Cyber & FraudUnited StatesModerate
Investment scams remain the costliest fraud against parents and older relatives
The FTC's annual report to Congress on protecting older adults finds that older people report losing far more money to investment scams than to any other type of fraud. The findings rest on fraud reports submitted by older adults themselves.
Why it matters. Aging parents, grandparents and relatives who hold accessible accounts are the most likely targets, and the family office can be pulled in when a relative asks it to wire money for a pitch. The same pitch can reach the principal through a convincing 'advisor' call or message.
What to do
- Agree a family rule that no new investment is funded without a call-back to a known number and a second approver.
- Tell older relatives to pass any unsolicited investment offer to the family office before replying.
Sources: FTC | Set up a Verification Protocol →
Targeted ViolenceWashington, DCModerate
A National Guard shooting at a DC business has a council member seeking its closure
Police said a National Guard member was shot at a business late Sunday. A D.C. Council member has now called for the business to be temporarily shut down. Public reporting so far does not describe the circumstances.
Why it matters. Principals, spouses and household staff who go out in the District in the evening share the same streets and venues, so a shooting tied to a specific business bears on where they eat and how they travel at night. The council's push suggests the venue will stay in the news and under scrutiny.
What to do
- Check recent incident reports for any venue or block before evening plans in the District.
- Have drivers confirm drop-off and pick-up points that avoid the area around the business.
Sources: WTOP News
Cyber & FraudUnited StatesModerate
Midterm scam and campaign-account warnings continue as the vote approaches
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center published separate notices this month. One says scammers are exploiting the midterms for multiple fraud schemes, another says cyber actors use a variety of techniques against election and campaign officials, and a third cautions about threats to election workers.
Why it matters. Donors, fundraiser hosts and family members who volunteer or work on campaigns can be reached through their email, social and payment accounts. Household staff who handle mail and calls may also receive donation requests that appear to come from the principal.
What to do
- Route all political donation requests through one named person and confirm them by phone.
- Turn on app-based multifactor authentication for email and social accounts linked to any campaign role.
Sources: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center · FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center · FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center | Set up a Verification Protocol →
