The Kansas Department of Insurance recently published a report detailing the types of scams against vulnerable adults reported to state agencies in fiscal year 2025.
The scams reported most frequently were investment scams, phishing, impersonation, identity theft, and romance scams.
Investment scams involve scammers luring victims with fake, "low-risk" opportunities in assets like crypto or real estate. Using fabricated websites and success stories, they trick targets into depositing funds, only to block withdrawals by demanding endless "upfront fees" or taxes until the victim stops paying.
Phishing is a deceptive tactic where scammers impersonate trusted entities—like banks, government agencies, or tech companies—via fake emails, texts, or websites. By using manufactured urgency or fear, they pressure victims into surrendering sensitive data like passwords and Social Security numbers to commit identity theft or drain financial accounts.
Impersonation scams involve fraudsters posing as trusted organizations—like banks, government agencies, or tech giants—to claim there is an "urgent problem" with your account. By creating a sense of crisis, they pressure victims into handing over personal data or "returning" fake overpayments that were never actually sent.
Identity theft occurs when scammers steal sensitive data—like Social Security numbers or birth dates—to commit financial crimes in your name. This includes opening unauthorized credit lines, taking out loans, or even placing liens on property. Because these crimes often involve "silent" actions like money laundering, victims frequently don't discover the damage until their credit is ruined or legal complications arise.
Romance fraud is a predatory scheme where scammers build fake emotional or romantic connections—often impersonating celebrities—via dating apps and social media. Once they’ve gained the victim's trust, they manipulate their feelings to solicit money for fabricated "emergencies" or to steal sensitive data for future exploitation.
Protect your accounts: Trust nothing, verify everything.
Click here for the full report:
https://www.insurance.kansas.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/4487/639029604418430000