crypto kiosks, with Beaufort County reporting $3.1 million in crypto scam losses to law enforcement in the past year alone, prompting calls for stronger fraud prevention measures by cryptocurrency ATM operators and legislators.
njjewishnews.timesofisrael.com
· 2025-12-08
Communities First Initiative, the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan New Jersey, and Valley Bank presented an educational program on avoiding scams, frauds, and identity theft to seniors at a housing facility in South Orange. The bilingual presentation is part of Project Thrive, a response to rising victimization of senior citizens by scams and fraud, designed to provide financial education and resources that help seniors protect themselves.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly adults aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics tailored to exploit seniors' wealth and vulnerabilities. The most common scams targeting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, with scammers often using social media and high-pressure tactics to build trust before manipulating victims into sending money. Prevention strategies include staying connected with elderly loved ones, remaining skeptical of online connections, and being aware
democratandchronicle.com
· 2025-12-08
New York residents lost over $25 million to romance scams in 2024, with scammers targeting singles—particularly older adults who are widows, widowers, or divorcees—by creating fake profiles and building trust over weeks or months before requesting money for investments, emergencies, or travel. The New York Department of State advises individuals to avoid sending money to people they haven't met in person, never share personal or banking information with online contacts, and be wary of those who make excuses to avoid meeting or request cryptocurrency investments.
fbi.gov
· 2025-12-08
The FBI Los Angeles Field Office warned the public about romance scams, in which criminals create fake online identities to build trust with victims on dating sites and social media before requesting money under false pretenses. In 2023, approximately 18,000 victims nationwide reported nearly $700 million in losses to romance scams, with over 2,000 California victims alone losing more than $100 million, and scammers particularly targeting women over 40 who are widowed, divorced, elderly, or disabled. The FBI recommends verifying online contacts through photo searches, being cautious of quick declarations of love or requests to go offline, and never sending money to people met only online.
moodys.com
· 2025-12-08
Moody's identified 1,193 new entities and people globally with potential ties to romance scams in 2024, marking a six-year high and 14% increase from 2023. Romance scammers build fake online identities to manipulate victims into sending money or financial information, with older adults and emotionally vulnerable individuals (such as those experiencing divorce or grief) being particularly targeted. Financial institutions must strengthen their anti-fraud screening processes using advanced technologies like AI and machine learning, robust anti-money laundering protocols, and cross-sector collaboration with regulators and law enforcement to detect and prevent these schemes.
kbtx.com
· 2025-12-08
Two individuals were arrested in Texas for check fraud crimes: Stephanie Seabolt was caught attempting to cash a fraudulent $4,250 check at Prosperity Bank using someone else's identification, and Neva Cravens, a nurse's aide, was arrested for exploiting an elderly person by forging checks totaling over $900 and making unauthorized credit card purchases. Bryan Police Department reports handling 10-12 check fraud cases monthly, with criminals increasingly stealing checks from the mail system, and recommend protective measures such as using black gel ink, avoiding mailing checks, and monitoring bank statements for suspicious activity.
wealthmanagement.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece identifies the ten states with the strongest elder-care protections based on metrics including elder fraud rates, prevention expenditures, and care organizations. Massachusetts ranked first in the WalletHub analysis, and the article highlights that federal protections have expanded, such as the Senior Safe Act (signed May 24, 2018) which provides liability immunity for reporting senior exploitation. The article advises financial advisors to understand their states' elder-abuse laws, fraud prevention services, and long-term care resources as their clients age.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Akiel Doman, 34, of North Miami Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $234,995 in restitution for operating a nationwide lottery fraud scheme targeting seniors between May 2020 and July 2022. Doman and associates called victims across the United States falsely claiming they had won lottery prizes, then instructed them to pay upfront fees or taxes to claim their winnings, directing the money to Doman's bank accounts. The conviction also included criminal contempt charges for violating a 2019 court order that had previously prohibited him from participating in lottery fraud schemes.
mynews4.com
· 2025-12-08
Two suspects, Mohjid Singh and Habri Harmal, were arrested on February 12 in South Reno after defrauding victims of $49,000 through impersonation of Amazon and FTC officials, with the perpetrators continuing to pressure victims for additional payments after the initial theft. The arrests resulted from a joint operation by multiple law enforcement agencies including Washoe County Patrol, Property Detectives, and the Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations Unit, with both suspects charged with felony theft, exploiting an elderly or vulnerable person, and conspiracy. The Sheriff's Office cautions the public that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment by phone and advises residents to verify claims
click2houston.com
· 2025-12-08
A Harris County deputy prevented an elderly woman from losing over $13,000 at a convenience store Bitcoin ATM after discovering she had been instructed by scammers to deposit her money there under the false claim that her bank account had been hacked. The woman had been told not to contact police, but Deputy Mendez's intervention stopped the fraud before any money was transferred. The incident highlights the importance of recognizing and reporting suspicious requests involving cryptocurrency transfers and bank account threats.
lockportjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
The New York StateWide Senior Action Council identified "new" Medicare card scams as its February fraud of the month, targeting Medicare beneficiaries with fraudulent schemes involving their Medicare cards. Medicare does not issue new cards annually, and scammers trick seniors by claiming they need updated cards or requesting personal information like doctors' names, medical conditions, and medications. Seniors are advised to protect their Medicare card number like other personal information, ignore unsolicited calls requesting personal details, and report suspected fraud to Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or the NY SMP Fraud Helpline at 800-333-4636.
rocktownnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Dayton, Virginia is hosting an educational event called "Coffee with a Cop" on February 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Dayton Market to address the rising prevalence of senior scams. The event, organized by the Dayton Market and Dayton Police Chief Justin Trout, will educate seniors about common fraud schemes and provide tips for avoiding victimization.
romesentinel.com
· 2025-12-08
The New York StateWide Senior Action Council identified new Medicare card scams as its February fraud alert, warning seniors that Medicare does not issue replacement cards and cautioning against calls requesting personal medical information or offers for upgraded card formats. Scammers use tactics like impersonating Medicare representatives and falsely claiming cards need replacement to trick beneficiaries into divulging sensitive data; seniors should verify callers independently and report suspected fraud to the NY Senior Medicare Patrol Helpline at 800-333-4374. Medicare fraud nationally costs taxpayers over $60 billion annually, making awareness and prevention critical for protecting seniors' personal information and benefits.
seattlemedium.com
· 2025-12-08
Chase and the Seattle Police Department partnered with Kin On Seattle Community Center to hold a senior financial health workshop aimed at protecting seniors from online fraud and scams, with particular attention to romance scams that increase around Valentine's Day. The workshop emphasized that seniors are highly targeted due to their vulnerability and financial resources, and outlined key prevention strategies including being cautious with strangers online, verifying identities, avoiding emotional manipulation, never sending money to people met only online, protecting personal information, and trusting instincts when something feels suspicious.
kjzz.com
· 2025-12-08
Lehi Police Department officers interrupted an active Bitcoin ATM scam targeting senior citizens when they discovered a woman who had already deposited several thousand dollars with $15,000 remaining, and a second senior man preparing to deposit cash while both were on phone calls with fraudsters. Criminals typically convince elderly victims their bank accounts have been hacked or that family members have been arrested, instructing them to transfer funds via Bitcoin ATMs; the officers were able to seize the ATM through a search warrant and attempt recovery of the deposited cash.
lewistownnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Central Montana seniors face increasingly sophisticated scams at a rate of 5-10 reports weekly to the Council on Aging, with Montana experiencing disproportionately high fraud rates due to its elderly population (sixth-highest percentage age 65+ nationally) and rural vulnerabilities. Common scams include healthcare-related fraud, Medicare enrollment threats, grandparent impersonations using AI technology, fake donation solicitations, and mail-based schemes involving insurance lapses and fraudulent medical equipment billing to Medicare. The Council on Aging recommends seniors speak up about suspicious communications, verify caller identity through independent contact, and avoid providing personal information unsolicited.
ncdoj.gov
· 2025-12-08
Sweetheart scammers build fake online relationships on dating and social media platforms to steal money or personal information from victims, often targeting lonely or grieving individuals. In North Carolina during 2024, sweetheart and friend-in-need scams resulted in 25 victims losing $1,833,047 (average $73,322 per victim), while cryptocurrency scams—often an evolution of romance scams—caused 25 victims to lose $3,334,408 (average $133,376 per victim). Attorney General Jeff Jackson advises verifying who you communicate with online and watching for warning signs such as requests to move conversations off dating apps, claims of being a U
nwasianweekly.com
· 2025-12-08
Financial fraud aided by generative AI is rising sharply, with experts projecting losses could reach $40 billion in the U.S. by 2027, and deepfake incidents in the fintech sector increased 700% in 2023. Seniors, non-native English speakers, and Asian immigrants are particularly targeted by scammers who exploit loneliness and build relationships before striking. JP Morgan Chase and Seattle police shared prevention advice including verifying identities, being skeptical of sob stories and urgent payment requests, avoiding sending money to online contacts, and protecting personal information.
