Scams Targeting Seniors: Modeling Scams, Bitcoin ATM Exploits, and WhatsApp Hijacking

Evolving Modeling Scams Target Seniors

• 💡 Scammers are now targeting older adults with fake modeling opportunities advertised on social media, promising work for mature models.
• 💰 Victims are tricked into paying upfront for non-existent portfolio photoshoots, with costs ranging from £200 to £300.
• ⚠️ A key red flag is when a merchant asks to use PayPal's "friends and family" payment option, as this bypasses buyer protections.
• 🛡️ To avoid these scams, never pay upfront for work, always verify agencies, use secure payment methods, avoid rushed decisions, and report fraud.

Bitcoin ATMs: A Tool for Scammers

• 📈 Bitcoin ATMs are increasingly exploited by scammers, with nearly $250 million lost in 2024 alone, primarily targeting individuals aged 71 and older.
• ⚖️ Lawsuits have been filed against Bitcoin ATM providers like Athena Bitcoin, Bitcoin Depot, and Coinflip, alleging they profit from scam victims through undisclosed and excessive fees.
• 💸 The high fees (up to 30%) associated with Bitcoin ATMs suggest a lack of legitimate business purpose, with users often receiving significantly less value than they pay.
• 🕵️ While some ATMs require ID and phone verification, critics argue this is insufficient, and some believe these machines are primarily used for money laundering or facilitating scams.
• 🆘 A vigilant customer intervened to prevent a 71-year-old woman from losing $23,000 to a Bitcoin ATM scam, highlighting the importance of public awareness and intervention.

WhatsApp 'Vote for My Child' Scam

• 📧 A rapidly spreading WhatsApp scam, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, tricks users into revealing their verification codes by asking them to vote for a child in a contest.
• 🖼️ The scam uses seemingly innocent photos of children in dance or gymnastics poses, often localized in the user's language, to appear more legitimate.
• 🔓 Once a user's WhatsApp account is hijacked, scammers send the fake contest link to their contacts and then solicit money, often for smaller amounts like €400, which can add up quickly.
• 🔒 It is crucial never to share WhatsApp verification codes, even with friends or family, and to enable two-step verification for added security.

Catch of the Day: SEO Scams

• 🎣 A Reddit user received a message from someone impersonating Barack Obama, offering to improve their website's Google search ranking.
• 📧 This type of unsolicited SEO offer is common and often a scam, preying on businesses' desire for better online visibility.