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oregonlive.com
· 2025-12-08
Portland-area residents are being targeted by an increased wave of blackmail cyber scams in which fraudsters threaten to expose internet browsing history or sensitive personal information unless victims pay in cryptocurrency, using tactics like including the target's address and photos of their home to appear credible. Police advise recipients to simply delete such emails without opening attachments, as there are rarely follow-ups and no confirmed cases of Portland residents losing money to the scam. Suspicious emails should be reported to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
boothbayregister.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are sending fraudulent text messages impersonating highway authorities and transponder companies like E-ZPass to deceive drivers into paying fake tolls through malicious links. Victims who click these links risk exposing their credit card information to criminals and potentially installing malware on their devices. To protect yourself, do not respond to unsolicited toll payment messages; instead, contact the toll road authority directly if you have concerns about legitimacy.
newpittsburghcourier.com
· 2025-12-08
Elder fraud losses reached $3.4 billion in 2023 (a 14% increase from 2022), with January-May 2024 showing $1.6 billion in losses—a double-digit increase—according to FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center data. In Houston, Keith Jones was indicted for allegedly defrauding a 92-year-old dementia patient out of his home by falsely claiming property tax obligations and coercing him to sign deed documents worth approximately $30,000. Experts emphasize that reporting fraud, community awareness, and education are critical to protecting vulnerable seniors from increasingly sophisticated scams targeting the elderly, particularly in communities of color
noozhawk.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational article examines how financial fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated through advanced tools like AI, with seniors (ages 60+) being particularly vulnerable targets due to larger savings and lower tech awareness. The piece details common fraud methods including phishing scams, tech support/customer service impersonations, social media investment schemes, and romance scams, noting that the FTC reported $8.8 billion in fraud losses in 2022, with seniors accounting for over $3 billion despite filing fewer reports than younger victims. The article emphasizes that anyone—regardless of age or financial literacy—can fall victim to these schemes and advises vigilance against unsolicited communications, suspicious links, and impersonations of
ministers.treasury.gov.au
· 2025-12-08
Australian Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones discusses the government's efforts to combat scams that cost Australians $2.75 billion in losses last year, down from a peak of $3 billion but still a significant problem. He explains that scams have become increasingly sophisticated, involving overseas call centers and data operations, and outlines new legislation requiring banks, telecommunications companies, and social media platforms to implement stronger safeguards such as detecting out-of-character transactions and adding friction to payment systems. The government has also established a National Anti-Scam Centre to coordinate defensive efforts against these criminal operations.
bentonspiritnews.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece outlines four emerging fraud schemes targeting seniors: check cooking (digitally altering stolen checks), voiceprinting (using deepfake voice technology to impersonate victims and access financial accounts), celebrity impersonation (scammers posing as celebrities or their agents on social media to solicit loans), and multistage grandparent scams (organized call centers with young operatives posing as grandchildren in distress). The article provides protective measures for each scam type, including using electronic bill payments, avoiding phone conversations with non-family members, being skeptical of celebrity direct messages, and verifying caller information through independent contact methods.
paymentsjournal.com
· 2025-12-08
In August, crypto phishing attacks affected approximately 9,145 victims who collectively lost $66 million, a 215% increase from the previous month, though one victim's $55 million loss significantly inflated the total. Criminals use phishing tactics and "address poisoning" scams to trick victims into revealing private wallet keys or sending funds to fraudulent addresses, exploiting the anonymous nature of cryptocurrency which makes fraud investigation difficult. The article notes this is part of a broader trend of social engineering attacks where cybercriminals impersonate legitimate companies and brands to manipulate users into compromising their financial information.
rcrwireless.com
· 2025-12-08
Gen Z is more than four times as likely to fall for online scams than Baby Boomers, making them prime targets for fraudsters who exploit their heavy reliance on mobile devices and the critical importance of digital identity to their social and professional lives. Scammers use tactics including fake profiles and impersonation, phishing, social engineering, and deceptive websites to steal personal information, financial details, and identities for unauthorized purchases, account takeovers, and blackmail. The consequences of identity compromise are particularly severe for Gen Z due to the interconnected nature of their digital and real-world identities.