aol.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Washington woman was nearly defrauded of $50,000 by a skincare spa operator who lured her in with complimentary eye cream samples and red light treatments, building rapport before pressuring her to withdraw cash for a fake "contestant" program. After the operator drove her to the bank and demanded she withdraw $1 million (later reduced to $50,000), alert bank tellers recognized the scam, refused her request, and alerted authorities, leading to the 27-year-old suspect's arrest. Police reported receiving multiple complaints from vulnerable seniors who had been overcharged at the skincare store, which was later abandoned.
moneywise.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Vancouver, Washington woman was recruited at a mall kiosk to join a spa program at BH28 Skincare Consultants, where the 27-year-old owner charged her $5,000 and then attempted to manipulate her into withdrawing $1 million (later reduced to $50,000) from her bank for additional treatments. Alert bank tellers recognized the scam and refused the withdrawal, with one teller calling police; the owner was arrested and the business subsequently closed following multiple complaints of overcharges and financial exploitation of vulnerable seniors.
thinkadvisor.com
· 2025-12-08
I cannot provide a summary of this content. The text appears to be only copyright and licensing information from Touchpoint Markets, without any actual article content about scams, fraud, or elder abuse.
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ca.news.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Washington woman was targeted by a skincare scam operator who initially charged her $5,000 for spa treatments, then manipulated her through flattery and false promises of a spokesperson contest to attempt withdrawing $1 million (later reduced to $50,000) from her bank. Alert bank tellers recognized the scam and refused the withdrawals, leading to the arrest of 27-year-old spa owner Hai Baranetz, who faced investigations into multiple complaints of overcharges and fraud targeting vulnerable seniors.
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
A 75-year-old Washington woman was targeted by a skincare spa scam in which the business owner, 27-year-old Hai Baranetz, built a relationship with her during treatments and then pressured her to withdraw $1 million (later reduced to $50,000) from her bank for a supposed "body sculpture" contest. Alert bank tellers recognized the manipulation and refused her withdrawal requests, with one calling police, leading to Baranetz's arrest; authorities also received multiple complaints of tens of thousands of dollars in overcharges and fraudulent practices at his BH28 Skincare Consultants business.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost Americans $1.14 billion in 2023, with a median loss of $2,000 per victim, and $384 million in the first nine months of 2024 alone. Scammers create fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, build emotional relationships with victims, and then request money or investment opportunities; one elderly widow lost an estimated $50,000-$60,000 to seven overlapping romance scams over seven years. To protect themselves, users should verify identities through video calls, be skeptical of requests for money or personal information, and report suspicious accounts to platforms.
en.cryptonomist.ch
· 2025-12-08
Stablecoins are now involved in 65% of cryptocurrency-related scams, including investment scams and elder fraud schemes that exploit their liquidity and speed for financial crimes. Stablecoin issuers face compounding risks from treasury vulnerabilities, regulatory compliance challenges, and cross-chain security exploits that enable asset theft and fund tracing difficulties. Blockaid offers monitoring and protection solutions including real-time transaction tracking, threat detection, and automated incident response to mitigate these risks and maintain regulatory compliance.
kiplinger.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article provides a three-part financial planning checklist for the new year, emphasizing protection against financial exploitation as the first priority. It highlights that cryptocurrency scams saw the largest increase in elder fraud complaints and losses according to the FBI's 2023 report, and recommends awareness and communication with financial advisers as key defenses. The article also advises developing a diversified investment strategy and conducting regular financial reviews to adjust budgets and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
gnlm.com.mm
· 2025-12-08
Myanmar and China's interior ministries met to strengthen bilateral cooperation in combating transnational crimes, specifically focusing on online gambling and scams operating in border regions like Myawady in Kayin State. The officials discussed coordinated enforcement efforts including arrests of scammers and gamblers, rescue and transfer of Chinese nationals, deportation of illegal foreign operators, and information-sharing protocols for legal action. The meeting also included plans for a China-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral summit to address online scam and gambling operations in the Myawady region.
montanarightnow.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams cost victims $1.14 billion in 2023, with an average loss of $2,000 per person, and scammers increasingly target middle-aged and older individuals, particularly those who are lonely or widowed. Montana authorities warn that these scams are becoming more sophisticated with AI technology enabling scammers to mimic voices and faces, and advise the public to be skeptical of unsolicited online contact, research profiles thoroughly, and never send money to people met only online or by phone. Nearly 66,000 romance fraud cases were reported in 2023, with approximately 44,000 cases reported in 2024 so far.
