Special agents with the FBI San Diego Field Office are investigating hundreds of reports of elder fraud, this time involving social engineering and artificial intelligence.
Agents want to educate older adults and their family members about this nationwide scam to help them avoid becoming fraud victims.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data reports between January and May of this year show there were $22.5 million in losses and more than 450 victims in San Diego.
Nationwide, from 2021 to 2022, dollar losses to the elderly who have been targeted for financial exploitation increased 84%.
The “Grandparent Fraud” scheme involves scammers posing as family members who have been arrested and need bail money.
In this new take on the fraud, senior San Diego residents are being contacted by scammers who use social engineering and artificial intelligence to convince the older adult victim they are talking to a family member. A fake attorney is then introduced and coordinates ride-share services to pick up cash in person for the purpose of bailing the loved one out of jail.
“This scam is affecting our most vulnerable citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy of the San Diego Field Office. “In many instances, someone has had their entire life savings stolen and they’re embarrassed to speak out about it. We want victims to know they are not alone, and they should report it to law enforcement, because we want to get these bad people off the street.”
FBI San Diego suggests older adult residents take the following actions to avoid becoming a victim:
- Do not provide personal information or money to anyone when there’s only been communication by telephone or online.
- Be careful about posting online. Scammers can use details shared on social media platforms and dating sites to legitimize their story.
- Be suspicious of telephone calls in which the caller requests bail money for a family member in distress and calls for immediately action. Contact the family member directly for confirmation.
- Document any identifying information from the caller, such as name, phone number and/or address. This can help law enforcement apprehend the scammers.
Seniors who believe they have been a victim of fraud, or anyone who knows someone who may be a victim, should file a report on ic3.gov or call the FBI San Diego Field Office.