wcpo.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses consumer concerns about artificial intelligence technology and its potential to enable fraud. According to a survey by Boss Revolution, 48 percent of Americans feel less "scam-savvy" due to AI, and 69 percent believe AI will significantly impact financial scams, as the technology enables scammers to create more convincing phishing emails and text messages with perfect grammar and impersonations of known contacts. While experts acknowledge these risks, they emphasize that AI also has legitimate benefits for everyday tasks and financial management when used responsibly.
wmar2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The Maryland Board of Elections warned voters about text message scams targeting registered voters with false claims that they are not registered to vote, directing them to click malicious links to "re-register" before a deadline. The scammers aim to steal personal information, spread election disinformation, and undermine confidence in the electoral process. To protect themselves, voters should verify voter registration status only through official state websites (`.gov` domains) and report suspicious election-related messages to the Board of Elections.
turnto23.com
· 2025-12-08
A survey reveals that 48% of Americans feel less "scam-savvy" due to rising AI technology, with 69% concerned that AI will significantly increase financial scams. Experts warn that AI-generated scams are becoming harder to detect, as the technology enables more convincing impersonations, persuasive emails, and grammatically flawless phishing messages, though one in three respondents admitted difficulty identifying AI-based scams impersonating someone they know. While consumers express fear and distrust about AI's potential for fraud, particularly during the election year, experts acknowledge both the genuine risks and the beneficial applications of AI technology in everyday life.
belfasttelegraph.co.uk
· 2025-12-08
A journalist fell victim to a multi-stage online scam that began when he clicked a fraudulent parcel delivery email and paid £1.50, compromising his bank card details. Scammers then attempted follow-up exploitation through a sophisticated spoofed phone call impersonating his bank's anti-fraud team, building credibility by referencing legitimate details before requesting sensitive information—a request that triggered his suspicion and led him to verify with his actual bank. The scammers ultimately did not extract money from his account, but the incident demonstrates how even internet-savvy individuals can be vulnerable to well-executed social engineering tactics that combine initial credential theft with psychological manipulation.
benzinga.com
· 2025-12-08
An Arup employee was defrauded of $25 million after scammers used deepfake technology to impersonate the company's CFO and colleagues on a video call, convincing the employee to transfer the funds. McAfee has launched a new Deepfake Detector tool designed to identify AI-generated audio and video in real-time, which could help prevent similar scams by alerting users to manipulated content before they act on it. Cybersecurity experts warn that AI tools like ChatGPT have lowered barriers for criminals to conduct deepfake fraud, though such scams have occurred for years with voice spoofing and other deception tactics.
au.finance.yahoo.com
· 2025-12-08
An Arup engineering firm employee was tricked into transferring $25 million to scammers via a deepfake video call impersonating the company's CFO and colleagues. McAfee has launched the McAfee Deepfake Detector tool to identify AI-generated audio and video content, which could help prevent such fraud by alerting users to suspicious communications before money is transferred.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Linda Pierce of Colorado was targeted by tech support scammers who posed as Apple support and falsely claimed to represent FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), convincing her to withdraw $3,000 in cash and purchase $3,000 in gift cards to resolve a fake account security issue. The scammers kept Pierce confused about the fraudulent nature of the scheme by claiming to help her restore her own money, but she ultimately lost the funds after sending images of the gift card codes to the perpetrator. Through persistent follow-up with retailers and her credit union, Pierce recovered approximately $1,500 from Target gift cards and is awaiting a response from Walmart.
masslive.com
· 2025-12-08
Baystate Medical Center fell victim to a business email compromise scam in which fraudsters hacked into an email account and intercepted a legitimate financial settlement, causing the hospital to wire $700,000 to the wrong party; while some funds were recovered with law enforcement assistance, Baystate lost over $420,000 and is suing JPMorgan Chase for negligence in not flagging the fraudulent account. The FBI reports that business email compromise scams cost companies $50 billion over a decade, and experts recommend verifying sender identities by phone, scrutinizing email addresses for subtle spoofing, maintaining strong cybersecurity practices, and reporting compromised accounts immediately to prevent emotional decision-
theweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Following high-demand concert ticket sales like the Oasis reunion tour, scammers are increasingly targeting fans with fake tickets and websites, with Lloyds Banking Group reporting over 600 customers lost an average of £332 each to fraudulent Taylor Swift ticket sellers. To protect yourself, verify websites through trusted sources and look for security indicators like HTTPS and padlock symbols, avoid pressure tactics that rush purchasing decisions, pay by credit card rather than PayPal's friends and family option, and purchase only from authorized official sellers or STAR-certified resale platforms.
