– Elderly woman falls victim to online fraud
– California man facing charges for scamming elderly woman.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A 19-year-old from California, Karan Karan, has been indicted on charges of theft and telecommunications fraud in connection with an Internet tech scam that targeted an elderly woman in Kettering, Ohio. The scam, which resulted in the theft of US$20,000 (RM94,335) from the victim, highlights the dangers of online fraud targeting vulnerable populations.
Details of the Scam
The scam began when the elderly woman received a phishing email and subsequently called the phone number provided in the email. Over several phone conversations, the victim was convinced to send money to the scammers, ultimately resulting in a total loss of US$20,000 (RM94,335). Fortunately, the woman contacted the authorities before meeting the suspect in person, leading to Karan Karan’s arrest.
Impact of Elder Fraud
According to the FBI, scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older resulted in losses exceeding US$3.4 billion (RM16 billion) in 2023. The average victim of such scams lost an alarming amount of US$33,915 (RM159,968). Tech support scams, like the one perpetrated against the elderly woman in Kettering, were among the most commonly reported types of elder fraud in 2023.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
It is crucial to remain vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to scams. Avoid relying solely on caller ID, as it can be easily spoofed by scammers. Refrain from granting remote access to your computer or device unless it is from a verified and trusted source. Never disclose sensitive information, such as bank account details or Social Security numbers, over the phone unless you initiated the contact.
If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam, contact your local authorities immediately to report the incident. By staying informed and cautious, you can help prevent falling prey to online scams and protect yourself from financial loss.
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– 74-year-old US woman loses more than RM in Internet scam
– California man indicted for scamming 74-year-old US woman.