tribdem.com
· 2025-12-08
An 89-year-old grandmother in Windber, Pennsylvania lost $8,400 in a "grandparent scam" after receiving a call from someone posing as her grandson claiming he needed bail money for a car crash. Police report that seniors are being targeted with sophisticated grandparent scams at an increasing rate, and warn residents to verify caller identities, use call blocking, and contact family members or police if pressured for immediate payment.
wgnsradio.com
· 2025-12-08
Three Rutherford County, Tennessee residents reported scam attempts in which callers impersonated sheriff's deputies and threatened arrest via phone calls, text messages, and fake court documents to coerce victims into sending money via bitcoin or other payments. One senior victim nearly complied with a fake court document ordering bitcoin deposits after being threatened with 30-60 days jail time for missed jury duty, but stopped when she visited the Sheriff's Office in person; another senior recognized a toll road payment demand as fraudulent; and a third victim traced a caller's number to a China-linked company. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office clarified that it does not call citizens threatening arrest or demanding money, and urged residents
yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An 89-year-old Windber, Pennsylvania woman lost $8,400 in a "grandparent scam" after receiving a call from someone posing as her grandson claiming he needed bail money following a car crash. Windber Police Chief Andrew Frear warned that seniors are frequently targeted by sophisticated scammers impersonating relatives and legitimate organizations, and advised victims to hang up on callers using urgency tactics, verify requests with family members, and contact police rather than comply with demands.
wsbtv.com
· 2025-12-08
An elderly Atlanta woman lost approximately $600,000 to a romance scam after developing an online relationship with someone impersonating Elon Musk, involving wire transfers exceeding $100,000, daily ATM withdrawals of $3,000, and maxed-out credit cards used for gift cards. Romance scammers typically target vulnerable older women through social media by posing as celebrities or soldiers, building trust before extracting money or soliciting investments. Red flags include fast-moving relationships, no in-person meetings, claims of celebrity status, and requests for money or investment opportunities, with victims advised to report scams immediately to the FBI, FTC, and social media platforms.
warwickadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
This is an educational announcement, not a fraud case. SUNY Orange's Encore program is offering spring 2025 courses for adults aged 55 and older, including an "Elder Scam" class taught by Orange County Assistant District Attorney Darlene DeJesus that covers common scams targeting seniors such as technical support fraud, check fraud, AI-powered scams, funeral scams, and government imposter schemes. Classes begin March 7 at the Middletown campus, with registration requiring a $45 annual Encore membership.
bangkokpost.com
· 2025-12-08
A Chinese Assistant Public Security Minister arrived in Mae Sot, Thailand to coordinate the repatriation of approximately 600 Chinese victims of international call scam operations based in Myanmar. The victims had been lured into scam centers in border regions and subsequently rescued, with authorities working to return them to China. The high-level intervention followed increased pressure on transnational call fraud gangs operating across Thailand-Myanmar borders, including cases involving Chinese nationals like actor Wang Xing who were coerced into these operations.
eldiario24.com
· 2025-12-08
Rumors circulating on social media claim the U.S. government will distribute $2,500 stimulus checks in February 2025 to low-income families and seniors, but the IRS, SSA, and U.S. government have not verified any such program. The Federal Trade Commission warns these false claims can fuel scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, and advises verifying information through official government sources like the IRS website rather than social media platforms. Individuals seeking financial assistance should explore legitimate existing programs such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare Savings Program, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
mustsharenews.com
· 2025-12-08
Malaysian developer Dylan Tan created Scammers On Hold AI (SOHAI), a WhatsApp bot that poses as a gullible senior citizen to engage scammers in endless, time-wasting conversations designed to frustrate their efforts and keep them occupied. The AI responds with bizarre questions and random delays, logs interactions to track wasted scammer time, and can be directed to scammers' contact information; while users welcomed the innovation, some noted scammers may eventually recognize and block the bot, though Tan indicated he can deploy multiple accounts to maintain effectiveness.
globalnews.ca
· 2025-12-08
Two healthcare workers—a personal support worker and registered nurse from Richmond Hill, Ontario—defrauded a Newmarket senior of nearly $1 million by accessing her banking information and making unauthorized withdrawals between August 2024 and February 2025, when they were charged with fraud-related offences. York Regional Police believe there may be additional victims and warn the public to protect banking information, avoid signing documents like power of attorney without careful review, and remain vigilant about scams targeting older adults, particularly during vulnerable periods like the holiday season.