nbcboston.com
· 2025-12-08
Cybercriminals are using artificial intelligence to personalize extortion emails that falsely claim to have compromising videos and threaten to share them unless victims pay ransoms in Bitcoin (typically $2,000). The scam emails include real personal details like victims' names, addresses, phone numbers, and photos of their homes gathered from online sources, making them appear credible and frightening, though the alleged videos do not actually exist. Authorities recommend recipients ignore these emails entirely, avoid engaging with scammers, and take preventive measures like covering webcams and changing default passwords.
whyy.org
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about rising phone and email scams that cost Americans nearly $3 billion annually, often perpetrated by scammers impersonating businesses or government agencies. Common red flags include unexpected contact requesting money or personal information, artificial urgency, demands for secrecy, and requests for payment via untraceable methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards. The FTC urges the public to report suspected scams through ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 877-382-4357, and advises verifying sender email addresses and checking with trusted contacts before responding to suspicious communications.
justice.gov
· 2025-12-08
Three individuals—Chidi Olujie, Jennifer Chibueze, and Jessica Nortey—were charged with conspiring to launder over $1 million in proceeds from romance scams and other online frauds between 2016 and 2019, allegedly using shell companies and fraudulent bank accounts to move stolen money. The defendants face up to 20 years in prison on money laundering conspiracy charges plus an additional two years for aggravated identity theft. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia and investigated by the FBI's Washington Field Office.
actionnewsjax.com
· 2025-12-08
The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about scammers who use QR codes as a theft tool, either by placing fraudulent codes on parking meters or sending them via text and email with false pretexts (such as undelivered packages or account issues). When scanned, these QR codes direct victims to spoofed websites or install malware designed to steal personal information and credentials. The FTC recommends verifying URLs for misspellings, avoiding unsolicited QR codes, and maintaining updated software and strong passwords to protect against this scam.
newsweek.com
· 2025-12-08
Gloria Mooney, a 73-year-old New Jersey widow, lost over $50,000 in a romance scam after being targeted by a scammer posing as "Henry," an oil rig worker on Facebook. The scammer, traced to Nigeria, used a stolen celebrity photo and exploited Mooney's loneliness and emotional vulnerability following a 2023 car accident, convincing her to send money via gift cards, Bitcoin, wire transfers, and by withdrawing her 401k and personal savings with promises of repayment. Despite efforts by her family and authorities including the FBI, the funds could not be recovered.
mwakilishi.com
· 2025-12-08
A 69-year-old widower from Suffolk, England, was defrauded of approximately £100,000+ (Sh14.35 million) in a romance scam involving a fake Kenyan woman named "Anita" introduced by a friend who orchestrated the scheme. After being convinced to send money for supposed home improvements and wedding preparations, Lodge discovered the deception upon traveling to Nairobi and subsequently became homeless, sleeping at Heathrow Airport and shelters. The case exemplifies a broader trend of online romance fraud with significant psychological impacts on victims, including shame and mental health issues, as reported by law enforcement agencies tracking rising cybercrime rates globally.
news4jax.com
· 2025-12-08
A Clay County, Florida sheriff's deputy intervened to stop a Bitcoin ATM fraud targeting an elderly woman who had been contacted by scammers posing as her bank after she mistakenly reached a fraudulent number while searching for Xfinity customer service. The scammers convinced her that fraudulent transactions required her to withdraw funds and deposit them via Bitcoin ATM to "protect" her money, a scheme that is irreversible and untraceable due to the scammers' use of virtual private networks and offshore locations. The Sheriff's Office has investigated 15-20 similar Bitcoin ATM fraud cases in recent months and is warning residents to be alert, as victims lose money immediately upon deposit with no
marketscreener.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational piece from Chad White, General Counsel for Brookdale Senior Living, identifies four common senior scams: tech support/phishing scams, family/romance scams, non-payment scams, and "get rich quick" investment schemes. The content provides guidance on identifying and protecting against these fraud types to reduce victimization risk, and directs suspected victims to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
2news.com
· 2025-12-08
The FBI received over 880,000 complaints about online blackmail scams in a single year, indicating the widespread prevalence of this fraud type. Online blackmail scams involve criminals threatening to expose compromising information or images unless victims pay money, targeting vulnerable individuals across age groups.
