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FBI Warns Elderly About Rise in Tech Support Scams Involving Cash Shipping, (from page 20230730.)

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Summary

The FBI has issued a warning about a rise in tech support scams specifically targeting the elderly in the U.S. These scams have shifted from traditional methods of soliciting payments through bank transfers or gift cards to instructing victims to send cash concealed in magazines via shipping services. Scammers typically pose as legitimate representatives, alerting victims to fraudulent activity or promising refunds, and gain control of their computers to manipulate bank transactions. To protect against such scams, the FBI advises never to download unknown software, allow remote access, click on unsolicited links, or send cash through mail. Victims are encouraged to report incidents to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Rise in Elderly Targeting Scams Increase in tech support scams specifically targeting older adults. Shift from traditional payment methods to cash concealed in packages for scams. Elderly may adopt more digital literacy, leading to fewer successful scams targeting them. Growing number of elderly individuals using technology without adequate support or awareness. 4
Evolving Scam Tactics Scammers adapting methods to avoid detection and exploit vulnerabilities. Transition from digital payments to physical cash shipping to evade scrutiny. Scam operations may become more sophisticated, requiring better preventive measures. Technological advancements enabling remote access and communication for scammers. 5
Increased Awareness Campaigns FBI and authorities proactively warning the public about scams. Shift from reactive measures to proactive education and prevention. Greater public awareness may lead to a significant reduction in scam victimization rates. Recognition of the need to protect vulnerable populations from financial exploitation. 3
Legitimacy in Scam Operations Scammers impersonating legitimate institutions to gain trust. Erosion of trust in legitimate organizations due to increased scams. Potential regulatory changes to enhance security and protect consumers from fraud. Increasing incidences of impersonation scams prompting stronger consumer protection laws. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Tech Support Scams Targeting the Elderly Scammers are increasingly targeting elderly individuals through advanced tactics, leading to significant financial losses and emotional distress. 5
Fraudulent Use of Shipping Services The use of shipping companies to conceal and transfer illicit funds raises concerns about complicity in fraud. 4
Exploitation of Remote Access Software Scammers gain control of victims’ computers, leading to unauthorized access to personal and financial information. 5
Increased Sophistication of Scams The evolution of tactics used by scammers poses a greater challenge for law enforcement and public awareness. 4
Psychological Impact on Victims The emotional and psychological toll on elderly victims, including feelings of shame and vulnerability after being scammed. 4
Impersonation of Legitimate Entities Scammers are impersonating reputable organizations, complicating the ability of victims to discern legitimate from fraudulent communication. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Targeting Elderly Population Scammers are increasingly focusing on elderly individuals, exploiting their vulnerabilities and lack of tech-savviness to execute scams. 5
Cash Concealment in Shipments Scammers instruct victims to send cash concealed in magazines via shipping services, marking a shift from traditional payment methods. 4
Remote Access Software Exploitation Scammers persuade victims to download remote access software, allowing them to control victims’ computers for fraudulent purposes. 5
Impersonation of Legitimate Entities Scammers impersonate legitimate companies, including financial institutions, to gain victims’ trust and facilitate scams. 5
Use of Various Communication Channels Scammers utilize multiple communication methods such as phone calls, texts, and emails to reach potential victims. 4
Urgency Tactics Scammers create a false sense of urgency by claiming fraudulent activities or refund issues to prompt immediate action from victims. 4
Shipping to Retail and Pharmacy Locations Scammers direct victims to send money to pharmacies and retail businesses, indicating a strategic choice of locations for receiving funds. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Software that allows scammers to gain control over victims’ computers, posing security risks and enabling fraud. 5 49e0af19d90eda0f809a16b24ee8cbee
Fraudulent schemes targeting elderly individuals by posing as legitimate tech support to extract money. 5 49e0af19d90eda0f809a16b24ee8cbee
The use of shipping firms to send cash concealed in packages, a new tactic by scammers. 4 49e0af19d90eda0f809a16b24ee8cbee

Issues

name description relevancy
Targeting Elderly in Scams Scammers are increasingly focusing on elderly individuals, exploiting their vulnerability to tech support fraud. 5
Shift in Scamming Tactics Recent tactics involve physical cash shipment concealed in magazines, marking a shift from digital payment methods. 4
Remote Access Software Risks The use of remote access software by scammers poses significant security risks for victims, especially the elderly. 4
Impersonation of Legitimate Entities Scammers impersonating legitimate financial institutions increase the legitimacy of their scams, targeting vulnerable populations. 5
Increased Use of Shipping Services for Scams Scammers instructing victims to use shipping companies for cash transfers indicates a rising trend in physical delivery of money. 4