Fraud cost US consumers over $7 billion in the first three quarters of 2023, a 5% increase from 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Scammers have advanced technology and scripts to reach more victims. Grandparent scams pose as a family member in need, often requesting money via untraceable means like gift cards. Romance scams involve fake online relationships leading to requests for money, often in cryptocurrency, which is hard to recover. Cryptocurrency scams promise high returns or claim a celebrity can multiply funds. Job scams require upfront payments or personal details for "background checks" by fake employers or third parties.