cyberscoop.com
· 2025-12-08
Franklin Ifeanyichukwu Okwanna, a 34-year-old Nigerian man, was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $5 million in restitution for his role in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme that targeted multiple companies between 2016 and 2021. Okwanna and his co-defendant Ebuka Raphael Umeti used phishing emails to compromise computer systems and email accounts, then deceived victims into sending wire transfers, resulting in over $5 million in losses.
aetv.com
· 2025-12-08
This article explains money laundering methods and how criminals exploit financial systems and technology rather than documenting a specific elder fraud case. The piece discusses "smurfing" (dividing illegal cash into small deposits across multiple people to avoid bank detection) and how criminals increasingly recruit money mules through social media by offering quick payments for using their bank accounts. It notes that technology platforms and cryptocurrencies unintentionally facilitate money laundering because they share similar characteristics criminals seek—high transaction volumes, international reach, and minimal regulation.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Online blackmail scams are rising, with scammers sending mass emails that threaten to expose embarrassing footage or information, often personalized with publicly available details like names, addresses, and street view images to appear credible. These emails can be identified as fraudulent by looking for red flags such as urgent deadlines, awkward wording, generic language, and a lack of specific details about the alleged compromising content. Recipients should not reply to or pay these emails, instead reporting them as phishing or spam to their email provider or IT department, as legitimate blackmailers would provide specific evidence of their claims.
wvua23.com
· 2025-12-08
"Quishing" (QR code phishing) is a rising scam in Alabama and nationwide that embeds malicious URLs into QR codes, commonly placed on parking meters and other locations to trick victims into visiting fraudulent websites. The Better Business Bureau reports an alarming increase in these scams, particularly in parking lots where people scan codes hurriedly without verifying website legitimacy. Experts recommend stopping to confirm QR code destinations before scanning, never sharing personal information with unfamiliar sources, and immediately changing passwords and reporting to the attorney general's office if you suspect exposure to a malicious QR code.
wokv.com
· 2025-12-08
Scammers are using fake QR codes placed on parking meters or sent via text and email to trick people into scanning them, with the goal of stealing personal information or installing malware on devices. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to scrutinize unexpected QR codes for suspicious URLs with misspellings, avoid scanning codes from unsolicited messages, and maintain strong passwords and updated software to protect themselves from this fraud method.
jdsupra.com
· 2025-12-08
A recent data breach exposed 2.9 billion personal records including social security numbers and contact information, prompting discussion of workplace fraud risks. Employers face increasing sophisticated scams targeting payroll and sensitive employee data, such as fraudulent email requests to change direct deposit information or purchase gift cards. The article recommends employers verify suspicious requests by calling contacts directly, scrutinize unfamiliar email addresses and unusual language patterns, and implement data privacy training to protect employees and company information.
malwarebytes.com
· 2025-12-08
The "Hello pervert" sextortion scam has evolved to include new pressure tactics: threatening to use Pegasus spyware and including photos of victims' homes obtained from Google Maps and data breaches. Scammers use stolen passwords from previous data breaches and falsely claim to have compromising footage of victims viewing pornography, demanding payment within 24 hours or threatening to share the content with contacts and visit their physical addresses. These threats are entirely fraudulent—Pegasus is government-controlled spyware never used by common criminals, and scammers have no actual footage or surveillance capability.
entergynewsroom.com
· 2025-12-08
Following hurricane season, scammers impersonate Entergy utility representatives to defraud customers by demanding fees for power reconnection, sending malicious emails and texts, and visiting homes to steal money or personal information. Customers are advised to hang up on callers demanding reconnection fees, avoid clicking suspicious links, verify in-person visitors' identification, and report scams directly to Entergy and the Federal Trade Commission.
cbsnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Online blackmail scams are sending hundreds of thousands of personalized emails threatening to expose embarrassing footage or compromising information, often including victims' names and addresses obtained from public databases. These scams can be identified by vague language, urgent deadlines, and lack of specific details about alleged misconduct—legitimate threats would include evidence. To protect yourself, use email filters and spam reporting tools offered by providers like Gmail or Outlook, never reply to or pay blackmail emails, and report them as phishing.
shawlocal.com
· 2025-12-08
According to the National Council on Aging, financial scams targeting seniors cost approximately $3 billion annually, causing both monetary losses and significant emotional distress to victims who are often targeted for their perceived vulnerability and trust. Common schemes include Medicare/health insurance fraud, phishing scams, investment fraud, and grandparent scams, all of which rely on deception to steal sensitive information or money. Seniors can protect themselves through education and awareness, with resources available including a free community workshop offered by Home Instead on September 12, 2024, at the DeKalb Public Library covering fraud prevention strategies and protection techniques.
patch.com
· 2025-12-08
Communities First Initiative, Jewish Community Housing Corporation, and Valley National Bank held a 2-hour educational workshop in South Orange, New Jersey to teach senior citizens how to avoid scams, fraud, and identity theft, addressing a significant rise in financial crimes targeting older adults. According to the FBI and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, elder fraud complaints increased 14% in 2023 with victims losing an average of $33,915 each, totaling over $3.4 billion, with many seniors failing to report incidents due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence. The presentation aimed to provide seniors with tools and resources to recognize and protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams, including phone and internet fraud.
morningstar.com
· 2025-12-08
This educational podcast features AARP's Kathy Stokes discussing how to protect oneself from investment fraud, with particular focus on growing threats from cryptocurrency-related scams and the use of artificial intelligence by fraudsters. The piece emphasizes identifying warning signs of investment fraud and provides resources including AARP's Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) and guidance on recognizing common scam tactics targeting investors of all ages, though older adults face heightened risk.
ksal.com
· 2025-12-08
Evergy utility company is warning customers about two escalating scams: one targeting seniors by falsely claiming $200 refunds through the Evergy Cares Kansas Fund in exchange for account information, and another offering discounts in exchange for credit card numbers over the phone. The company emphasizes that legitimate assistance is provided directly to accounts only after customer-initiated contact, and regulated utilities cannot offer unsolicited discounts, advising customers to verify caller identity, avoid sharing personal information, and contact Evergy directly through official channels when suspicious.
kfdi.com
· 2025-12-08
Evergy warned customers about two recent scam attempts targeting both seniors and general customers: one falsely claiming the utility company would return $200 to seniors through its Evergy Cares Kansas Fund in exchange for account and personal information, and another offering immediate discounts in exchange for credit card numbers over the phone. Evergy clarified that its assistance program provides direct account credits (not cash refunds) only after customers initiate contact, and that legitimate rate changes require state regulatory approval rather than phone-based offers. The company provided guidance including verifying employee identity before sharing information, avoiding unsolicited emails/texts about bills, and reporting suspected scams through its website or local law enforcement.
digit.in
· 2025-12-08
A 55-year-old woman from Panchkula, Haryana lost Rs 1.47 lakh after clicking a fake net banking link in a text message claiming her points were expiring; she entered her bank credentials and Rs 98,127 was immediately withdrawn, followed by another Rs 49,112 before she could block transactions. The article advises protection through skepticism of unsolicited messages, avoiding unknown links, verifying sources directly with institutions, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly monitoring bank statements for unauthorized activity.
fox10phoenix.com
· 2025-12-08
Sextortion scammers are now incorporating personal information and Google Street View photos of victims' homes into threatening emails to increase intimidation and credibility. The emails claim the sender has compromised the victim's computer and recorded them via webcam, demanding $2,000-$2,200 in Bitcoin within 24 hours or threatening to distribute the video to contacts. The FBI reports these scams originate primarily from West Africa and Southeast Asia, and recommends victims not send money, disable webcams, report the accounts to platforms, and contact law enforcement.