cbs6albany.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are impersonating Medicare officials and calling New York seniors claiming they need to replace their Medicare cards with plastic or chip versions, then requesting personal and medical information. Medicare cards never expire and the agency never initiates calls to beneficiaries; victims who fall for the scam may find Medicare denies legitimate claims if fraudsters have already used their information. Seniors are advised to hang up on unsolicited calls requesting personal information and contact the official Medicare hotline or NYS Senior Action Council for legitimate inquiries.
cxotoday.com
· 2025-12-08
Romance scams, increasingly enhanced by generative AI to create convincing messages, are surging globally with a 400% increase in romance-related fraud in India, where 39% of dating app users encountered scammers and 78% of women faced fake profiles. Vulnerable populations including elderly individuals, military personnel, and those seeking financial relationships are targeted through fake profiles, cryptocurrency investment schemes ("romance baiting"), and fake recovery scams that exploit emotional manipulation and are difficult to reverse, especially when cryptocurrency is involved. The best defense is skepticism toward requests for money from people never met in person, with victims advised to report incidents to law enforcement immediately.
montgomeryadvertiser.com
· 2025-12-08
Social Security scammers typically use four tactics: impersonating trusted agencies, claiming problems or prizes exist, pressuring immediate action, and requesting payment via gift cards. A scam survivor shares her experience losing $39,000 to a romance scam, while the Social Security Administration provides resources on recognizing scams and protecting personal information through their website and SSA Talks audio series.
deeside.com
· 2025-12-08
A campaign led by Age Cymru and North Wales Police launched 2,500 stickers and information leaflets across North Wales to combat rising doorstep scams, particularly courier fraud and rogue trader schemes targeting older and vulnerable people. The stickers, designed to be placed inside front doors with the message "Stop – don't hand over money!" and the police non-emergency number 101, aim to remind residents to be cautious of unexpected callers, especially during winter months when such scams increase. The initiative was developed with input from dementia support groups to ensure accessibility and is part of the broader Wales Against Scams Partnership effort to protect vulnerable individuals from fraudsters.
connecticut.news12.com
· 2025-12-08
The Port Authority warned the public about fraudulent text messages circulating nationally that falsely claim recipients owe toll payments. These scam messages are designed to trick people into revealing personal or financial information or making unauthorized payments.
states.aarp.org
· 2025-12-08
AARP Idaho is advocating for the passage of HB 182, "Report and Hold" legislation that would allow financial institutions to temporarily withhold suspicious transactions, a protection currently lacking in Idaho and only seven other states. In 2023, Idaho experienced 14,424 reported scam cases resulting in over $40 million in losses, and with seniors projected to comprise 20% of the state's population by 2026, the legislation aims to provide critical protections for vulnerable elderly residents' financial assets.
wlen.com
· 2025-12-08
Lenawee County TRIAD is hosting a free educational workshop called "Shield Against Scams" on March 12th in Onsted, Michigan, designed to teach older adults how to recognize and prevent fraud targeting seniors. The event will feature Cory Reindel, a certified fraud examiner and senior fraud investigator, who will discuss common scams, warning signs, and protection strategies, followed by a Q&A session for personalized advice.
shelterislandreporter.timesreview.com
· 2025-12-08
On February 13, the Shelter Island Public Library hosted an educational Zoom presentation on senior scams led by Tom McCann of Senior Services of North America, covering common fraud schemes including phone scams, sweepstakes/lottery fraud, home improvement cons, and reverse mortgage scams. McCann emphasized that seniors are particularly vulnerable due to loneliness, increased home time, unfamiliarity with technology, and potential disabilities, and recommended protective measures such as recognizing red flags (urgency, requests for money, and offers that seem too good to be true), using the do-not-call list, monitoring credit reports, and enabling two-factor authentication.
local3news.com
· 2025-12-08
Elderly people aged 60 and older lost approximately $3.4 billion to scams in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year, with seniors targeted because they hold significant wealth and are susceptible to increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics. The most common scams affecting seniors include romance scams (averaging $2,000 per victim), investment/cryptocurrency scams, gift card scams, texting scams, home improvement scams, and imposter scams, which often involve refined variations of traditional schemes rather than entirely new tactics. Experts recommend staying connected with elderly loved ones and remaining vigilant about suspicious offers that create artificial time pressure or build false relationships, as scammers exploit lon