krebsonsecurity.com
· 2025-12-08
A personalized variant of the sextortion scam is circulating via email, claiming to have compromised recipients' webcams and threatening to release fabricated videos unless victims pay approximately $2,000 in Bitcoin within 24 hours. The emails now include recipients' names and photos of their homes obtained from online mapping services like Google Maps, along with threats to contact them physically or distribute videos to their contacts. The FBI advises victims not to send compromising images, to avoid opening suspicious attachments, and to cover webcams; those targeted should report incidents to their local FBI office or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
theverge.com
· 2025-12-08
Bitcoin ATM scams have surged dramatically, with losses increasing nearly 10-fold from $12 million in 2020 to $114 million by 2023, and victims already losing $65 million in the first half of 2024 alone. Scammers impersonate bank or government officials via phone, text, or pop-ups to convince victims their accounts are compromised, then direct them to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs (which they falsely call "safety lockers") by scanning a QR code that transfers funds to the scammer's wallet, with a median loss of $10,000 per victim. Vermont and Minnesota have enacted laws limiting daily crypto kio
ottawacitizen.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old Ottawa woman lost approximately $50,000 through a romance scam and subsequent money recovery schemes. After a man posing as a U.S. military officer on Facebook convinced her to send gift cards and cryptocurrency over three years, she was then targeted by a second scammer claiming he could recover her losses, leading her to borrow an additional $20,000 from family and friends in failed recovery attempts. The victim, who lives on disability payments, is now in debt and sharing her story to warn other vulnerable people about these interconnected fraud schemes.
saultstar.com
· 2025-12-08
A 62-year-old former Sudbury woman lost nearly $50,000 to a romance scam and subsequent money recovery schemes over three years, exhausting her life savings and leaving her $13,000 in debt to family and friends. After accepting a Facebook friend request from someone claiming to be a U.S. military officer, she sent money via gift cards and Bitcoin after being pressured and worn down by promises of repayment and eventual visits. When she attempted to recover her losses through a second fraudster claiming to represent a recovery firm, she lost an additional $20,000 in multiple failed schemes before finally recognizing the pattern.
finextra.com
· 2025-12-08
This article discusses general challenges faced by major online dating platforms Tinder and Bumble, including their vulnerability to romance scams, phishing attacks, and identity theft, as well as operational challenges around data privacy compliance, competitive pressures, and user safety management. While the piece identifies romance scams as a threat on these platforms, it does not detail any specific fraud cases, victim impacts, or financial losses. This is a general awareness piece about cybersecurity and operational risks in the online dating industry rather than a report of actual elder fraud incidents.
wdtv.com
· 2025-12-08
The Better Business Bureau issued a warning about rising pet scams, particularly puppy scams where fraudsters advertise purebred dogs at discounted prices on websites but never deliver the animals after victims pay fees. To avoid pet scams, consumers should adopt locally to meet sellers in person, thoroughly research breeders, request medical records and pedigree documentation, and watch for red flags like suspiciously low prices, flashy websites, and poorly written communications.
cionews.co.in
· 2025-12-08
Cryptocurrency scams surged in 2024, with billions of dollars in fraudulent inflows, and blockchain analytics show that 43% of year-to-date fraud went to newly created wallets, indicating a significant rise in new schemes. Scammers have shifted tactics from complex Ponzi schemes to more targeted approaches like romance scams and address poisoning, with romance scams experiencing an 85x increase since 2020 and causing the largest financial impact per victim. The average lifespan of scams has compressed from 271 days in 2020 to just 42 days in 2024, making detection harder, though law enforcement and blockchain analysis tools continue to help recover
philomathnews.com
· 2025-12-08
Seniors lose approximately $3 billion annually to scams, making them prime targets due to their savings, home ownership, good credit, and often lower digital literacy. The article identifies 10 common scams targeting older adults, including romance scams (fraudsters posing as romantic interests), funeral scams (exploiting grief over deceased spouses), grandparent scams (impersonating grandchildren in emergencies), phishing (fake emails from financial institutions), Medicare fraud, and tech support scams, among others. Prevention strategies include securing social media accounts, verifying contact information through reverse searches, and calling family members directly to confirm emergencies.